Transcript Highlights:

• Adam's AI friend... ...version of this legislation.
• The legislation. Okay. Thank you both. And I'll just add to that sentiment.
• And Tina continues to speak across the country on behalf of legislation like this.
• And Tina continues to speak across the country on behalf of legislation like this.
• across the country on behalf of legislation like this.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on three sets of bills before adjourning: House Bill 1611, House Bill 2032, and House Bills 3393 and 2392. No votes were taken. HB 1611, sponsored by Representative Billington, would combat catalytic converter theft by requiring scrap buyers to record the vehicle identification number of the car the converter came from, in addition to existing seller ID requirements. The sponsor and a representative of the Recycled Materials Association supported the bill as a practical way to trace stolen converters; members asked how the VIN would be used to catch thieves, and the sponsor said it could help law enforcement track the source of a converter. No opposition testified. HB 2032, the “Guard Act,” sponsored by Representative Schmidt, would require age verification for AI companions, require disclosure that the chatbot is non-human and not a professional, and prohibit AI systems from knowingly or recklessly encouraging minors toward sexually explicit content, suicide, self-injury, or violence. The sponsor cited cases involving harmful AI interactions with children and said the bill was intended to create guardrails, with possible language changes still under discussion. Support came from the Missouri Psychological Association and Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, while the Entertainment Software Association raised concern that the bill’s definitions might unintentionally cover video games and asked for clearer exclusions. House Bills 3393 and 2392, sponsored by Representatives Mayhew and Murray, would restrict minors’ access to social media and impose parental consent, age verification, and limits on addictive design features, targeted advertising, and adult contact with children. The sponsors argued that social media is harming youth mental health and cited studies, lawsuits, and examples of cyberbullying and self-harm; they also suggested possible amendments on definitions, data handling, severability, and a fund for prevention efforts. Testimony in favor included a 12-year-old student describing bullying and its effects, as well as a pediatric/psychology advocate who recounted the Megan Meier case and supported stronger safeguards. Members questioned age verification, privacy, fake IDs, email accounts, and whether the bills should be broader or more narrowly tailored, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• session by a percentage increase…” …adjusting the per enrollment amount each legislative session by
• Some of the pieces, though, of this legislation, we would have to pass some of that cost on to.
• Not enough to earn an associate's degree, though that was what the legislation has championed.
• Part of this legislation in its current form sets that work back a bit.
• I think this is one area where IDLA and the legislators have got this right.

Summary: The House Education Committee heard House Bill 918, which would realign the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) by narrowing its mission, reorganizing its board, capping administrative costs at 30%, requiring outside and periodic LSO audits, setting course fees and a per-course state funding cap, and eliminating funding for private school, virtual school, K-5, and driver’s education participation, as well as custom sections except in limited emergency cases. The sponsor, Rep. Doug Pickett, said the bill was intended to address concerns about double-dipping, private use of a taxpayer-funded program, and IDLA expanding beyond its original supplemental purpose while preserving access for rural students and emergency staffing needs. Committee members questioned the rationale for the cuts, the board restructuring, the treatment of dual credit and advanced opportunities funding, and whether the bill would affect students taking IDLA courses during the school day. Pickett said the bill was designed to redirect dual credit through Advanced Opportunities, maintain flexibility without setting a hard enrollment cap, and keep the program focused on filling instructional gaps. IDLA Superintendent Dr. Jeff Simmons and several school leaders testified in opposition, arguing the bill would reduce school choice, shift costs to families and districts, limit middle school electives and dual credit, and disproportionately harm rural schools that rely on IDLA for courses they cannot staff locally. Supporters of the bill emphasized oversight, fiscal restraint, and limiting what they described as overuse of the program. After testimony, Rep. Galavis moved to send HB 918 to the floor with no recommendation. A motion to hold the bill in committee failed 10-4, and a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee to a time certain on Monday, March 23, passed on a roll call vote. The committee adjourned with the bill set to return on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for teachers and students who
• This legislation satisfies the history and tradition test created by the U.S.
• So the legislative sponsor did, as I said, a great job of walking you through the bill.
• The purpose of this bill is to provide legislative oversight to the State Board of Education regarding
• The first page gives the legislative intent and definitions of what we're talking about.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation is drafted... 30 seconds.
• We stand in opposition to the legislation.
• Cities and towns are concerned about the unintended consequences of this legislation.
• So we're allowed to pause work under this legislation. Okay. And, Mr. Chair? Yes.
• This legislation creates a clear state-level process to address overtime wage violations.

Bills: HB2174, HB2496, HB2744, HB2863, HB2910, HB2938

Keywords: insurance regulation, modeling organizations, financial disclosure, rate-making, predictive models, revitalization districts, construction contracts, infrastructure, municipal services, intergovernmental agreements, user fees, landowner agreements, overtime, wages, employee rights, industrial commission, complaints, adjudication, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• Quick introductions of the legislators who are here.
• Chair, we have to be very, very careful that the budget language reflects legislation.
• I just think it has to reflect the legislation that we put forward.
• So it's like nothing was learned because we don't have any legislation in place.
• We hope it's useful for you as you're considering legislation and budget recommendations.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Krishnadasan from the 26th Legislative District. Senator Valdez, thank you.
• And good afternoon, Javier Valdez, 46th Legislative District, Northeast Seattle.
• Jeff Wilson, representing the 19th Legislative District. Hey, good afternoon, everybody.
• I, Senator Fortunato, 31st Legislative District.
• Every legislative session is a tough session. We need more money.

Bills: SB6005

Keywords: transportation budget, transportation appropriations, capital budget, supplemental budget, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferries, Puget Sound ferries, tolling, express toll lanes, highway safety, traffic safety, impaired driving, ignition interlock, speed cameras, transit funding, public transit, multimodal transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Krister Dawson from the 26th Legislative District. Senator Valdez, thank you.
• Javier Valdez, 46th Legislative District, Northeast Seattle.
• T’wina Nobles, representing the 28th Legislative District. Hello, everybody.
• I, Senator Fortunato, 31st Legislative District.
• Every legislative session is a tough session. We need more money.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on January 13, 2026, for a work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental transportation budget and a public hearing on Senate Bill 6005, which makes supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025–27 biennium. Committee staff reviewed the transportation budget outlook, noting that the 2025 session had balanced the transportation budget over four years with significant new revenues, but that recent fuel-tax and Climate Commitment Act forecasts had softened the long-term outlook. Staff and the governor’s budget team said the proposal still leaves the budget in positive shape while addressing major needs such as preservation, ferry replacement, maintenance, and the state self-insurance account. The governor’s office described a $16.8 billion transportation budget proposal centered on preservation and maintenance, including $3.1 billion in bonding for eligible preservation projects, $1.1 billion for three new ferries, additional ferry preservation funding, pavement and bridge work, maintenance funding, County Road Administration Board startup money, State Patrol communications upgrades, DOL service access improvements, dredging for the Lower Columbia River, and restored regional mobility grant funding. Committee members asked about ferry capacity, DOL mobile offices, self-insurance costs, and whether additional preservation money could be used in 2026. Testifiers from cities, counties, labor, ports, construction, business, and environmental groups generally supported the emphasis on preservation, ferry reliability, local road funding, and freight projects, while some urged broader transit and rail investment and one witness criticized the budget’s spending approach. During public testimony on SB 6005, speakers from Bainbridge Island and ferry communities supported ferry investments and reliability improvements; local government and labor representatives backed preservation funding and better working conditions for transportation workers; business and construction groups endorsed maintenance, paving, bridge repair, and the Lower Columbia dredging item; and port and environmental advocates supported freight, port electrification, and rail funding. One witness raised concerns about the cost and long-term implications of hybrid-electric ferry maintenance, and another urged restraint in spending. The hearing ended after testimony, with the chair noting the sign-in tally and adjourning the committee without a vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• As parents and as legislators... ...of care and learning for our children.
• That's the trifecta of legislative leadership: politics, policy, and administration.
• That's the trifecta of legislative leadership, politics, policy, and administration.
• We’ve seen the Legislative Analyst’s report.
• Every member of the Legislative Women's Caucus knows their number.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee's Initiative 900 performance audits by the
• I am chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee, Representative Jerry Pollack from the 46th
• Joining us on Zoom will be several other representatives and senators from the Joint Legislative Audit
• If anyone online has a question, If anyone online has a question, seated next to me is the legislative
• That's JLARC, standing for Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain. Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them. The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation. Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, the agency is aware of the fact that there is pending proposed legislation this session
• But if I recall correctly, the governor is in the executive branch, and this is the legislative.
• that actually gives you the legislative authority to do your rules.
• You're luckily in the middle of a legislative session right now that could certainly help you.
• So I would look forward to any kind of a legislative proposal.

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion. The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection. Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs.
• As I well know, you're extremely qualified to serve as head of the Office of Legislative Affairs.
• They have helped prepare me to lead the Office of Legislative Affairs, if confirmed.
• reports, and coordinating the preparation and submission of proposed departmental legislation, among
• You don't need to worry about additional legislation.

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• Guns do not make legislators safer or our constituents safer. They simply make more people dead.
• Guns do not make legislators safer or our constituents safer. They simply make more people dead.
• Every single person wanted to be a legislator.
• Every single person wanted to be a legislator.
• </c> why they don't support that legislation why they don't support that legislation um<02:16:59.840>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> operating outside normal legislative operating outside normal legislative oversight.<00:31:53.039
• </c> that it is inexpedient to legislate. that it is inexpedient to legislate.
• That was a bad way to legislate two months ago, and it's a bad way to legislate today.
• </c> that is inexpedient to legislate. that is inexpedient to legislate.
• </c> Stavis moves in expedience to legislate. Stavis moves in expedience to legislate.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> prosecution. under this legislation, prosecution. under this legislation, those<03:18:49.279><c
• </c> this absolutely essential legislation. this absolutely essential legislation.
• in modern legislative history.
• in modern legislative history.
• </c> legislation. And I yield back. legislation. And I yield back.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this whole thing is how can we fix the problem that exists, and I think it's just a legislative fix
• Vinson said, we need a legislative fix to make it work. So that's where we're at. So thank you.
• You and I had had a discussion, and I thank goodness that we had legislation that covered our concern
• We need a legislative fix. I think that's what we need. Exactly.
• We need a legislative fix. I think that's what we need. Exactly.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this whole thing is how can we fix the problem that exists, and I think it's just a legislative fix
• Vincent said, we need a legislative fix to make it work. So that's where we're at. So thank you.
• You and I had had a discussion, and I thank goodness that we had legislation that covered our concern
• We need a legislative fix. I think that's what we need. Exactly.
• We need a legislative fix. I think that's what we need. Exactly.

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency held a public hearing on House Bill 2809, sponsored by Representative Knight, which would exempt long-term RV campground stays of 30 consecutive days or more from state and local sales tax. Knight said the bill responds to a Department of Revenue ruling and is intended to treat long-term RV site rentals more like other long-term lodging, noting that many full-time RV users are effectively living in their units. Committee members asked about the tax treatment, the fiscal impact, and whether the bill was aimed at camping and campground stays generally; Knight and witnesses said the issue has created confusion for campground operators and customers. Supporters included the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Associated Industries of Missouri, and the Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association. They argued the Department of Revenue’s rulings have been inconsistent and have sometimes labeled campgrounds as places of amusement or recreation based on amenities or activities such as cornhole, karaoke, or nearby trails, leading to surprise tax bills and competitive disadvantages for some operators. Witnesses said a legislative fix is needed, that campgrounds operate on thin margins, and that the change would help Missouri remain competitive with other states. They also said long-term RV guests, including travel nurses and workers staying near Fort Leonard Wood, would benefit from the exemption. Committee members largely expressed support and frustration with the Department of Revenue’s interpretation, comparing campground sites to other long-term rentals and noting the lack of a clear standard. No one testified in opposition. The hearing concluded without a vote or other action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• for three years in a row. ...culminating in 2024, the genesis of me working on this legislation for
• But ultimately that was the purpose of that legislation.
• And this is good legislation. It needs to pass.
• We worked together on legislation on ABLE accounts.
• And so ultimately, this is legislation that we have in statute, but I believe we should strengthen it

Bills: SB227, SB1942, SB1627, SB625, SJR39, SJR47

Keywords: gross production tax, ad valorem tax, property exemption, Oklahoma Tax Commission, oil and gas production, regulatory impact, economic implications, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity, insurance claims, dentist rights, criminal code cleanup, duplicate statutes, statutory consolidation, repealer bill, emergency clause, Title 21 crimes, Title 47 DUI, child abuse reporting

Summary: The committee heard several measures, led by SJR 39, a proposed constitutional amendment to send to voters that would cap annual homestead property tax valuation growth at 1% and all other property at 3%. The speaker argued it would not cut taxes but slow growth for taxpayers facing rising assessments, while opponents questioned the effect on county revenues, sheriff funding, and whether growth below inflation would strain local governments. After debate, the committee voted 10-2 to report the resolution due pass. The committee also heard HJR 47, which would place proof-of-identity requirements for voting in the Constitution. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity and noted existing law already requires proof of identity, while opponents raised concerns about impacts on voters with disabilities and the difficulty of changing constitutional language if problems arise. The measure was reported due pass on an 11-1 vote. Senate Bill 227, described as supporting fair taxation and investment without duplicative tax, and SB 1942, clarifying the distinction between reimbursable and reimbursed dental services to protect providers and patients, both passed the committee on near-unanimous votes. The committee then advanced SB 1627, a 116-page sentence-modernization and consolidation bill that was described as a cleanup measure with no substantive change to existing law, and it was reported due pass unanimously. Finally, SB 625 was presented as temporary cleanup language related to domestic violence legislation and judicial requests, with the sponsor noting the bill would be replaced by a floor substitute later; the committee approved it due pass 10-0. The meeting ended with the chair noting the committee was dismissed and likely to meet again under the rules committee schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like how legislators are elected by the constituents of your district and you represent them and make
• Like how legislators are elected by the constituents of your district and you represent them and make
• I think this is an attempt at legislative micromanagement of a local governance model that’s working.
• An attempt at legislative micromanagement of a local governance model that’s working.
• District, certainly bigger than all of our legislative districts.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1442, which would require agencies to verify and report immigration status and nationality information for arrested individuals. Several members raised concerns that the bill could require holding people for days while status is checked, creating Fourth Amendment and liability issues, and potentially encouraging racial profiling or public posting of arrest information even if a person is later found innocent. A substitute motion was made and adopted to hold the bill at the call of the chair. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1356, which would change elections for countywide highway districts so commissioners would be elected countywide in primary and general elections rather than by sub-districts. The sponsor argued this would encourage a countywide, holistic approach to traffic and road planning. Opponents, including Ada County Highway District officials and a public witness, said the bill would dilute local representation, require much larger and more expensive campaigns, and politicize a part-time, technical local office that currently works well. After testimony and debate, members split over whether the bill was legislative micromanagement or a needed reform. A motion to hold the bill failed, and a substitute motion to send Senate Bill 1356 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed on a 10-4 roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation would allow This legislation would allow churches to better serve their communities
• This proposed legislation is an agency bill, but I fully support it.
• This bill would insulate the process from any judicial review, judicial proceedings, and legislative
• Excuse me, on this legislation. Representative Crane: Thank you, Mr.
• On the SOP, it actually is correct, but in the legislation here.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Order of the Legislative Oral History Committee, first order of business. What's that? Microphone.
• So, Senator, all of the oral histories are included on the Legislative Oral History Committee website
• Do we have an update on kind of when we expect the website to be kind of in the new legislative website
• You mentioned PVR as a legislator, and that's over, coming up on 30 years ago.
• In my legislative district that actually do oral histories.

Keywords: 904, all