Transcript Highlights:

• It's just impossible when you're asking volunteers on the Medical Advisory Council to do this.
• The medical advisory council reviewed all the sections, and that's what they came up with.
• We— Clinicians, medical advisory council. Can you tell us your name, please? Oh, I'm sorry. Dr.
• Picard, but when I was on the advisory board here, Workers' Comp Advisory Council, for eight years, one
• The MAC, the Medical Advisory Council, does the regular updates.

Summary: The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on May 7, 2026, and first deferred several measures, including House Bill 460, Senate Bill 322, Senate Bill 32, Senate Bill 22, and House Bill 561. The committee then took up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz, which would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) by MCG as the primary guideline, while keeping the existing variance and appeal process. Cruz and MCG representative Troy Prevo argued that ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and used in many states, and said it could reduce delays, disability duration, and costs. Dr. Jason Picard, the state medical director, testified that Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference in many cases because the state schedule lacks coverage for some body parts and treatments, and said the bill would not otherwise change the appeals process or care delivery. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would delay care or improve it. Several members questioned the private-company nature of ODG, the $400 annual subscription cost, and whether Louisiana doctors would be forced to rely on an out-of-state guideline. Rep. Glorioso and others raised concerns about preauthorization delays and proposed amendments to create tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and make the carrier prove by clear and convincing evidence that care was not medically necessary to challenge it. Chairman Cruz said he was willing to work with those ideas, and the committee also discussed adding an on-ramp or legacy language so current patients would not be disrupted. Opposition testimony came from injured-worker advocates and representatives of medical and labor groups, including Joseph Jola St. and Robin Krumholt. They argued that Louisiana’s current guidelines are already working, that rates have fallen over time, and that the real problem is delay in approval rather than the content of the schedule. They said ODG is overly rigid, cost-driven, and can lead to denials that shift costs to workers, Medicaid, or private health insurance. They urged the committee to keep Louisiana’s existing system and instead adopt tacit approval under current law. The bill was still under discussion at the close of the transcript, with amendments being read and no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Call this meeting of the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security to order.
• Once again, I want to remind people that AAST is an advisory committee and that we do not have the power
• people that AAS again, I want to remind people that AAS is<00:03:03.840> an<00:03:04.000> advisory
• 05.120> and<00:03:05.360> that<00:03:05.519> we<00:03:05.680> do is an advisory
• committee and that we do is an advisory committee and that we do not<00:03:06.000> have<00:03

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on January 13, 2026, adopted the January 7 minutes, and reviewed the committee’s work on the annual AAST/ACAS security report. The chair emphasized that the committee’s purpose is advisory only, but that its recommendations could guide the governor and legislature on improving security at the Minnesota Capitol complex. She also highlighted prior testimony about security practices in other states and said the committee’s report would likely recommend stronger screening and weapon-ban policies as part of a broader effort to prevent violence in public government spaces. Department of Public Safety advisers reported that they are still reviewing the report in detail and determining internal next steps. They also said quarterly security meetings with building tenants have been held and that internal and external tabletop exercises with law enforcement and other security partners are scheduled for the end of January. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms gave a brief update on operational security changes, including hiring additional staff with security experience, weekly security meetings with DFL and GOP chiefs of staff, installation of two security kiosks, rollout of encrypted keycard ID badges, updated emergency procedure QR-code stickers, and implementation of the State Patrol’s threat matrix and reporting protocol. The Senate also said it is continuing joint training with the House and LCC. The committee then moved into a closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3D, to discuss sensitive security details and non-public findings from the capital security assessment. The chair stated that the closed session would cover confidential vulnerabilities and operational information, and that the committee would later reconvene in public to vote on whether certain provisions from the public executive summary should be included as recommendations in the final report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remove the Advisory Board on page 14, Section 3, and revert the language on page 17, Section 4, to read
• Remove the Advisory Board on page 14, Section 3, and revert the language on page 17, Section 4, to read
• is to pass with amendments<00:10:14.079> remove<00:10:14.399> The<00:10:14.519> Advisory
• <00:10:14.920> Board<00:10:15.680> in amendments remove The Advisory Board in amendments
• remove The Advisory Board in on<00:10:17.040> page<00:10:17.440> 14<00:10:18.240> Section

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Ways and Means committee met in several decision-making agendas and took action on a number of Senate bills. Early in the meeting, members adopted a measure with amendments that removed a section due to legal issues identified by the Attorney General and set an effective date of July 1, 2050. The committee then passed SB 14, SB 1434, SB 1443, and SB 152 unamended, and SB 1612 with amendments clarifying that certain requirements apply to buildings constructed after December 31, 2025, and defining joint custody between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Health for inmate mental health services and medications. In a joint Judiciary and Ways and Means agenda, the committee considered SB 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural land. Members agreed to amendments adding non-impairment-of-contract language and revising enforcement and penalty provisions so consideration exchanged in a violating transaction would revert to the respective parties. The bill was adopted with reservations noted by several members. The committee also took up SB 534 on the Hawaii Community Development Authority and residential development on certain Makakilo Makai parcels, but because there was no consensus, the measure was deferred indefinitely. Later Ways and Means agendas approved several additional bills, mostly unamended, including SB 878, SB 1146, SB 614, SB 891, SB 964, SB 1559, and SB 503. SB 1379 was passed with amendments adding a blank appropriation for acquisition of land for Community Readiness centers and an emergency operations center, with the funds to lapse on June 30, 2027. SB 1571 was amended to remove an advisory board and restore earlier authority language, and SB 1632 was amended to rank the appropriation and set the date to 2050. Across these votes, measures were generally adopted with some members recording reservations or being excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• voting member, not part of an advisory voting member, not part of an advisory group.<01:05:36.319
• Now I I realize an advisory council.
• These going to make you advisory board."
• >> by making them on advisory board. >> by making them on advisory board.
• be on advisory board because you going be on advisory board because you going to<01:17:19.040> say

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:

• My question is with regards to the technical Advisory Board recommendations and the 10% readiness.
• Does that technical Advisory Board recommendation happen with the plan itself, or in some cases is it
• I was just wondering, does the advisory board's recommendation only go in the plan itself, or do they
• was just wondering does the advisory was just wondering does the advisory boards<00:31:35.720>
• <00:32:28.519> Board the tech technical Advisory Board the tech technical Advisory Board related

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We should probably get some people that really understand legislation to talk to advisory committee under
• We should probably get some people that really understand legislation to talk to advisory committee under
• ] committee under advisory [snorts] committee under section<00:17:19.679> 8<00:17:20.720> or
• <00:17:55.360> committee and appoint with an advisory committee and appoint with an advisory
• Section eight gives the advisory committee authority to hire staff.

Bills: HB433, HB443

Keywords: tax distribution, Talladega County, economic development, public safety, rural infrastructure, HB443, Underground Damage Prevention Program, One-Call Notification System, 811, utility locate, dig law, excavation safety, damage prevention, underground utilities, pipeline safety, public utilities, buried facilities, excavation notice, demolition notice, Alabama Public Service Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Permanent initiative to support and educate staff free LGBTQ+ inclusion, serving on an LGBTQ+ advisory
• Permanent initiative to support and educate staff for LGBTQ+ inclusion, serving on an LGBTQ+ advisory
• And there is also an action in the strategic plan to establish an advisory board of individuals with
• So I was just wondering what the difference was, what is the difference between the advisory board and
• We thought it may be we could still get that representation by having them recruited for an advisory

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming Alison Bauer as its first full-time director, effective March 30. Bauer briefly introduced her background in law, social work, public health, state government, philanthropy, and teaching, and said she planned to meet one-on-one with each commissioner. The commission then approved the December quarterly meeting minutes by motion and vote. The main portion of the meeting was a workshop led by Adriana Boulin on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Boulin defined key terms, guided participants through reflection exercises on personal values and conditions that support or undermine power, and discussed the history of intersectionality. Commissioners and guests shared examples of DEI work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, equitable hiring, LGBTQ+ aging advocacy, and community programs. Participants also reflected on how the commission has felt powerful, citing the strategic plan, the hiring of an executive director, the website, listening sessions, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. The group then focused on how to apply an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priorities, especially improving representation and inclusion. Commissioners discussed the need for more racial, ethnic, trans, immigrant, and other marginalized representation, as well as barriers such as recruitment challenges, the size of the commission, and CORI/background-check concerns for some governor-appointed seats. They also explored whether an advisory board or expanded outreach to community organizations could help broaden participation. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes, but the meeting ended with agreement to continue the equity work and with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we have put advisory committees together, including people with lived experience and other partners
• But we have put advisory committees together, including people with lived experience and other partners
• As local providers, we all have advisory committees that work within our regions, whatever our service
• But we have put advisory committees together, including people with lived experience and other partners
• As local providers, we all have advisory committees that work within our regions, whatever our service

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley held a press event ahead of the House floor debate on the housing budget bill, focusing on funding for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP). She described FHPAP as emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance that helps families avoid homelessness, and said the bill reflects a community effort to keep families stably housed across Minnesota, including in rural areas. Jenny Larson, executive director of Three Rivers Community Action, testified that her organization administers FHPAP in a 20-county region and uses it to help renters and homeowners remain housed, maintain employment, and stay in school and community. She said the program is fiscally responsible, estimating it costs about $3,500 to resolve a household crisis versus as much as $45,000 to help a family recover after homelessness. Community members Mierra Allen, Ebony McMillan, and a written statement from Tamita Gaines described how FHPAP helped them avoid or recover from homelessness and maintain stability for their children. The speakers also said the House housing bill includes broader housing investments, including funding for new housing units, housing infrastructure bonds, a challenge fund, and affordable/workforce homeownership initiatives, with attention to greater Minnesota. In response to questions, they said homelessness is not partisan, that current FHPAP funds are depleted, and that local providers use quarterly allocations and advisory committees to prioritize urgent cases. Momanyi-Hiltsley urged support for House File 2298 and said the program was a top priority because of limited funding and the need to prevent families from falling into homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's an advisory committee that helps the Economic Development Department Secretary.
• There's an advisory board that helps the Secretary.
• The advisory board not only helps with identification. of good infrastructure projects to go inside the
• Because the Environment Secretary would serve as an advisory member, they would also bring with them
• A little bit on how the advisory committee can help not only create and imagine what could happen in

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now ready for the Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council report. Thank you.
• The purpose of the Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council was to create an action plan that improves
• the acute care transitions advisory the acute care transitions advisory Council<01:14:49.960>
• and been on many advisory councils and boards throughout the years.
• I just wanted to start by thanking the advisory group. I know we kept the agency busy last session.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:49.199> team Zoom next we have climate advisory team Zoom next we have climate advisory
• I'm a volunteer member of the Climate Advisory Team.
• HTA has an advisory authority.
• Next, we have Climate Advisory Team, Kavik Ry, in support in person. Thank you.
• in support next we have climate advisory in support next we have climate advisory team<00:41:04.079

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work. The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed. Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’ve worked with the firm Baker Tilly Risk Advisory for several years now.
• We’ve worked with the firm Baker Tilly Risk Advisory for several years now.
• We’ve worked with the firm Baker Tilly Risk Advisory for several years now.
• We’ve worked with the firm Baker Tilly Risk Advisory for several years now.
• We’ve worked with the firm Baker Tilly Risk Advisory for several years now.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cultural sites the Minnesota advisory cultural sites the Minnesota advisory Council<00:15:59.199
• We will also share the latest Technology Advisory Council report with you as well.
• Our partnership with the Technology Advisory Committee is incredibly important.
• So, you know, on the end, I mean, certainly we could, you know, serve as an advisory, if you will.
• Certainly, uh, we could, you know, serve as an advisory, if you will.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• advisory committee of ISO New England. advisory committee of ISO New England.
• <00:29:28.880> uh the uh planning advisory committee. uh the uh planning advisory committee
• I do not want you to advisory committee.
• The planning advisory committee England.
• But it is advisory. Again different way. But it is advisory.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission banned the catching of horseshoe crabs
• Current law requires that if raw or undercooked animal products are served, a consumer advisory must
• However, some suppliers and restaurants avoid putting any advisory on the menu by claiming that foie
• Therefore, they do not consider it subject to the consumer advisory requirement.
• Therefore, they do not consider it subject to the consumer advisory requirement.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of animal, wildlife, hunting, and environmental bills. Early testimony focused on deer management, with Rep. Markey urging creation of a deer commission to address crop damage, vehicle collisions, and Lyme disease, and Sen. Durant supporting bills to allow Sunday bow hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce the 500-foot dwelling restriction for archery hunting. Supporters framed these measures as practical wildlife-management tools, while questions centered on how they would differ from existing Fish and Wildlife authority and whether they would allow hunting closer to residences. Later, Rep. Sena also spoke in support of a bill to increase protected wildlife management areas and another to require non-lead ammunition, arguing both would benefit biodiversity and reduce environmental harm. A substantial portion of the hearing addressed animal welfare and commerce. Multiple witnesses supported bills to ban or phase out the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops, arguing that pet stores rely on puppy mills and obscure the source of animals, while opponents said the bills would hurt responsible breeders, small businesses, and consumer choice. The committee also heard strong testimony for bills to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, with supporters citing sick animals, consumer deception, and the need to cut off the puppy mill supply chain. In a separate animal-testing segment, witnesses backed bills requiring non-animal testing methods for cosmetics and household products, saying alternatives are more accurate and humane; biomedical research representatives opposed those bills and a related research-animal measure, warning of unintended restrictions on research institutions and arguing animal models remain necessary for many studies. The committee also heard testimony on horseshoe crab conservation, with supporters of H. 898 urging an end to taking horseshoe crabs for bait because of population declines, shorebird impacts, and the species’ importance to biomedical science. On wildlife trafficking, witnesses backed bills to ban intrastate sales of ivory and rhino horn, saying Massachusetts should close loopholes that aid poaching and align with federal law and other states; one antique dealer testified in support, saying he avoids such items and still sees them in the marketplace. Additional testimony supported bans on fur products from factory farms and on force-feeding birds for foie gras, with advocates emphasizing cruelty, public health, and environmental concerns. The hearing was lengthy and heavily attended, with the chairs repeatedly limiting testimony to three minutes and inviting written submissions; no committee votes or final actions were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so now this is asking again, just to clarify, the Oversight Commission to establish an advisory
• Commission to establish an advisory Commission to establish an advisory committee<00:50:41.440><
• And that seems to me what's the purpose of this advisory committee.
• And that seems to me what's the purpose of this advisory committee.
• And that seems to me what's the purpose of this advisory committee.

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• "SB 288 would establish an advisory council on long-term care to engage stakeholders, gather data, and
• working to draft an amendment, which I think we're going to get shortly, to SB 288 to establish the Advisory
• SP288 would establish an advisory SP288 would establish an advisory council<00:03:11.760> on<
• <00:06:06.720> council<00:06:07.440> over duties of the advisory council over duties
• <00:20:00.480> council establishment of this advisory council establishment of this advisory

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Maggard: We found out that this board, this advisory board put together, it was hard to keep them going
• land process for the management districts, which is a lot more rigorous than what we had with one advisory
• What you do currently, land management plans are reviewed with advisory committees.
• Before, you had one advisory board you couldn't keep volunteers on, so we would be dead in the water.
• And we really don't use the other advisory boards, and if I can get a chance to get rid of something

Transcript Highlights:

• south side of the gallery, are members of the Texas A&M University System's Chancellor's Student Advisory
• The Chancellor's Student Advisory Council holds formal meetings three times a year, and in legislative
• The Chancellor's Student Advisory Council holds formal meetings three times a year.
• Members, please join me in welcoming the Texas A&M University System Chancellor's Student Advisory Council
• Members, please join me in welcoming the Texas A&M University System Chancellor's Student Advisory Council

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, per the legislation, the AGO's task was putting together an advisory committee, and so we have
• an advisory committee of about 27 members.
• In terms of the deliverables, the advisory committee has helped us put together, as per the legislation
• It was important to the advisory committee that we have something that was easy to remember, so this
• Thank you to all the work that you've put into this and also your advisory committee.

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