Transcript Highlights:

• from the inauguration of the current administration, with threats and actions taken purportedly to retaliate
• You're trying to say, we're going to do this with the hopes of shutting it down because we don't retaliate
• You're trying to say, we're going to do this with the hopes of shutting it down because we don't retaliate

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• This is due to several factors, such as mistrust of the government, fear of retaliation, and an information
• requirements around written agreements; and workers are protected from forms of discrimination and retaliation
• workers a collective voice and a clear process to address unsafe conditions, unfair treatment, and retaliation

Bills: HB2355 , HB2151 , HB2372 , HB2472 , HB2409

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Transcript Highlights:

• deserve confidence that their information will be kept secure and will never be used for political retaliation
• I'm here to speak for myself and victims of political retaliation, vendettas, intimidation, and harassment
• A state senator, state legislator, county council person contacted me and asked about retaliation, and

Summary: The committee held public hearings on six bills. SB 6081 would protect sex designation information and related records from public disclosure, limit sharing of such information by the Department of Licensing and Department of Health, and allow denial of records requests when disclosure could cause harm or disenfranchisement. The sponsor and many supporters, including transgender Washingtonians, privacy advocates, and allied organizations, said the bill would close a privacy gap and reduce doxing, harassment, and targeting; one witness opposed it on grounds of record accuracy, law enforcement, and concerns about sports and public safety. No vote was taken. SB 5902 would update voter notification and address-change procedures by allowing more flexible forms of voter registration updates, reducing mailed notices in some automatic registration situations, and expanding electronic communication options. The sponsor and county auditors said it would improve efficiency, reduce confusion, and save counties money; testimony was generally supportive. The hearing then moved to SB 6034, which would codify the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency and require ongoing training and reporting on government-to-government relations with tribes. The sponsor and tribal representatives supported the bill as a technical fix and a commitment to tribal sovereignty, and no action was taken. SB 6035 would require regular county and state meetings with tribes on election access and authorize an electronic ballot return portal for certain voters, including military, overseas, disabled, and some tribal voters. Supporters said it would improve access and collaboration, while the Secretary of State, Verified Voting, and others raised cybersecurity and secret-ballot concerns about the electronic portal; several witnesses also opposed that portion while supporting tribal outreach and drop boxes. SB 5892 would centralize requests for voter registration database records through the Secretary of State and make unauthorized disclosure of protected voter data a felony; supporters framed it as protecting voter privacy and resisting federal overreach, while opponents argued it would hinder voter-roll maintenance and transparency. Finally, SB 5973 would ban pay-per-signature compensation for initiative and referendum signature gathering and require 1,000 supporting signatures before a ballot title is issued; supporters said it would reduce fraud, misleading tactics, and ballot-title shopping, while opponents called it an added barrier to direct democracy. The committee heard extensive testimony on all bills, but the transcript does not show any votes or executive action taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of children in foster care, Care, how will they be protected from any kind of retaliation from
• But how will those kids be protected from any kind of retaliation for reporting, for example, maybe abuse
• To report things without retaliation. I think that's a fair point. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• including state minimum wage, state law protections when it comes to discrimination, harassment, retaliation
• including state minimum wage, state law protections when it comes to discrimination, harassment, retaliation

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization held an informational hearing on seven tribal-state gaming compacts and amendments, with Chair Blanca Rubio noting that no formal vote would be taken because the Legislature cannot amend the compacts. The committee heard briefings from the Governor’s Office and tribal representatives on the Pechanga Band of Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and the Urok Tribe. A recurring theme was updating compact terms in light of the Ninth Circuit’s Chicken Ranch decision, including narrowing or clarifying revenue-sharing, regulatory, labor, and liability provisions while preserving state and tribal interests. For the Pechanga, Agua Caliente, and Yocha Dehe amendments, witnesses described commitments not to sue over certain revenue terms, additional gaming-device flexibility, and continued or enhanced payments to the special distribution fund, revenue-sharing trust fund, and tribal nation grant fund. Pechanga and Yocha Dehe each sought flexibility for 1,000 additional devices, while Agua Caliente sought 500 additional devices and a restructuring of its trust-fund contributions. Tribal leaders emphasized economic development, government services, public safety, education, cultural preservation, and community investments, and local government representatives from San Bernardino County and other jurisdictions spoke in support of the agreements. The committee also heard two new compacts: Fort Mojave’s compact, which replaces an expired 2004 agreement and allows up to 1,200 devices at up to two facilities, including a future site near Needles subject to federal approval and gubernatorial concurrence; and the Urok Tribe’s compact, which replaces an expiring 1999 compact and allows up to 349 devices at up to three facilities. The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians sought a fifth amendment extending its existing compact while litigation continues, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians sought a second amendment extending its compact term and refining liability and insurance provisions. After hearing testimony and brief public comment, the chair closed the hearing and indicated the measures would move to the floor for formal consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Owen, faculty at public post-secondary education institutions, provides for prohibition against retaliation
• Owen, faculty at public post-secondary education institutions, provides for prohibition against retaliation

Bills: HR65 , HR66 , HR67 , HR68 , HR69 , HCR33 , HCR34 , HB1006 , HB1007 , HB1008 , HB1010 , HB1011 , HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , SCR2 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR11 , SCR16 , SCR17 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , SB8 , SB10 , SB12 , SB16 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB29 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB44 , SB49 , SB58 , SB68 , SB75 , SB77 , SB81 , SB97 , SB103 , SB159 , SB163 , SB172 , SB180 , SB182 , SB244 , SB248 , SB253 , SB254 , SB279 , SB306 , SB318 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB397 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB272 , HB337 , HB350 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB445 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB752 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB733 , HB875 , HB952 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB52 , HB901 , HB193 , HB570

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning on personal privileges recognizing guests and honoring individuals and organizations. Recognitions included the Zachary High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for back-to-back state championships, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for Blue and White Day, visitors from Natchitoches Parish, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Parish Presidents Association, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, student parents pursuing higher education, and a delegation from Alexandria honoring the late Dr. Joe S. Green. The House also adopted or laid over several condolence and commendation resolutions, including tributes to former Northwestern State football coach Sam Goodwin, Michael B. Jordan, Richard Williams, and others. The chamber received a large batch of Senate bills and House bills for referral, covering topics such as retirement systems, highway memorial designations, criminal justice, education, health and welfare, municipal governance, insurance, natural resources, and tax policy. Committee reports were read across multiple committees, with many bills reported favorably or with amendments, and several measures advanced to third reading or were recommitted to other committees. Among the actions taken, the House adopted resolutions honoring community figures and organizations, concurred in several Senate resolutions, and moved a number of bills forward, including measures on criminal penalties, school policy, environmental regulation, insurance, and public retirement. Near the end of the session, the Speaker outlined plans for the next day’s floor debate, noting 54 bills scheduled and explaining that questions on bills would send them to the bottom of the list rather than removing them. The House then recessed until 3:30 p.m., with members instructed to return for regular order and continued debate on the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• It prevents retaliation, but it also clarifies that paying your bills, or failure to pay your bills,
• resulting in foreclosure is not retaliation.
• that was added to add retaliation that was added to add additional<00:07:54.120><c> clarification.
• :08:01.840><c> also</c> prevents retaliation, but it also prevents retaliation, but it also clarifies
• Um, and further, we add a, retaliation.

Bills: SF1750 , HF2700 , HF1606 , HF3356 , HF3946 , HF3970 , HF3658 , HF3875 , HF2627 , SF856 , HF1268 , HF1338

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• victims have meaningful protection during the period when the risk of re-contact, intimidation, and retaliation
• Whistleblower complaints and congressional documents show alarming changes to ICE training standards.
• It makes you afraid to advocate for yourself or for your loved one, for fear of retaliation, because

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It puts teachers in whistleblower protection so that they can tell, as long as they're protecting student

Transcript Highlights:

• SHE PUT A LOT OF WORK INTO THIS AND THE ARTICLE I READ WAS SHE WORKED WITH A LAWYER WAS A WHISTLEBLOWER

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're seeing some of that retaliation already.
• And so we're seeing some of that retaliation already.
• </c> seeing some of that retaliation already. seeing some of that retaliation already.
• </c><02:56:34.520><c> against</c> states that were retaliated against states that were retaliated against
• there have been retaliations within the department. >> In my department?

Transcript Highlights:

• What I've been hearing is fears of retaliation from being honest with you guys.
• What I've been hearing is<01:13:48.720><c> fears</c><01:13:48.960><c> of</c><01:13:49.040><c> retaliation
• from um being is fears of retaliation from um being honest<01:13:51.800><c> with</c><01:13:51.920><c
• And I hope that customers hear us and know that, you know, they shouldn't expect any retaliation from
• from us, you know, because retaliation from us, you know, because we<01:15:08.680><c> try</c><01:15:

Bills: HB1984 , HB1593 , HB2423 , HB1691 , HB2283 , HB2386 , HB1824 , HB1697 , HB2164 , HB2165

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some violations, including certain violations of the Women's Economic Security Act, retaliation, and
• , and more are Security Act, retaliation, and more are so<00:04:11.680><c> time</c><00:04:12.080><c>
• Some violations, including certain violations of the Women's Economic Security Act, retaliation, and
• ,</c><00:07:34.160><c> and</c><00:07:34.280><c> more,</c> Security Act, retaliation, and more, Security
• Act, retaliation, and more, uh<00:07:35.880><c> are</c><00:07:36.000><c> so</c><00:07:36.160><c> time

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Then there are rights of action and retaliation prohibited, and that is some new language related to
• prohibiting retaliation against a homeowner.
• ><00:10:00.880><c> of</c><00:10:01.200><c> action</c><00:10:01.839><c> and</c><00:10:02.399><c> retaliation
• </c> uh rights of action and retaliation uh rights of action and retaliation prohibited<00:10:04.200>
• <00:10:08.440><c> against</c><00:10:08.680><c> a</c> retaliation against a retaliation against a homeowner

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• kickback, and when the vendor refused to pay, Feeding Our Future canceled the vendor's contract in retaliation
• 20:36.080><c> to</c><00:20:36.240><c> the</c><00:20:36.440><c> site</c><00:20:37.080><c> the</c> retaliation
• according to the site the retaliation according to the site the new<00:20:37.520><c> vendor</c><00:20
• information it shares with the subject of the complaint in an effort to protect complainants from retaliation
• information it shares with the subject of the complaint in an effort to protect complainants from retaliation

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Trump retaliated against journalists and critics for speaking out.
• </c><00:25:33.200><c> Trump</c><00:25:33.840><c> retaliated</c> Amendment rights.
• Trump retaliated Amendment rights.
• <02:25:14.080><c> for</c><02:25:14.960><c> their</c><02:25:15.600><c> legitimate</c> retaliation for
• their legitimate retaliation for their legitimate investigatory<02:25:17.359><c> and</c><02:25:18.120

Transcript Highlights:

• The whistleblowers who came forward were actually threatened and persecuted into silence.
• laws are passed, if DHS has an attitude that allows fraud and persecutes those who come forward to whistleblow
• Whistleblowers who came forward were threatened and silenced.
• The speaker added that if DHS has an attitude that allows fraud and persecutes whistleblowers, then passing

Summary: The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms. The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget. Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, we have testimony from whistleblowers and Tim Ali’s report that the department has had a problem
• testimony</c><00:12:12.399><c> from</c> again, we have testimony from again, we have testimony from whistleblowers
• 14.720><c> uh</c><00:12:15.040><c> Tim</c><00:12:15.440><c> Ali's</c><00:12:15.920><c> report</c> whistleblowers
• and uh Tim Ali's report whistleblowers and uh Tim Ali's report that<00:12:16.880><c> the</c><00:12:17.200

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I have had whistleblower reports in the last month saying that your unannounced site visits are not unannounced
• Um Um Um I<00:36:05.000><c> have</c><00:36:05.200><c> had</c><00:36:05.440><c> whistleblower</c><00:36
• :05.840><c> reports</c><00:36:06.480><c> in</c><00:36:06.680><c> the</c> I have had whistleblower reports
• in the I have had whistleblower reports in the last<00:36:07.120><c> month</c> last month last month

Bills: HF3542

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• needs money when we can keep a nonviolent criminal, nonviolent alleged criminal, somebody who is a whistleblower
• alleged criminal, somebody who<01:18:34.239><c> is</c><01:18:34.320><c> a</c><01:18:34.480><c> whistleblower
• > trying</c><01:18:35.280><c> to</c><01:18:35.600><c> try</c><01:18:35.840><c> to</c> who is a whistleblower
• trying to try to who is a whistleblower trying to try to enforce<01:18:36.480><c> the</c><01:18:36.640