Transcript Highlights:

• James Theta Ractor with the California State Council of Laborers in respectful opposition. Thanks.
• I care about the laborers. I care about ILWU. I care about... let me just finish my question.
• And are you open to considering things, working with labor to address some of these concerns?
• And I have been in conversations with labor, and I visited the ports. I met with PMA.
• You know, and I've heard it from labor that they are concerned about the same things, and I'm looking

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• union here, entertainment labor union.
• 00:16:19.280><c> a</c> that because they're all members of a that because they're all members of a labor
• 20.040><c> union</c><00:16:20.320><c> here,</c><00:16:20.640><c> entertainment</c><00:16:21.120><c> labor
• </c> labor union here, entertainment labor labor union here, entertainment labor union.<00:16:21.720>
• But again, if you get the majority of the labor unions involved on the commission at the table from the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to Hawaii’s film tax credits, timeshare registration, and a Hawaii Technology Development Corporation matching program. For HB 1939, witnesses from the Governor’s office, DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Attorney General’s office, film industry groups, neighborhood boards, and others discussed changes to film tax incentives, including local hire requirements, indigenous content, and possible bonus credits. Supporters said the bill would diversify the economy and strengthen local jobs, while DBEDT and others raised operational, fiscal, and legal concerns about administering the multiple bonus options, defining indigenous content, and tracking compliance. The committee noted strong support in testimony and moved the bill forward with a Senate draft, including an amended effective date and a change to apply the bill to costs incurred rather than taxable years. HB 1941, also relating to taxation and film incentives, drew mixed testimony focused on the interaction between physical production and post-production credits. DBEDT, the Honolulu Film Office, and the Hawaii Film Alliance said the bill’s structure could discourage productions, especially because many productions complete post-production elsewhere and because the measure would be difficult to administer and verify. They urged keeping physical production and post-production separate or addressing post-production through workforce development instead. After hearing the testimony, the chair deferred HB 1941 for further work rather than advancing it. The committee also heard HB 1946 on timeshare registration, which had support from industry representatives and DCCA. The bill was advanced with a Senate draft incorporating DCCA’s requested language providing that renewal applications are deemed approved after 30 days unless a deficiency letter is issued. Finally, HB 2545 on HTDC’s matching program for federal SBIR/STTR awards was advanced with a technical amendment clarifying that the federal awards are separate and should be referenced in the alternative. All three of those measures were adopted unanimously by the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• of snowmobiles on the BB Spur Rail Trail, introduced by Representatives Paige of Newport City and Labor
• of snowmobiles on the BB Spur Rail Trail, introduced by Representatives Paige of Newport City and Labor
• the Committee on General and Housing be relieved of House Bill 403, which is an act relating to fair labor
• the Committee on General and Housing be relieved of House Bill 403, which is an act relating to fair labor
• which is an act relating to fair labor which is an act relating to fair labor standards<00:14:21.120>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On top of all the labor that I will have to do for my family to recertify every three months, which I
• impetus to invest in artificial intelligence, and the goal of that technology is to divest from human labor
• many of these corporations are actively investing in technology that is designed to divest from human labor
• the same scrutiny that we have to those business practices, which are designed to divest from human labor
• reflected, the policy imperatives of the people who helped to create that wealth by selling their labor

Summary: The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes. Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs. In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thus, the education programs enable adult learners to develop the foundational skills necessary to be
• Thus, the education programs enable adult learners to develop the foundational skills necessary to be
• </c> to develop the foundational skills to develop the foundational skills necessary<00:32:45.200><c>
• It provides life skills for students all around the world.
• It provides life skills for students all around the world.

Bills: HB1559, HB2012, HB2297, HB2122, HB2345, HB2398, HB2534, HB2621

Keywords: telecommunication devices, student use, public schools, student engagement, educational outcomes, confiscation policy, mental health, statewide policy, community literacy, education, Title I funding, reading proficiency, underserved communities, family engagement, tutoring, literacy support, adult education, community education, literacy programs, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Doe has um in place systems for labor Doe has um in place systems for labor costing<01:26:08.159
• </c> in these little sedans that our labor in these little sedans that our labor inspectors<05:24:26.600
• That’s the maximum that the Labor Commissioner can impose?”
• </c><05:29:34.840><c> Commissioner</c> the maximum that the Labor Commissioner the maximum that the Labor
• </c> are responsible for certain um labor are responsible for certain um labor oriented<05:41:11.320>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with testimony from Charlotte Harding of the Conservation Land Stewardship Program, who explained that the office protects the state’s interests in conservation lands by monitoring conservation easements and related stewardship obligations. She described the program’s funding sources: a land conservation endowment held at the State Treasury and administered by the Council on Resources and Development, plus transfers from Fish and Game for easements not covered by the endowment. Members discussed how the endowment is funded when new easements are created, the program’s staffing, the loss of a state vehicle, and the need to increase in-state travel so staff can use personal vehicles for field monitoring. Harding said the office has two full-time positions and a seasonal employee, that the work is mostly monitoring rather than hands-on land management, and that enforcement issues are referred to the grantee agencies or, if needed, to the Council on Resources and Development. She also noted that the office works directly with landowners to resolve smaller issues and that stewardship has become a greater focus in the conservation community because ongoing oversight requires funding. Members asked about examples of properties under the program, including LCIP lands such as Musquash Headwaters, Hidden Valley Boy Scout Camp, and Nash Stream, and the committee did not take a motion before moving on. The committee then heard from Paul Breen and Susie Anzelone of the Pease Development Authority regarding the Division of Ports and Harbors operating budget. They explained that the authority provides finance, legal, environmental, and engineering support to the division, which operates New Hampshire’s only deep-water berth at Market Street, as well as facilities in Hampton, Rye, the Portsmouth Fish Pier, and navigational waters in the Piscataqua and Great Bay. They described the authority’s history after the closure of Pease Air Force Base, the transfer of roughly 2,400 acres, and the creation of a self-sustaining enterprise fund tied to airport and port operations. They emphasized that the division does not draw on the general fund because revenues from wharfage, dockage, parking, registration, and mooring fees cover operating costs, with any surplus retained for capital improvements and replacement. Members questioned several budget lines, including a sharp increase in overtime and workers’ compensation. Breen said overtime is driven largely by security needs at the deep-water port and fluctuates with vessel traffic, such as salt shipments, while workers’ comp is a DAS-set cost and not something the division controls. He said the budget is conservative and that if revenues fall short, capital projects would be the first items scaled back. The discussion also covered fee-setting, with Breen saying rates are reviewed against the local market and infrastructure constraints, and that some smaller facility fees had recently been increased after being stagnant for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Miss Bur, this is what came out of the labor committee.
• Um the A76 the labor committee.
• In effect, the of the labor committee.
• It's the employee that should be made whole, not the Department of Labor.
• Um, and they Department of Labor.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, this legislation protects law-abiding contractors and laborers.
• It is a pro-worker, pro-labor bill. I ask the body to support it. Thank you.
• Ultimately, this legislation protects law abiding contractors and laborers.
• This is a pro-worker, pro-labor, Proceed, gentlemen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• It is a pro-worker, pro-labor bill. I ask the body to support it. Thank you.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He graduated with every skill from that previous slide, but especially a passion for innovation.
• </c><00:09:54.800><c> that</c><00:09:55.040><c> employers</c> and manufacturing skills that employers
• and manufacturing skills that employers are<00:09:55.680><c> asking</c><00:09:56.000><c> for.
• It does require a different skill set than any other type of work as a building principal.
• It does require a different skill set than any other type of work as a building principal.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes – 0:03:50 Robotics Education – 0:04:18 Canopy KY – 0:14:15 Comprehensive Support and Improvement – 0:23:20 Postsecondary Credit Alignment – 0:53:15 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Settings – 1:21:25 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 2:05:15 Adjournment 2:05:41, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a roll call, confirmed a quorum, approved the minutes by voice vote, and recognized a guest of Senator Hickden, retired judge Dan Kelly. The chair then moved through a tight agenda and limited public presentations and questions. The first presentation was on robotics education in Kentucky, led by Representative Chris Lewis, Kentucky FIRST Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen, and students from Whitfield Academy. They argued that robotics should be expanded in high schools as a workforce pipeline for engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology jobs. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, teacher development, and a proposed framework to fund robotics education programs statewide. Committee members were not allowed to ask questions because of time constraints. The second presentation was from Canopy Kentucky, led by Adam Watson and founder Scott Collins. They described Canopy’s business and entrepreneurship education programs for fifth graders and high school students, including the NextGen Good Biz initiative and an eight-classroom high school unit. Canopy requested a one-time $750,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026, matched by private funds, to expand into more schools and rural areas, train educators, and report outcomes. Members asked a brief question about how the programs fit into school schedules and the difference between the elementary and high school offerings. The final presentation, from KDE’s Kelly Foster and Todd Allen, reviewed the state’s school improvement classifications. Foster explained CSI, TSI, and ATSI status, the federal and state legal framework, and how House Bill 298 returned CSI identification to an annual cycle. She reported that Kentucky identified 50 CSI schools on the most recent release, with 53 CSI schools statewide, along with 39 TSI schools and 102 ATSI schools. She also outlined KDE’s support process, including education recovery staff, diagnostic reviews, turnaround plans, and required professional learning for CSI schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each of these factors can be best supported by a team of licensed professionals with specific skill sets
• </c><01:37:24.040><c> sets</c> professionals with specific skill sets professionals with specific skill
• </c> licensed professionals with the skills licensed professionals with the skills to<01:39:27.639><c
• These uniquely skilled professionals are vital to addressing the growing and complex physical, social
• These uniquely skilled professionals are vital to addressing the growing and complex physical, social

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe you don't have the study skills you need.
• 54.640><c> study</c> and may maybe you don't have the study and may maybe you don't have the study skills
• sets that veterans have unique uh skill sets that veterans have typically<00:21:17.840><c> have</c><
• </c><00:32:06.639><c> beds</c><00:32:07.159><c> in</c> campus with 300 skilled beds in campus with 300
• skilled beds in Minneapolis<00:32:08.519><c> uh</c><00:32:08.600><c> we</c><00:32:08.720><c> have</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We operate five day labor centers in the Los Angeles region and work with thousands of day laborers and
• On that day, ICE had detained day laborers who woke up that morning seeking secure work for the day.
• Sarah Flock, California Federation of Labor Unions, in support. Thank you.
• They benefited from the economic wealth transfer of free labor.
• They insured those loans, underwriting them with that same slave labor.

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• allows school districts that do not currently have the option of beginning their school days before Labor
• option of beginning their school<00:04:51.600><c> days</c><00:04:51.919><c> before</c><00:04:52.240><c> Labor
• /c><00:04:52.560><c> Day</c><00:04:53.199><c> to</c><00:04:53.520><c> begin</c> school days before Labor
• Day to begin school days before Labor Day to begin school<00:04:54.240><c> as</c><00:04:54.560><c> early

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Under their leadership, the players have broadened their knowledge of the game, refined their skills
• :04:27.120><c> game,</c><00:04:27.680><c> refined</c><00:04:28.080><c> their</c><00:04:28.240><c> skills
• </c><00:04:28.560><c> and</c> of the game, refined their skills and of the game, refined their skills
• coming months with intensive training, preparing to serve and protect our city with integrity and skill

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Broad coalitions, including environmental organizations, industry, and labor, have been working for years
• From a labor and economic development perspective, predictability in permitting matters.
• This year, WPPA convened a group of growers, shippers, maritime labor, and other businesses to develop
• Shippers, maritime labor, and other businesses to develop a Washington State trade strategy, a collection
• Association of Washington Business, with the rare pleasure of testifying pro alongside our friends in the labor

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before moving to public hearings on two bills. The committee held Senate Bill 5842 for further discussion, then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, Senate Bill 5825, Senate Bill 5863, and Senate Bill 5840. SCR 8406 would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and was advanced unanimously to the Rules Committee. SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, was amended with a technical change and then advanced. SB 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records and addressing access to certain historical records, also advanced without opposition. SB 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to adjust the implementation date to January 1, 2028 and then advanced after the committee waived the amendment publishing rule due to the short session timeline. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, sponsored by Senator Gildon, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification to claim civil service preference before receiving a DD-214. Staff explained the bill and clarified that the underlying qualifying discharge categories would remain unchanged. Senator Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not access preference points before leaving active duty, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition testified in strong support. The hearing record noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishna Dawson, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines, require agencies to publish processing deadlines, phase in coverage of all credentials by 2030, and authorize fee refunds if deadlines are missed. The sponsor and staff said the bill is intended to improve predictability, accountability, and customer service, while agency flexibility would remain through OIRA. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, cosmetology, labor, construction trades, ports, business, and the Department of Health, all emphasizing delays’ impacts on jobs, projects, and access to care. The Department of Health reported substantial recent reductions in licensing times and said it lacked authority to issue refunds without the bill. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in, including supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Labor last year. It was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor last year.
• Department of Labor last year. It was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor last year.
• Department of Labor last year. With the intent of voters considering the measure as soon as 2026.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked to labor.
• We talked to labor.
• We talked to labor.
• To the Business, Labor, Technology Committee report. Great.
• ><c> technology</c> the business, labor, and technology the business, labor, and technology committee

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Weatherton, I'd like for you to kind of walk us through each one of these labor contracts and where we're
• we were at a six-year projection, and some of the other ones were a four-year projection on these labor
• we were at a six-year projection, and some of the other ones were a four-year projection on these labor
• If they are at 70% of contract labor, I don’t know how many people in this room have had a family member
• “So that’s consistent if we utilize contract labor versus on state payroll, we still get the same match

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dye, members of the committee, John Traynor, Government Affairs Director for the Washington State Labor
• Last year, there were discussions of some of the concerns shared by labor.
• share the comments that you've heard from the other folks who are opposing this bill from both the labor
• , rapidly and late, has not allowed an opportunity for any kind of engagement or participation for labor
• I am the president of the Spokane Regional Labor Council.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by the Health Care Authority, the Department of Social and Health Services, and the Department of Labor
• and SEB, and Medicaid coverage offered through managed care organizations are subject to certain... labor
• person's cost sharing or other obligation, and exemptions for fraud, acts of God, bankruptcy, and labor
• I'm the deputy director of government affairs at the Washington State Labor Council, here today to ask
• At our Washington State Labor Council Convention in 2025, over 350 delegates voted unanimously to pass

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.