Transcript Highlights:

• I move that Senate Joint Memorial 8003 concerning the designation of a section of Interstate 82 be removed
• Senator Ritchelley has moved that Senate Joint Memorial 8003 concerning the designation of a section
• Ritchelley has moved that Senate Joint Memorial 8003 concerning the designation of a section of Interstate
• The section expires June 30, 2035.
• The section expires June 30, 2035. Senator Saldaña. Thank you, Mr. President.

Bills: SB5223 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024 , SB5223 , SB6178 , SB5892 , SB5177 , SB6039 , SB5941 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB5912 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare, financial burden, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• records requests, I reviewed nearly 20 years of inspection reports documenting advanced corrosion, section
• We made improvements to about a nine-mile section of logging road that connected with about a three-mile
• , a three-and-a-half-mile section of paved county road.
• that we're seeing right now is that the bridge is on the National Historic Register, and there is a Section
• certain statutory obligations or limitations, which are specified in the bill in subsection 3 of Section

Bills: SB5987 , SB6170

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 5987, SB5987, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, WSDOT, Washington State Department of Transportation, emergency bridge replacement, infrastructure failure, transportation emergency, climate commitment account, climate investment account, clean energy, climate funding, greenhouse gas reduction, environmental justice, renewable energy, building electrification, industrial decarbonization

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to focus on Section 2 today and highlight the concerns that FutureWise has.
• In Section 2, I've got to review.
• The other sections of the bill that might be changed by a point of contact, those are good.
• In section two, I've got to review.
• The other sections of the bill that might be made, that could be changed by a point of contact.

Bills: HB2228 , HB2273 , HB2418 , HB2381

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: building code, safety regulations, construction, scissor stairs, state standards, embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, environment, permit review, project permits, land use, zoning, development regulations, residential development, housing permits, affordable housing, local government, county planning, city planning

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, if you look at this statute, there is a whole section at the end of the statute that's a huge
• Brian Jorst, Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, waiving
• But in this bill, there's a section here that talks about certain categories that would need to make
• This bill creates a new section in chapters 494 and 560, Florida Statutes, to require a licensed mortgage
• being an investment adviser and having to register the offer or sale of securities, it also removes section

Bills: S0266 , S0394 , S0540 , S0632 , S0642 , S0832 , S0834 , S1028

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: public adjuster, contract cancellation, state of emergency, vulnerable adults, disciplinary actions, financial regulation, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, transportation, insurance, TNC, ride-sharing, automobile liability, bail bond, insurance regulation, foreign insurers, financial disclosure, premium reporting, residential property insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• behalf of a municipality are no longer exempt from the competitive procurement requirements under Section
• behalf of a municipality are no longer exempt from the competitive procurement requirements under Section
• This bill harmonizes disparate sections of the state election code.
• sharp lawyer who I've worked with was looking at the file version of the bill and noticed that in Section
• Exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(19) of the code, specifically those that benefit the

Bills: HB223

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills, with most measures left pending after testimony and later taken up in a batch of votes. Early in the meeting, HB 5624 on liability protections for motocross/off-road vehicle tracks, HB 223 on requiring competitive procurement for municipal lobbying contracts, HB 3709 on post-election audit procedures, and HB 5081 on protecting personal information of judicial officers and court staff were all discussed and left pending after testimony. Witnesses on HB 223 supported greater transparency in municipal lobbying contracts. HB 3709 drew sharp opposition from an election integrity advocate who argued the bill would reduce precinct-level granularity and make it harder to detect ballot errors, while a Secretary of State resource witness said the bill would simplify and standardize the audit process by location. HB 5081 received strong support from court administration and a district judge who described prior threats and an attack tied to publicly available personal information. The committee also heard HB 3546 on allowing school districts to move elections to November, HB 493 on barring certain felony offenders from serving as poll watchers, HB 5115 on increasing penalties for election fraud and related conduct, HB 4081 on trade secret filing procedures, HB 3909 on limiting restrictions on wireless devices at polling places, HB 2702 on limiting gubernatorial closure authority for certain veterans organizations during pandemics, HB 119 on foreign adversary lobbying, and HB 5138 on the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes. Several of these bills were explained with committee substitutes and then left pending before final action. Testimony on HB 493 and HB 5115 came from an election integrity advocate who supported both bills, saying the poll watcher restriction was appropriately narrowed and that the election fraud bill would help address invalid votes and refusal to count valid votes. Later, the committee took up pending business and voted out a large number of bills, generally along party lines or with broad support. HB 186 on minors’ social media use, HB 229, HB 2885, HB 3909 as substituted, HB 4285, HB 1661, HB 2820, HB 3181, HB 4157, HB 223, HB 521, HB 640, HB 1234, HB 2253, HB 2294, HB 3053, HB 3697 as substituted, HB 4281, HB 4463, HB 4995, HB 5081 as substituted, HB 5624 as substituted, HB 119 as substituted, HB 3225, HB 5138 as substituted, HB 5115, HB 481 as substituted, HB 3546, HB 493, and HB 4145 were reported favorably to the full Senate, with several also placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted committee substitutes for multiple bills, including HB 3909, HB 5081, HB 5624, HB 119, HB 5138, and HB 481. At the end, the chair noted another committee meeting would likely be needed before deadlines, possibly on a weekend, and recessed the committee subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• One being that the men's section under chapter 46, HRS, to be known and cited as Sharky's Law in memorial
• One being that the men's section under chapter 46, HRS, to be known and cited as Sharky's Law in memorial
• And just to update on the, um, the draft two of the CD1, uh, we removed section three, and this was requesting
• /c><00:15:12.000><c> uh</c><00:15:12.079><c> we</c><00:15:12.399><c> removed</c><00:15:13.120><c> section
• </c> two of the CD1, uh we removed section two of the CD1, uh we removed section three<00:15:14.480><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees met on April 25 in Room 229 and handled several bills, often by rolling them over when finance or budget releases were still pending. HB 1007 HD2 SD2 on HCDA was simply continued to 1:00 p.m. in the same room. HB 1316 HD2 SD1 on DLNR rental vessels and registration was later taken up, with members noting a proposed CD1 based on the Senate draft; after quorum was confirmed, both chambers voted yes and the measure was approved. SB 465 HD1 on Kiki Aola small boat harbor was rolled to 4:00 p.m. in Room 441 because the required release had not yet been received. HB 86 on Makai Watch was also deferred for lack of quorum, and HB 800 HD1 SD2 on government real property and land transfer was eventually voted out after the missing House member arrived, with both House and Senate voting yes. SB 1221 SD2/HD3 on water safety and retention/detention ponds was described as requiring county ordinances and surveys of existing ponds; the conference draft added “Sharky’s Law,” set a January 1, 2027 start date for county ordinances, and was approved unanimously by both chambers. The committees also discussed SB 223 SD2/HD1 on wildfire prevention and forest reserve fire protection. The measure would create an independent DNR wildfire prevention program, authorize forestry and wildlife facilities for fire protection and related work, allow the State Fire Council to strengthen fire code requirements in hazardous fire areas, establish a community fuels reduction project, require legislative reporting, and provide funding. The conferees explained that section 3, which sought an additional appropriation for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, was removed because the money was already included in the budget. The bill’s effective dates were set for July 1, 2025, and it was rolled over to 4:00 p.m. in Room 411 rather than voted on at that time. Later, HB 1220 HD1 SD1 on invasive species in Kaneohe Bay was taken up and passed after quorum was confirmed, with both House and Senate members voting yes. HB 778 HD2 SD1 on the integrated land use office and land use study, SB 739 HD1 on land exchange, and HB 830 HD2 SD2 on historic preservation reviews were all agreed to in principle but rolled over to later meetings because finance or WAM releases were still outstanding. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted absences, excused members, and the need to reschedule items to later in the afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment also clarifies the FSA's role by stating that the FSA will adopt rules to enforce this section
• Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Further discussion by the Health Law Section of the Florida Bar and Senate
• Steven Gree, with the Health Law Section of the Florida Bar, waives in support. Thank you.
• Section 2 of the bill now states that the bill removes a provision that provides construction for the
• I'm looking at section one of the bill in a reading of the first line required.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, the law was improved with help from the elder law section of the Florida Bar and the Attorney
• Shannon Miller, Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, you are recognized.
• I'm the chair of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar.
• I'm the chair of the elder law section of the Florida Bar.
• The Adoptions Benefits Program was created in 2015 under Section 409 of Florida Statutes.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and first took up SB 398, which would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Senator Burgess said the campaign would focus on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. The committee heard supportive testimony from a caregiver, AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others, with members discussing the need for culturally responsive outreach and continued funding. SB 398 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 106, which would strengthen Florida’s exploitation injunction law for vulnerable adults by allowing service of an unascertainable exploiter through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp. Senator Martin explained the bill as a way to close a loophole that lets scammers evade traditional service, and witnesses from the Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section supported it, describing how the bill could stop ongoing thefts more quickly while preserving due process. Members asked about gift card scams, clerk workload, and the definition of an unascertainable respondent. SB 106 was reported favorably. The Department of Children and Families then presented an update on the Adoption Benefits for Qualifying Adoptive Employees Program, describing its expansion over time and the current one-time lump-sum benefit structure for eligible adoptive parents. The presentation covered eligibility rules, open enrollment, funding history, and the program’s impact on adoption placements, with members asking why tax collectors were included but other constitutional offices were not, and whether foster relatives could qualify. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7012, a committee bill addressing child welfare workforce shortages, treatment foster care for high-acuity children, and improved data collection on commercially sexually exploited children. The bill would direct DCF to recruit former public safety workers for CPI and case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and require more detailed, analyzable data and capacity studies. The bill drew support from child welfare advocates, with some members urging DCF to return with a more developed framework; it was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 7 states that studies have demonstrated that experienced persons observing and providing on-the-job
• Section 7 states that studies have demonstrated that experienced persons observing and providing on-the-job
• can find how many miners were employed in each quarter of the years, whether they be in the east section
• /c><00:14:55.720><c> or</c><00:14:56.079><c> west</c><00:14:56.600><c> western</c> be in the East section
• or west western be in the East section or west western side<00:14:58.440><c> uh</c><00:14:58.759><c>

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Energy and Environment Cabinet 18:56 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Tourism and Energy committee received a presentation from Gordon Sloan, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, and Deputy Commissioner David Fields on the Division of Mine Safety. They outlined the division’s structure, saying it has four branch offices in Madisonville, Harlan, Hazard, and Pikeville, with 36 inspectors total, plus administrative staff and several headquarters specialists. They also explained that four additional inspectors are on sick leave or workers’ compensation and will not be backfilled, and confirmed that inspectors work from offices rather than from home. The presentation focused on mine safety duties and staffing needs. Sloan said underground licensed mines must receive six inspections annually, including mine safety analyses, an electrical inspection, roof inspections, and regular inspections of airways, returns, belts, and miner safety equipment. He also described the division’s mine rescue responsibilities, including providing rescue coverage where operators do not have their own teams, maintaining teams within an hour’s drive of mines, and supporting training and certification. The division also conducts 17 training courses and about 8,000 to 9,000 trainings per year. Members were given updated mine and employment figures. Sloan reported 126 licensed mines in 2024 across the branch areas, with 61 active all year and others idle or later abandoned. He said Kentucky had 4,683 miners in 2024, with average employment of 4,509, and noted that the state had gone 34 months without a mining fatality since March 2022. He also said the division provides rescue services for 16 underground rock quarries, three highway tunnels, and three underground military training sites. In response to questions, Sloan said the division does not plan to refill the four vacant inspector positions because staffing is adequate statewide, and he said he would provide additional historical mine data later. The committee took no formal action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:28.319><c> of</c><00:36:28.599><c> law</c><00:36:29.599><c> uh</c> section of law uh section of
• </c><00:45:30.200><c> B</c> paragraph section B paragraph section B Baker Baker Baker um<00:45:35.280
• section section 4<00:57:50.000><c> that</c><00:57:50.200><c> allows</c><00:57:50.480><c> the</c><00:
• </c> encourage your adoption of section encourage your adoption of section five<01:13:57.320><c> the<
• of those sections.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, which would add ski, snowboard, and boat wax containing PFAS to the state’s consumer-product restrictions. The sponsor argued the product is already banned in many places, has PFAS-free alternatives, and is used in ways that can directly contaminate water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and said the bill was a simple extension of prior PFAS legislation. A witness also described a personal experience where a liquid ski wax disappeared from the market and later returned, likely because of PFAS concerns. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167 without a vote. The committee then opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett said the bill was modeled on New Jersey law and intended to let student-athletes earn compensation from NIL without losing institutional scholarships, while also requiring licensed representation and setting limits on certain endorsements. He described the measure as proactive because NIL rules are evolving and could create conflicts among schools and future lawsuits. Members questioned whether the bill should apply to two-year institutions, whether it should exclude firearms and weapons, and whether the scholarship protections would cover need-based or academic aid as well as athletic scholarships. Moffett said the scholarship language was intended to protect scholarships generally, but not need-based aid specifically, and he acknowledged discomfort with some of the endorsement restrictions. Public testimony on HB 312 was mixed. One supporter, a former Division III athlete and coach, backed the bill but urged removal of a section allowing institutions or athletic bodies to use an athlete’s NIL without compensation, arguing most New Hampshire athletes do not receive NIL money and should not have to work extra jobs to cover basic expenses. The chair also raised concerns about the bill’s contractual and identity-rights implications, referencing prior committee work on a J.D. Salinger-related identity case and noting the committee had previously declined to get involved in similar contractual disputes. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 68 of the Constitution authorizes impeachment only for one We don't want to be here.
• 68 of the in office under section 68 of the Kentucky<01:14:35.520><c> Constitution.
• </c> Section 68 of the constitution Section 68 of the constitution authorizes<01:17:27.840><c> impeachment
• Section 28 contains an branches.
• And in section 109, court of justice.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 4, Section 2 of the U.S.
• </c> because I pointed out article 4 section because I pointed out article 4 section two<02:14:45.719
• Constitution is Article 1, Section 2.
• In what section would that be in today's RSAs?
• </c> current definition yes in what section current definition yes in what section would<03:00:22.760

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona, I move that the Senate
• In compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona, I am directed by the
• President, in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona, I am directed

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one page the proposed scope of practice for licensed interior design work and have highlighted that section
• The problem is the section enclosed in red on page 36, which I've also provided you.
• The elimination of the section in red by this amendment would bring the interior designers into the Board

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• McClure: PURSUANT TO ARTICLE THREE SECTION THREE D, I MOVE TO WAIVE THE RULES AND INTRODUCE HOUSE BILL
• CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE 2025 REGULAR SESSION OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION
• CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE 2025 REGULAR SESSION OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be passing this with an SD1 by updating section 2 definitions in section 209E-2, HRS, and adding
• Two, update section 3, designation limits, in section 209E-4, HRS, by adding a new subsection C to read
• The text should read section 6A.
• So the same recommendation for the committee on education to pass with an SD1. read section six section
• The read section six section 6A.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language. The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That section in the constitution is Article 3, and she thinks it's Section 27, which talks about special
• Um and that section in our privileges.
• </c><00:42:32.000><c> 27</c> and I think it's section 27 and I think it's section 27 uh<00:42:33.680>
• What does this section do? Further clarity, Representative Yin.
• If lower C-section rate than hospitals.

Bills: HB0003 , HB0004

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 19 and Article 1, Section 33 of the Washington Constitution.
• 19 and Article 1, Section 33 of the Washington Constitution.
• Section 9... ...We trust our sheriff, and our sheriff is accountable to the people.
• Section 9 works to create more vetting process and disqualification situations.
• Sections B and C include agencies that have included a determinate or indeterminate cost.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on multiple bills, beginning with a motion to suspend the five-day notice rule for a long list of Senate bills, which passed on a voice vote. The committee first heard Substitute Senate Bill 6026, a governor-request housing bill that would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, limit mixed-use/ground-floor commercial requirements in some areas, and allow added height where such requirements are imposed. The lieutenant governor testified strongly in support, arguing the bill would add needed housing capacity without requiring ground-floor retail burdens. The hearing on SB 6026 was then suspended so the committee could move through the agenda. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6294, a broad local government finance measure with eight parts, including expanded uses for certain REET revenues, a new county public utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded housing-related tax uses, changes to county levy structure, longer lid lift periods, and expanded use of rental car tax revenue. Local government, housing, and public health witnesses largely supported the bill, emphasizing flexibility for affordable housing, rental assistance, children’s services, and county fiscal stability. Opponents, including wireless industry, water/sewer district, auto dealer, realtors, energy, and cannabis representatives, objected to specific tax provisions as regressive, costly, or likely to raise consumer prices. Several witnesses requested amendments, including adding public health clinic funding and flood recovery language from House bills. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a state grant program funded by a surcharge on large search engines and social media platforms to support journalism jobs and the Murrow Fellowship program. News organizations, the League of Women Voters, open government advocates, and local journalism supporters testified in favor, saying local news is essential to civic life and that the bill would help sustain reporting without using general fund dollars. Technology industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it unfairly singles out tech companies and could face legal challenges. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6211, which would let opt-in GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; cities and counties supported it as a parity and infrastructure funding measure, while Realtors opposed the loss of voter approval. Senate Bill 5650, authorizing local cannabis excise taxes, drew support from some local officials but strong opposition from cannabis businesses, which argued Washington’s cannabis taxes are already too high and drive sales to the illicit market. Senate Bill 6033, waiving penalties and interest for taxpayers who failed to collect new sales tax on certain services, was supported by NFIB as a compliance and fairness measure. Senate Bill 6297, exempting temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health providers from sales tax, drew strong support from behavioral health organizations citing workforce shortages and unsustainable costs. Finally, Senate Bill 6343, extending and expanding tax relief for disaster-damaged property and repairs, was presented as aid for flood recovery; local officials testified in support. No final committee votes on the bills were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• She somehow slowed down time even though we were in the middle of an emergency C-section.
• </c> I came out of my emergency C-section. I came out of my emergency C-section.
• Section 8 of the bill begins to shift that burden.
• Section 8 of the bill begins to shift that burden.
• Section 8 of the bill begins to shift that burden.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so then you go on to the Judicial Council section, right?
• Yeah, so then you go on to the Judicial Council section, right?
• Yeah, so then you go on to the Judicial Council section, right?
• Yeah, so then you go on to the Judicial Council section, right?
• c><01:54:34.800><c> six</c><01:54:35.760><c> says</c> section 6 and what section six says section 6 and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313 and, on motion by Representative Perez, voted to retain the bill because members felt it needed further work and was not ready for final action. The motion passed 18-0, and no further action was taken on the bill. House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure, was then discussed; supporters said it addressed a real problem and should move forward, while opponents raised concerns that it was too broad, could affect criminal cases, and might create procedural complications. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and it was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved OTP, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0, and the bill was also placed on consent. The committee then turned to House Bill 509, which would require reporting on forfeitures. Supporters argued the information was useful for future legislation, while opponents said the reporting would be costly, duplicative, and potentially split data across fiscal years. The committee voted 11-7 to recommend OTP, with a minority of members opposed. House Bill 520, authorizing Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued DOE needed the same tools other agencies have, while opponents said DOE already had access to needed information, the Attorney General could handle subpoenas, and the bill would create an unbalanced process and raise due process and student-record concerns. Representative Tur offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena power from DOE hearing officers to the Attorney General; after debate, the amendment failed 10-8. The transcript cuts off as the committee begins the roll call on the underlying bill after rejecting the amendment.