Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Committee on Director Nominations.
• Chair, I moved that the Senate Director Nominations Committee recommend the full Senate reject the nomination
• So welcome to the Committee on Director Nominations.
• Prior to your nomination for DIFI—so I know who I am—prior to your nomination for Director of DIFI, you
• Chair, I move that the Senate Director Nominations Committee submit to the full Senate the nomination

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Third Suffolk to second the nominating speech.
• So I again like to nominate Karen Spilka for Senate President.
• Edwards, for a nominating speech.
• I rise today to nominate the gentleman from Gloucester, Senator Bruce E.
• All those opposed, nominations are closed.

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators. The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session. In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement. The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• from our nominating subcommittee for potential commissioners.
• For that nominating committee, it was nominated that Senator Miranda as well as Commissioner Lopes and
• And I want to thank the nominating committee again.
• That way we're able to spot you on the nominations from the committee.
• And I just want to remind folks that this is us nominating folks. People can decline.

Summary: The commission met for a short special meeting focused on membership expansion for the Cape Verdean Culture Center effort. After confirming quorum, members approved the January 13 minutes and reviewed the work of a nominating subcommittee that had narrowed a larger pool of candidates to a slate intended to fill 12 additional commissioner seats. The discussion emphasized filling gaps in regional representation and expertise, including arts and cultural programming, history and preservation, museums, architecture and development, fundraising, nonprofit governance, higher education, language preservation, community organizing, economic development, policy, legal expertise, and communications. Members reviewed the proposed nominees and made a few corrections to geographic and biographical details, including clarifying where certain candidates live or are affiliated. The slate was described as flexible, with the understanding that some invitees could decline and additional vetted candidates could be considered later. The commission then voted to approve the slate of nominees for commissioners. The meeting also covered next steps: letters to nominees would be sent within the week, and the next full meeting was scheduled for Monday, February 23, from 3 to 4 p.m. Members were told that the upcoming meeting would be publicly marketed and include public comment, with outreach planned through social media and email channels. The meeting adjourned after a motion and second were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am honored by the President's nomination and by his trust.
• Overbaugh, you're nominated to... functions for the Department of Defense.
• Lohmeyer, you're nominated to be Undersecretary of the Air Force.
• about what this nomination says to the members of our military.
• Witnesses, congratulations for your nominations.

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• You You RINGING BEEP to vote on the nomination of Frank Bisignano to be Commissioner of the Social Security
• Bisignano's nomination, and we will notify members of a time and location later today to conduct the
• At his nomination hearing, Mr.
• I urge my colleagues to support his nomination. And I recognize now Ranking Member Wyden.
• I am speaking against this nomination.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Frank Bisignano, Social Security Administration, Doge, nomination, committee, customer service, staffing issues

Summary: The meeting of the Finance Committee primarily focused on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Members discussed the nominee's qualifications extensively, raising concerns about his past connections to Doge and the implications for Social Security. Several Senators expressed doubts about Bisignano's ability to improve the existing issues faced by the Social Security Administration, particularly related to staffing, customer service, and the potential for service cuts that could ultimately harm beneficiaries. The atmosphere was contentious, with divisive opinions visible among the committee members as they scrutinized Bisignano's past dealings and strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• that would nominate students that are deserving.
• They could nominate people.
• The state encourages entities that nominate.
• The state encourages entities that nominate, and so another part of this would be entities that nominate
• , and they nominate them.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2722, then voted the bill do pass by a roll call vote of 13 yes and 2 no. The sponsor explained that the substitute clarified the roles of liaisons for foster care students, McKinney-Vento students, and unaccompanied youth in higher education, and added language to avoid conflicting with Missouri law on public benefits for non-citizens. Members also discussed the fiscal note, which was expected to be minimal or not yet available until after committee reporting. The committee then heard House Bills 3483 and 3532, sponsored by Representatives Prouty and Pollitt, which would require the General Assembly to create Missouri-specific educational materials about how the state legislative process works and how a bill becomes law. Supporters, including legislators, teachers, students, and social studies coordinators, said the materials would help students understand Missouri government, civic engagement, and the differences between state and federal lawmaking. Several witnesses suggested the materials should be tailored by grade level, with third grade and high school mentioned as likely targets, and some members raised questions about drafting, implementation, and the estimated fiscal note. One witness spoke in opposition, saying only that he opposed the bill in the spirit of civil discourse. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 31, sponsored by Representative Martin, which would establish a Missouri seal of civic recognition for students who demonstrate civic knowledge, participation, and service. The sponsor described a tiered recognition system tied to coursework, civic engagement, and community or military service, administered through DESE and the existing civics and patriotic work group. Members asked about the resolution format, the role of the work group, how schools would track eligibility, and whether the measure should be narrowed to high school graduation before expanding to younger grades. Supporters, including a retired educator and civic education advocates, said the seal could encourage stronger civic learning and student engagement, while one coalition witness urged a streamlined, merit-based model and local district flexibility. The committee took no final action on the latter two measures during the hearing and adjourned after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, Senator Green, you are recognized to present the nomination of Ted Perry to serve on the
• To present the nomination of Ted Perry to serve on the Oklahoma Veterans Commission at the pleasure of
• Having received nine ayes and zero nays, I consider the nomination of Mr.
• First of all, I wanted to say thank you to Senator Standridge for carrying my nomination.
• Thank you, Secretary John Nash, and the governor, of course, for the nomination.

Committee: Senate Veterans and Military Affairs

Summary: The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met for its final meeting of the 2026 legislative session and considered two executive nominations to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission. Senator Green presented Ted Perry, and Senator Standridge presented Senior Chief Thomas George. Both nominees spoke briefly about their military service and desire to serve veterans; supporters praised Perry’s work with young athletes and George’s 25-year naval career and leadership in youth training. Committee members voiced support for both nominees, and Senator Hines offered debate in favor of Perry. The committee voted 9-0 to advance Perry to the full Senate and 8-0 to advance George. During discussion of George’s nomination, members noted the commission had been deliberately and fully staffed after a long vetting process, and Secretary John Nash thanked the committee and said it was his last Senate meeting. At the close of the meeting, Senator Peterson commended the chair, vice chair, and Senator Stanley for improving the commission’s condition over the years. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Weaver, I'd like to recognize you to present the nomination of Rick Munchler to the Oklahoma
• Senator Weaver, you're recognized. ...I'd like to recognize you to present the nomination of Rick Munchler
• Senator Hicks, you're recognized to present the nomination of Robert W.
• You're recognized to present the nomination of Robert W.
• I thought that he was a perfect nomination when I nominated him the last time. He is a veteran.

Bills: HB3257

Committee: Senate Veterans and Military Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met with a quorum and considered three nominations to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission and one bill. The committee heard presentations for Rick Munchler, Robert W. Allen Jr., and Matthew Dukes, each described as having extensive military, public service, and veterans’ advocacy backgrounds. In each case, senators moved do pass, there were no substantive questions or debate, and each nomination received unanimous 5-0 approval to advance to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee also heard House Bill 3257, which would extend certain state benefits available to veterans who are 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability to veterans who are 100% disabled as a result of negligence or malpractice at a VA hospital under federal law. The author explained the bill would align state recognition and benefits with federal disability determinations in those cases, while noting the property tax exemption issue is constrained by the state constitution. After brief questions about the bill’s scope, the committee voted 5-0 to pass the measure to the full Senate. At the close of the meeting, the chair noted another committee meeting would be needed the following week to consider additional Veterans Commission nominees, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• IS THERE DEBATE ON THIS NOMINATION? DEBATE? IF NOT IS THERE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION.
• IS THERE DEBATE ON THIS NOMINATION? IF NOT IS THERE A MOTION RELATIVE TO THIS NOMINATION?
• IF NOT IS THERE A MOTION RELATIVE TO THIS NOMINATION? OKAY WE MOVE THEM NATION IS CONFIRMED.
• AS WELL AS THE NOMINATION OF ALL THE TRUSTEES AT UW F.
• IS THEIR DEBATE ON THIS NOMINATION.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nomination packets include a nomination letter describing how the activities of the individual or group
• When only one nomination is received, the nomination must still document how the nominee meets the award
• Nomination packets include a nomination letter describing how the activities of the individual or group
• When only one nomination is received, the nomination must still document how the nominee meets the award
• Nomination packets include a nomination letter describing how the activities of the individual or group

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll turn it over to Senator O'Mara for introduction of his nominations.
• The Committee on Finance will consider the following nominations.
• There are about 30 nominations under consideration.
• Okay, once again, please indicate your vote for each of these nominations. Ten minutes.
• Okay, once again please indicate your vote for each of these nominations.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The New York State Senate Finance Committee met to consider a slate of roughly 30 gubernatorial nominations to state boards, authorities, commissions, and advisory councils. The nominations included appointments to the Advisory Council on Agriculture, the Dormitory Authority, the Power Authority, NYSERDA, the Public Health and Health Planning Council, the Gaming Commission, the Thruway Authority, the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, SUNY and Cornell boards, and several other entities. Senator O’Mara introduced the list, and Senator Liu presided in place of Chair Liz Krueger. During the meeting, Senator O’Mara asked whether Mark Schroeder listed for the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority was the same person nominated to the Convention Center Operating Corporation; Senator Liu confirmed that it was the same individual. No testimony on the merits of the nominations was presented, and no discussion of the nominees’ qualifications was recorded beyond that clarification. Members were instructed to mark their vote sheets with aye, nay, or aye without recommendation for each nomination. After a brief period for voting, the committee adjourned. No roll-call results or final disposition of the nominations were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’d like to remind you that although the governor has made the nomination, it cannot be considered further
• The vote will now occur on the nomination of Keith Ventress to serve on the Oklahoma Development Finance
• I declare the nomination passed. The nomination will proceed to the Senate. Thank you, Mr.
• I declare the nomination passed, and the nomination will proceed to the Senate. Thank you, Mr.
• And the nomination will proceed to the Senate. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee first considered and unanimously approved the nomination of Keith Ventress to the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority and then to the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority. Members noted his banking background and asked a brief question about the reference to old congressional district boundaries in the nomination materials, but there was no substantive opposition and both nominations advanced to the Senate. House Bill 1590, by Senator Daniels, would create an Oklahoma education infrastructure linked deposit program to provide reduced-interest loans for charter schools and nonprofit private schools for capital and building needs. Supporters said it would use existing state linked-deposit structures already used for agriculture and affordable housing, while opponents raised concerns about using taxpayer-backed funds for private schools, the bill’s broad nonprofit language, and whether it could lead to more state oversight of private education. The bill passed 9-2. House Bill 1242, which would add survey day to the list of agricultural sales tax exemption items, was discussed briefly but received no motion for a do pass recommendation and remained in committee. House Bill 3818, by Senator Coleman, would create tax-advantaged insurance loss savings accounts for homes and vehicles; members expressed concern about missing definitions, contribution limits, and the potential for abuse, but agreed the concept had promise and the bill passed 9-2 after the enacting clause was stricken for further work. House Bill 4305, as amended, clarified how affordable housing properties are assessed for ad valorem tax purposes by excluding certain income-based subsidies from valuation; after questions about prior court cases and assessment practices, it passed 6-5.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we are off to executive nominations. Today we have here the nominee for a seat on ABOR, Mr.
• So on the one hand, you are nominated by Democratic Governor Hobbs.
• So on the one hand, you are nominated by Democratic Governor Hobbs.
• I also appreciate the bipartisan support around this nomination. We have Gary Bay. Gary?
• Madam Vice Chair, would you move the executive nomination?

Bills: SB1026 , SB1126 , SB1143 , SB1166

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Keywords: alternative education, school funding, student accountability, education reform, school district governance, educational records, student privacy, FERPA, family educational rights and privacy act, Department of Child Safety, DCS caseworker, child welfare, abuse or neglect, juvenile justice, juvenile court, juvenile corrections, school records, discipline records, attendance records, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• Kash Patel's nomination to serve as director of FBI.
• I know you want to vote for all of his nominations.
• Chairman, talking about the nomination of Kash Patel.
• Patel spent his nomination hearing avoiding every hard question.
• Thank you. this nomination. Before I address Mr.

Bills: SB331

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, Kash Patel, FBI director nomination, S331, Fentanyl Act, committee meeting, legislative discussion

Summary: In this committee meeting, the primary focus was on the nomination of Kash Patel for the position of director of the FBI, which had sparked considerable debate over the past week. Members discussed the extensive vetting process Patel underwent, including a lengthy hearing where he addressed numerous questions, which emphasized his qualifications and the support he received from various law enforcement organizations. The meeting included significant arguments from both sides, reflecting the polarized nature of the nomination, especially regarding the allegations made against Patel by some committee members. As discussions continued, the committee decided to hold off on the Fentanyl Act, listed as S331, until the next meeting, indicating a prioritization of the nomination vote over new legislative measures at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bail amounts for those cases are usually nominal.
• 01:59.359><c> usually</c> amounts for those cases are usually amounts for those cases are usually nominal
• Um but clients sometimes cannot nominal.
• This measure prohibits any executive branch employee who is nominated or appointed by the governor to
• </c><03:33:22.640><c> while</c> as wholesale transactions while as wholesale transactions while maintaining

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use. Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date. Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to nominate Andy Nassinger Meadows for chair. Andy Knopfsiger Meadows is nominated.
• Are there any further nominations? Are there any further nominations? Representative Paulin?
• Again, if there are any further nominations for chair. And I see none.
• So nominations are now closed.
• Sharon Keiko has been nominated. Are there any others? Okay.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to nominate Andy Knopfsiger Meadows for chair. Andy Knopfsiger Meadows is nominated.
• Are there any further nominations? Are there any further nominations? Representative Paulin?
• Again, if there are any further nominations for chair. And I see none.
• So nominations are now closed.
• Sharon Keiko has been nominated. Are there any others? Okay.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on August 4, 2026, with all five commissioners present. The commission approved the May 26, 2026 minutes, welcomed new commissioner Diane Tabilius, and re-elected Andy Knopfsiger Meadows as chair and Dr. Sharon Keiko as vice chair. JLARC staff also introduced two Evans School interns who are assisting with preliminary research for the 2027 review cycle. JLARC presented preliminary findings on seven tax preference reviews, focusing most heavily on the Main Street communities credit, the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the urban data center exemption. Staff concluded that the Main Street preference has helped increase the number of communities and businesses and recommended continuing it, while also recommending that DAHP collect more detailed and standardized business-count data. The Equitable Access to Credit Program was found to support underserved communities and was also recommended for continuation. The urban data center exemption was found to have been used only for refurbishment projects, not new construction, and staff recommended letting it expire; commissioners and Representative Paulette discussed the need for better performance measures, cost-per-job analysis, and clearer legislative intent language in tax preference statements. Staff then reviewed airplane modification, landfill biogas, automotive adaptive equipment, and housing for people with developmental disabilities. The airplane modification preference was found to likely support jobs and state tax revenue and was recommended for continuation. The landfill biogas preference was also recommended for continuation, with a suggestion for more detailed reporting on use and renewable natural gas production. The automotive adaptive equipment exemption was found to continue providing relief to disabled veterans and service members and was recommended for continuation, while the housing transfer exemption for adults with developmental disabilities had not been used and was recommended to expire. No public testimony was taken at this meeting, and the commission noted that public testimony would be heard at its September meeting before final comments are adopted in October.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Director Nominations is called to order. Secretary, please call the roll.
• All right, welcome everyone to the Committee on Director Nominations.
• Welcome everyone to the Committee on Director Nominations.
• We have Alex Ridgway, who has been nominated for the Director of the Office of Tourism.
• Welcome to the Committee on Director Nominations.

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to remind you that all those governors made The nomination will not be considered further.
• The nomination has received 10 ayes and zero nays, declaring the nomination passed.
• The nomination will proceed to the Senate. Thank you, Mr. Ventres, for your willingness to serve.
• The nomination has received 10 ayes and zero nays, declaring the nomination passed.
• The nomination will proceed to the Senate. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty

Transcript Highlights:

• Jerry Pollet has been nominated and seconded. Great. Jerry Pollet has been nominated and seconded.
• Is there any other nominations?
• I nominate Senator Wagoner. Is there a second? Second.
• Representative Orcutt has been nominated and seconded.
• I'd like to nominate Senator Solomon, who has been...

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.