Transcript Highlights:

• He said that, in addition to people already protected under Chapter 119, the amendment would protect
• He said you do not have to be one of the protected people in Chapter 119 to have your private information
• Moms for Liberty, especially the moms from Collier County Chapter, Emily, Melissa, and Debbie for being
• The history of slavery is one of the darkest chapters in human history.
• The history of slavery is one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes. Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate. The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are exempt from this chapter of law.
• This entire chapter in Section 22503.5 exempts any primary ticket seller in this chapter from all of
• That's in the chapter.
• This entire chapter in Section 22503.5, any primary ticket seller in this chapter is exempted from all
• That's in the chapter.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This entire bill is under Chapter 10A.
• This entire bill is under Chapter 10A.
• It is, like I said, within the entirely within chapter 10A, which is the campaign finance and public
• </c> said, within the entirely within chapter said, within the entirely within chapter 10A,<01:20:08.960
• I I my request chapter of state law.

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the largest and most active chapter of the National Audubon Society in Washington State.
• We ask that the legislature get this chapter off the books.
• We ask that the legislature get this chapter off the books.
• The terms of the trust are listed in Session Laws of 1935, chapter 126, section 3B.
• The terms of the trust are listed in Session Laws of 1935, chapter 126, section 3B.

Bills: HB2117 , HB2199 , HB2327 , HB2516 , HB2554

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: tribal member, board of natural resources, indigenous representation, natural resource management, local governance, derelict vessels, marine environment, coastal management, environmental protection, maritime economy, audit, county, forest management, transparency, public lands, rodenticide, rodenticides, anticoagulant rodenticide, bromethalin, pesticide

Transcript Highlights:

• I was 32.
• And then I just want to take a moment to recognize one chapter in California history.
• And then just want to take a moment to recognize one chapter in California, And then just want to take
• a moment to recognize one chapter in California history.
• provisions for toddlers exiting early intervention programs in current law into a new Government Code chapter

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of the Chapter 90 bond bill the governor filed last month, the administration seeks $200 million
• And then when that is full, and they stay for the night, as long as it's less than 32 degrees, something
• year 26 budget... ...that was stipulated in the fiscal year 26 budget, section 12, section 1 of 23B, chapter
• I've also seen the commission absorb new responsibilities under Chapter 180, undertake new initiatives
• The Commission previously absorbed new responsibilities under Chapter 180, including the review of host

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A report of the Essex County District Attorney is pursuant to Section 70C of Chapter 277 of the General
• Sheriffs' Association, pursuant to Section 6A of Chapter 24 of the General Laws, submitting its operational

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, then briefly recessed and returned to receive and file two reports: an Essex County District Attorney report on decriminalization statistics and a Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association operational capacity report covering July 1 through December 31, 2024. These reports were ordered noted in the journal and placed on file. Senator Feeney offered resolutions congratulating Joseph G. Finn for his decades of work to end homelessness in the Commonwealth. The Senate adopted the resolutions by voice vote. Senator Tarr then offered an order to have the Senate adjourn to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection. The Senate then agreed to adjourn, and the chamber stood adjourned until Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, Chapter 197 laid a new foundation.
• both supplement and expand upon the important reforms sponsored by this committee in what became Chapter
• the committee to favorably report each of these bills to make further progress after the passage of Chapter

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Committee on Aging and Independence heard testimony on a package of long-term care and elder care bills focused on building on the state’s 2024 long-term care reform law (Chapter 197). Richard Moore of Dignity Alliance urged favorable action on the bills as a “long-term care 2.0” effort, arguing they would strengthen the workforce, protect residents’ rights, improve clinical quality, and increase transparency and sustainability in nursing homes and other facilities. He also raised concerns about staffing funds not reaching direct care workers and suggested further oversight of how appropriated money is spent. Patricia Crispy of the American Nurses Association testified in support of House Bill 766, which would require at least one registered nurse with full voting rights on the board of directors or trustees of every acute care hospital and nursing home. She and the bill’s sponsor, Representative Vanado, said nurses’ clinical expertise and 24/7 presence make them valuable contributors to governance and patient safety. Committee members asked whether the bill would cover assisted living and how many facilities already have nurse board members; the witness said she would provide more data and clarify the assisted living question. Senator Lovely testified on two bills: Senate 479, which would expand transparency and accountability in long-term care by tightening fire safety, smoking, hearing-loss, and ownership disclosure requirements, adding advocacy groups to an advisory committee, and increasing penalties; and Senate 480/House 795, which would require single-occupancy rooms in nursing homes unless residents consent to share, to improve privacy and reduce infection spread. Deborah De Benedictus also testified in support of House 759, describing her father’s experience in assisted living and arguing for the use of cameras in elder care facilities to monitor care and deter neglect. The committee discussed privacy concerns, notification rules, and the need for honest staffing and care practices, and then adjourned without taking any recorded votes or formal actions in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• pleased to present to you on their behalf that they have more than 100,000 members and over... ...500 chapters
• These active women, I am told, have come representing various chapters from our... ...representing various
• chapters from all across Louisiana, and so therefore they are here, and we do hereby commend the members

Bills: HR133 , HR134 , HR135 , HR136 , HR137 , HR138 , HR139 , HR140 , HR141 , HR142 , HR143 , HR144 , HR145 , HR146 , HR147 , HR148 , HR149 , HR150 , HR151 , HR152 , HR119 , HR120 , HR121 , HR122 , HR123 , HR125 , HR126 , HR127 , HR128 , HR129 , HR130 , HR131 , HR132 , HCR53 , HCR54 , HCR55 , HCR56 , SCR3 , SCR22 , SB4 , SB18 , SB66 , SB106 , SB201 , SB256 , SB274 , SB292 , SB326 , SB386 , SB406 , SB422 , SB423 , SB456 , SB475 , HCR3 , HB1 , HB3 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB345 , HB366 , HB383 , HB446 , HB473 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB836 , HB983 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1126 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , HB76 , HB132 , HB181 , HB210 , HB250 , HB265 , HB275 , HB291 , HB322 , HB342 , HB475 , HB486 , HB616 , HB635 , HB639 , HB690 , HB740 , HB757 , HB761 , HB774 , HB808 , HB855 , HB872 , HB883 , HB886 , HB903 , HB949 , HB962 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1036 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1076 , HB1078 , HB1113 , HB1132 , HB1146 , HB1232 , HB1233 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB376 , HB377 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB961 , HB399 , HB868 , HB905 , HB180 , HB192 , HB284 , HB476 , HB915 , HB952 , HB1006 , HB401 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB750 , HB911 , HB977 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB151 , HB193 , HB310 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773

Keywords: commendation, leadership, energy sector, Shell USA, Louisiana pride, House Resolution 134, HR134, honorary resolution, Bob Lupo, Robert E. Smith Lupo, Lakeview, New Orleans, civic service, philanthropy, real estate development, Hurricane Katrina recovery, community service, charitable giving, public recognition, Louisiana House of Representatives

Transcript Highlights:

• It also moves, for all small rule chapters eight pages or less, to be moved into statute in that same
• It also moves, for all small rule chapters eight pages or less, to be moved into statute in that same
• Idaho agencies currently are required to periodically review rule chapters on a staggering eight-year

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met and introduced several RS drafts on a range of topics. Representative Raymond presented RS 33739 on coordinating the Department of Lands and Parks and Recreation for recreational opportunities on state lands and allowing a fee to support the endowment; it was introduced unanimously. Representative Veiley’s RS 33737 on large-load electricity rates and preventing socialization of costs to other ratepayers was also introduced unanimously. Representative Van der Woude brought RS 33718 and RS 33740, both related to Medicaid oversight and Medicaid expansion work requirements. Members raised concerns about added administrative burden, costs, and potential loss of coverage; both RSs were introduced, with Representatives Rubel, Birch, and Church recorded as nays. Representative Redman’s RS 33558 would impose a five-year moratorium on new administrative rules and fee increases and shift small rule chapters into statute; it was introduced after debate over separation of powers, public participation, and agency expertise. Redman also presented RS 33724 on school recess discipline and RS 33745 on rural health funding oversight, both of which were introduced and sent to the second reading calendar. The committee also introduced RS 33679, which would authorize AI-assisted analysis in the state rule-review process. Members discussed the need for human review and safeguards, and the sponsor noted the bill requires qualified personnel to verify AI output. Finally, Representative Pickett’s RS 33742 on Idaho Digital Learning Alliance restructured IDLA, capped administrative costs, set course fees, and addressed funding duplication; a motion to return it to the sponsor failed, and the RS was introduced, with several members recorded in opposition. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sweezy of Duxbury moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Section 28 of Chapter 53 of
• Essentially, what we have going on here is H-5093 is the equivalent of the Chapter 135, ...the equivalent
• of the Chapter 135, Acts of 2024 gun law.

Summary: The House first suspended Joint Rule 12 to send a petition naming the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court as the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse to the Judiciary Committee. It then took up two Ways and Means bills on election integrity: House Bill 76, renamed House Bill 5093, to protect against election misinformation, and House Bill 846, renamed House Bill 5094, to enhance disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising. Supporters said both bills were a response to AI-generated deepfakes and misleading election content, emphasizing transparency, disclosure, and protection of voters without banning political speech. Opponents argued the measures could be overbroad and raise First Amendment concerns, especially for smaller campaigns and organizations. House Bill 5094 was amended to exempt certain broadcasters and streaming services when paid to air materially deceptive election-related communications, and a separate amendment to move Massachusetts primaries earlier was rejected 131-25. Another amendment narrowing the bill’s scope was also defeated 145-12. After debate, House Bill 5094 passed to be engrossed by a vote of 153-3. House Bill 5093, which prohibits deceptive AI use in the 90 days before an election, also passed to be engrossed after debate and the defeat of amendments. The House also passed several engrossed local bills to enact: a Rockland charter amendment, a Williamstown senior property tax exemption measure, and a Rochester bill allowing continued employment of Fire Chief Scott Royal. Later, the House rejected Senate amendments on a teacher preparation and student literacy bill, declined concurrence, and appointed a conference committee. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Quincy public servant Arthur Tobin before adjourning until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sweezy of Duxbury moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Section 28 of Chapter 53 of
• Essentially, what we have going on here is H-0-5093 is the equivalent of Chapter 135, the equivalent
• of Chapter 135, Acts of 2024 gun law.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Micah, chapter 6, verse 8. He has...
• It's Micah, chapter 6, verse 8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good?
• House Bill 2148, amending Title 41, Chapter 49, by adding Article 2 relating to federal monies.

Summary: The House opened with prayer led by Erica Kirk and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a proclamation sponsored by Representatives Teresa Martinez and Matt Gress recognizing Charlie Kirk on National Freedom Day. Several members then gave personal remarks honoring Kirk’s civic engagement, First Amendment advocacy, and legacy, and the chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day, visiting students from Carl Hayden High School, and guests from Arizona agriculture and local government. The House then moved through Committee of the Whole action on several bills. In the first committee of the whole, HB 2091, HB 2104, and HB 2105 received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2016 and HB 2022 were retained on the calendar. In the second committee of the whole, members debated HB 2008, with supporters saying it would prevent public money from funding politically biased or sectarian library-related institutions and opponents calling it part of a broader effort to censor and defund libraries; the bill received a 33-23 do-pass recommendation. HB 2046, HB 2116, and HB 2132 also received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2142 was retained. On third reading, HB 2148, a bill amending Title 41 to add provisions relating to federal monies, passed the House by a vote of 33-25 with two not voting and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred several bills to engrossing, announced committee meetings and bill referrals, and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Micah, chapter 6, verse 8. He has...
• It's Micah, chapter 6, verse 8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good?
• House Bill 2148 amending Title 41, Chapter 49, by adding Article 2 relating to federal monies.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• show you registered as Neil McQueen on behalf of the Surfrider Foundation, the Texas Coastal Bend. chapter
• Chairman Landgraf and committee members, I am with the Coastal Bend Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
• Are you here on behalf of the Texas chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council for the bill?

Bills: HB1730 , HB1823 , HB2048 , HB2266 , HB2440 , HB3333 , HB4086 , HB4271 , HB4413 , HB4839 , HB4841 , HB5151

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, public health study, environmental regulation, drinking water, groundwater, surface water, food packaging, chemical exposure, firefighters, chemical manufacturing workers, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Railroad Commission of Texas, Department of State Health Services, University of Houston, occupational exposure, contaminants

Transcript Highlights:

• It would create a new Chapter 12 of Florida's Uniform Commercial Code.
• And so currently Florida's UCC ...currently Florida's UCC is Chapter 670 through 680 in the Florida Statutes
• This would add new Chapter 669, and it would, as I say, it addresses the perfection of security interests

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The Commerce Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. First, CS/HB 515 on the Uniform Commercial Code was presented as a Florida Bar-backed update creating a new chapter to address digital assets and ledger technologies, including rules for perfection of security interests and lien priorities involving items such as Bitcoin. The bill drew support from the Florida Bar’s business law section and the Florida Bankers Association, had no amendments or opposition, and was reported favorably after a unanimous roll call. The committee then heard HB 1427 on rural communities, a broad package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a rural resource directory, a Renaissance grant program, a rural arterial road monetization program, housing and school support measures, and new health care grant programs for telehealth, staffing, training, and mobile units. Sponsors and many local officials, economic development groups, chambers, utilities, and other organizations testified in strong support, emphasizing infrastructure, workforce, housing, and health care needs in rural Florida. Members from both parties praised the bill’s focus on rural counties, and it was reported favorably. Finally, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements would allow an additional shorter interior support well in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch support well requirement, with the goal of improving accessibility and flexibility for building owners. The National Elevator Industry supported the measure, there was no opposition or amendment, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors, in opposition
• Matt Easley representing the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors here in opposition
• Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors, in opposition
• Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors in opposition
• The California Staffing Professionals is a chapter of the American Staffing Association.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The person or commercial entity covered by this chapter that performs the age verification, or any third
• It goes on and says in subpart three, any person or commercial entity covered by this chapter that performs
• use commercially reasonable methods to secure all information collected and transmitted under this chapter
• Any person or commercial entity covered by this chapter that performs the age verification, or any third
• use commercially reasonable methods to secure all information collected and transmitted under this chapter

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3015, all aimed at requiring age verification for access to online pornography. The sponsors argued the bills are needed to protect children from early exposure, exploitation, sextortion, and related harms, and said the measures mirror laws in other states and recent Texas litigation. Supporters, including the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, child advocacy groups, the Missouri Catholic Conference, and the Attorney General’s office, testified that pornography contributes to child sexual abuse risk, addiction, and unhealthy sexual development. Committee members asked about privacy protections, enforcement, penalties, and whether third-party verification or website-based verification would be used; the Attorney General’s office said identifying information should not be retained and that enforcement would occur through court action. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded with the bills remaining under consideration, with a committee substitute to follow for one portion of the legislation. The committee then heard House Bill 2610, which would use the state legal expense fund to cover claims and judgments involving foster care, case management, and residential service providers under contract with the state. Representative Murphy and supporters said the private insurance market for these providers has become unstable and unaffordable, with some agencies facing large premium increases, repeated denials, or inability to find coverage at all. Testimony from the Missouri Coalition for Children, Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, Family Forward, and the Attorney General’s office described the issue as a market failure that could force providers to close and disrupt services for foster children. The Attorney General’s office explained how legal expense fund coverage would work, noted that it can cover negligence and intentional acts for covered entities, and said the bill would shift risk to the state in the absence of adequate private insurance. No opposition was offered. Finally, Representative Terry briefly presented House Bill 24, describing it as the same as Representative Dolan’s grandparents’ bill and emphasizing that grandparents should have first consideration for custody if a child’s parents are unable to care for them. No testimony was offered on the bill. The committee then moved into executive session and voted do pass on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1696, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2505 and 24, and House Bill 1772, each by unanimous 14-0 votes. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we recognize the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Arizona Chapters of the Hearing
• Ron Tallman, Arizona Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America.
• HB 2982, appropriation, Claggett Chapter capital improvement; Government and Appropriations.
• HB 2983, appropriation, Help Chapter capital improvement; Government and Appropriations.
• House Bill 2008, amending Title 15, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several recognitions and guest introductions, including Arizona medical, dental hygiene, hearing-access, and Taekwondo Day visitors. Members also observed a moment of silence for two Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel killed in a helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff. The chamber then moved through committee reports, first and second readings, and multiple Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first and second calendars, the House advanced a series of bills with mostly unanimous or near-unanimous committee-of-the-whole votes, including HB 2075, HB 2120, HB 2155, HB 2328, H.R. 2004, HB 2051, HB 2072, HB 2178, HB 2203, and HB 2395. Several of these measures dealt with health and education topics, including Medicaid lactation services and lactation consultant certification, while HB 2203 was described as an education efficiency bill reducing duplicative reporting requirements. HB 2043 drew the most debate, with supporters calling it a cleanup measure to allow felony-murder charges involving unborn children and opponents warning it was an anti-abortion/personhood bill with broader implications for contraception, IVF, and other care; it still received a do-pass recommendation. On the third calendar, the House considered HB 2010, HB 2043, HB 2108, HB 2135, and HB 2310. HB 2108, described by supporters as a pro-law-enforcement bill addressing fleeing or eluding police, drew concerns about broad criminal definitions and potential overreach, but advanced. HB 2310, on independent contractor status, and HB 2135, with a floor amendment, also advanced. The chamber then took up third readings: HB 2008, concerning school libraries and public funding for library associations, passed 33-25; H.R. 2004, a nonbinding resolution expressing disapproval of Attorney General Kris Mayes’s public statements, also passed 33-25 after extensive partisan debate and several points of order. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred passed measures for engrossing, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• For federal benefits, Chapter 35 of Title 38 U.S.
• For federal benefits, Chapter 35 of Title 38 U.S.
• So this is: we have benefits for folks who have served our country, and we have Chapter 30, we have the
• So this is: we have benefits for folks who have served our country, and we have Chapter 30, we have the
• folks who are children of folks that have served overseas and have that 100% benefit could use the Chapter

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and heard four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing enhanced supervision with supervisor attestation in place of the exam for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers testified that the exam is a poor measure of clinical competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while opponents warned that removing the exam could affect public protection and Washington’s participation in the social work compact. Members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and accreditation requirements, but no action was taken. HB 2363 would allow music therapy license applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to the new licensure system, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient supported the bill as a way to avoid delays in hiring newly trained therapists while maintaining supervision and patient safety. The bill drew strong support in written testimony and no opposition in the hearing. HB 2324 would change tuition waiver rules for children of eligible veterans and National Guard members by giving eligible children eight years from the date of a parent’s disability determination to use the waiver when that determination occurs after the child turns 18. The sponsor said the bill is meant to align state law with federal dependency education benefits and prevent families from losing access because disability determinations can take years. The committee asked for clarification on how the new timing would work, and the hearing closed without a vote. HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three years starting in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the surcharge would be economically harmful, that the state already has substantial WEA funding, and that the bill would reduce tuition revenue without adequately backfilling institutional budgets. The committee heard extensive testimony and members raised questions about the surcharge cap, WEA spending, and the compacted funding structure, but no final action was taken.