Transcript Highlights:

• any characterization of service if the reason for the discharge was sexual orientation.
• capacity or a... or a discharge for any characterization of service if the reason for the discharge
• But they would potentially be incorporated here if their service was otherwise honorable.
• I also think the second part really does an important service to our service members as well, recognizing
• that service is a family commitment as well.

Bills: SB5420

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6289, which would require the Department of Commerce to develop a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan by June 30, 2027 and update it every five years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to coordinate existing efforts, set goals, and support businesses of all sizes with a data-driven statewide strategy. Commerce and the Washington Economic Development Association supported the bill, emphasizing the need for alignment, competitiveness, and adequate resources; witnesses also said the five-year update cycle would reduce costs. The committee discussed the fiscal implications and the need for annual check-ins, but no opposition was raised during the hearing. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6149, which would broaden the definition of a rural county for certain public facilities and economic development purposes to include counties with population density of 100 or more people per square mile if they have no city larger than 45,000 residents. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to preserve rural eligibility for counties like Cowlitz that have low-density areas but a single larger city, so they can continue to qualify for grants and other programs. Members asked about how the definition would affect counties and whether it would preserve existing rural designations. The hearing was then closed. In executive session, the committee considered and advanced three bills. Senate Bill 5420, concerning access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, was amended to update discharge terminology, include airmen in employment preference provisions, and revise qualifying discharge definitions; it passed 12-0 with one excused. Engrossed Senate Bill 5649, creating a supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program, was amended to prioritize projects benefiting Washington-produced goods and supply chain resilience and to avoid overlap with Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding; it also passed 12-0 with one excused. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5984, regulating AI companion chatbots, saw several amendments adopted and others rejected, including changes to gaming and educational exclusions, data minimization, and removal of an exemption for general-purpose AI models; it passed 8-4 with one excused. The committee adjourned after reporting all three bills out with due pass as amended recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• With Senate Bill 5420, ensuring access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, uniformed service
• As additional background, the Public Health Corps is the uniformed branch of the Public Health Service
• And thank you, Senator, for being here and for your service.
• I overheard that conversation a little bit earlier, so thank you for your service.
• And thank you for your service. Thank you. I don't see any other questions.

Bills: SB5420

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Summary: The committee held public hearings on two bills. Senate Bill 5420 would expand access to state benefits and preferences for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses. Staff explained that it would add members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and NOAA Corps to certain retirement, civil relief, licensing, and employment preference provisions, and extend some hiring preference to military spouses. Senator John Lovick testified in support, saying the bill had been worked on extensively and had passed the Senate overwhelmingly. Tammy Peral of the Department of Veterans Affairs also supported the bill, emphasizing modernization of state law and stronger support for military families. No opposition was heard, and the chair closed the hearing on the bill. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5649, which creates a Washington state supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program for public and tribal ports. Staff said the Department of Transportation would set priorities for grants and loans, work with supply chain stakeholders, and require projects to fit freight development plans and program goals. The bill includes an amendment to limit eligible projects to those not already eligible for Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding, addressing concerns about duplication. Senator Marko Liias testified that ports are central to Washington’s trade economy and that the bill would create a targeted port grant program. Testifiers from the Port of Benton and Port of Kalama described rail, terminal, and marine highway projects that need state matching funds and said the program would help small and rural ports compete and attract investment. The committee asked questions about project eligibility and the relationship to other funding sources, then closed the hearing on the bill and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows youth who receive an adult sentence to receive services from CYFD until age 21.
• And I can tell you that right now, our youth services center that Bernalillo County runs, one of the
• And I can tell you that right now, our youth services center that Bernalio County runs, one of the only
• and improving the services in the community for our other kids who are in our system.
• Chairman and Senator, when I worked with a lot of our colleagues here to create the lactation services

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Summary: The committee heard a series of capital, bond, environmental, economic development, juvenile justice, and health care bills. Senate Bill 240, the capital outlay package, was presented as a $1.3 billion statewide appropriation, including discretionary capital projects and agency projects; after questions about CYFD projects and House/Senate capital allocations, the committee voted do pass on the committee substitute. House Bill 248, the general obligation bond package totaling about $392.5 million for senior centers, libraries, higher education, and tribal projects, also received a do pass after questions about project vetting, bond timing, and school bus funding. House Bill 80, which increases the share of oil and gas conservation tax revenue going to the Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund to speed orphan well plugging and site cleanup, drew strong support from business, environmental, and industry groups; members discussed funding balances, procurement bottlenecks, and the distinction between abandoned and orphan wells before voting do pass. House Bill 184, making technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and related distribution rules, passed with little debate. The committee also heard Senate Bill 172, which expands the TRIGGER program allowing companies to access national laboratory expertise; supporters from the labs, the governor’s office, universities, and business groups cited job creation, follow-on investment, and commercialization gains, while one senator raised concerns about the long extension of the program. The bill passed do pass. House Bill 95, creating a judge for the First and Second Judicial Districts, was described as matching a previously heard Senate bill and passed do pass. Senate Bill 165, a major juvenile justice bill, generated the most extensive debate: the sponsor said it updates the juvenile code, raises the age for certain serious offenses, extends services for youth sentenced as adults, and expands community corrections; law enforcement supported it, while the Public Defender, youth advocates, the ACLU, and a Bernalillo County commissioner opposed it, arguing it expands adult sentencing and relies too heavily on incarceration. Despite those objections, the committee voted do pass. Finally, House Bill 4, which increases the Health Care Affordability Fund distribution to support premium assistance and related coverage programs, was amended so that a portion of the premium surtax would go to the Behavioral Health Program Fund and any unexpended balance would revert to the affordability fund. Supporters from BeWell, health advocacy groups, the insurance office, and homeless services said the bill would protect coverage gains and help offset federal changes; members asked about the amendment’s effect on the behavioral health fund and the bill’s flexibility if revenues decline. The amendment was adopted, and discussion on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this allows for alternate terms of service so that we have a continuity within that board.
• that could fall under their directors and not under this bill, just for those certain emergency services
• done, whether the job is complete or ongoing, whether the job was to augment staffing or provide a service
• Contract is service-based or for staff augmentation.
• purchasing, and we understand that there are instances where there is only one provider of a product or service

Bills: HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130

Keywords: 2030 census, complete count committee, census outreach, decennial census, enumeration, population count, hard-to-count populations, hard-to-enumerate areas, State Data Center, Oklahoma Census, multilingual campaign, public outreach, school-based outreach, community organizations, minority groups, ethnic minorities, language minorities, self-response rate, census awareness, federal census

Transcript Highlights:

• An expedited shipping arrangement voluntary at the requester's cost. Yield for questions.

Bills: SB1213, SB1221, SB1636, SB1687, SB1772, SB1932, SB2062

Keywords: SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits, prison programs, public safety, violent offenders, violent crime exclusions, sex offense exclusions

Transcript Highlights:

• It included money for aging long-term services for New Mexico Care.
• And then within CYFD, it was money for the Juvenile Justice Division and Protective Services Division
• administrator, I remember signing the invoices for those on behalf of the tribe to pay for those services
• But in general, they each had independent contracts with different providers of prison-related services
• , detention services.

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• to some services and make it.
• Services that are truly needed on tribal reservations.
• Residents are currently at risk of losing access to essential broadband services.
• good internet service.
• So making sure that that provider provides the service, that's...

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• , police services, medical services, warning systems, radiological preparedness, hazardous response,
• police services medical services warning systems radiological preparedness hazardous response evacuation
• , emergency transportation services, restoration of public utility services, snow and ice removal, and
• And so I wanted to thank her for her service.
• Thank you for your service to our state. And for my staff, Thank you for your service to our state.

Bills: LR509, LR510, LR511

Keywords: congratulations, Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame, Deloris Marshall Adamson, recognition, achievement, service, retirement, Nebraska Legislature, public service, legislature, Nebraska, 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I see Senator Martin is with us, so we will pick up tab two, which is SB 1724 on utility services.
• On utility services, Senator Martin, there is a late-file delete-everything amendment.
• But this bill deals with utilities and municipal services, specifically.
• Upon application for service, a utility must expand its service territory to a property outside its current
• service territory if the property is not within the service territory of another water or wastewater

Bills: S0936, S1724, S1014, S1498

Keywords: temporary door locking device, emergency safety, building code, training programs, fire exit security, utility services, municipal agreements, public meetings, rates and fees, public service commission, municipal utility, water service, wastewater service, property owners, annexation, civil action, community associations, condominium, homeowners associations, structural integrity

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. First, it considered SB 1724 on municipal utility services. Senator Martin offered a late-filed delete-everything amendment that would require annual customer meetings for extraterritorial utility customers, cap use of gross utility revenues for general government at 10%, eliminate a 25% surcharge on customers outside city limits, reduce the rate differential cap from 50% to 25%, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain existing bond-related surcharges until debt is retired or refinanced. The League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the need for rate studies and budget adjustments. The amendment was adopted and the committee reported CS/SB 1724 favorably. The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices from Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, allow them to be installed at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or amendments, SB 936 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water or wastewater service solely because a property owner will not annex, and would require service expansion when a property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. A committee amendment narrowed the bill to properties near a main line and reduced the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about property size, annexation conflicts, enclave creation, and possible revenue impacts, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1498 on community associations from Chair Bradley. A strike-all amendment revised technical provisions on video conference recordings, turnover inspection reports, SIRS references, and electronic voting, and added two major policy changes: requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors and creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal, and prohibiting mandatory club or amenity fee schemes controlled by developers or third parties that generate profit beyond proportional expenses. Testimony in support described homeowner disputes involving concentrated board control, lack of transparency, and mandatory fees in communities such as Rosedale. The amendment was adopted and CS/SB 1498 was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Bracey Davis asked to be recorded voting in the affirmative on tabs 1, 2, and 3, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill is Substitute House Bill 2452, an act relating to modifying requirements for service of
• The last bill is House Bill 2664, an act relating to modifying requirements for service of a law.
• It's so important when we create these, that we do have the services on site to be successful.
• Thank you for your commitment, your dedication, and your service to the state.
• Thank you for your commitment, your dedication, and your service to the state.

Bills: HB2664

Keywords: HB 2664, unlawful detainer, eviction notice, landlord-tenant, tenant rights, service of process, certified mail, notice by mail, notice posting, possession action, vacate notice, Washington RCW 59.12, housing law, rental housing, forcible entry and detainer, proof of service, property possession, occupants, lodging house, hotel guest

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:57.600><c> with</c> benefits, services and programs with benefits, services and programs with
• </c> healthcare and program and service healthcare and program and service delivery<00:27:10.400><c>
• </c><00:29:02.720><c> We</c> benefits, services, and programs. We benefits, services, and programs.
• Uh, the Cold War ended, and that's when I ended my service because I was a Cold War sailor.
• </c> Minnesota Association of Veteran Service Minnesota Association of Veteran Service Officers<00:34

Bills: HF3540, HF3522, HF3544

Keywords: veterans rights, employment discrimination, human rights, Minnesota laws, protected classes, veterans, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, Secret War in Laos, SGU veteran, Hmong veterans, Laotian veterans, honor guard, military funeral honors, state veterans cemetery, burial eligibility, veterans home, temporary closure, state active service, National Guard

Transcript Highlights:

• staff in front of you on a substitute House Bill 2452, an act relating to modifying requirements for service
• House Bill 2664 is an act related to modifying requirements for service on unlawful detainer notices
• Under this bill, when a copy of an unlawful detainer notice is sent through the mail, service is deemed
• In the similar way as other service of process or notices, either they're supposed to be left with a
• , ...partner with social housing PDAs through things like land, infrastructure, services.

Bills: HB2304, HB2664

Keywords: condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, HB 2664, unlawful detainer, eviction notice, landlord-tenant, tenant rights, service of process, certified mail, notice by mail, notice posting, possession action, vacate notice, Washington RCW 59.12, housing law, rental housing, forcible entry and detainer

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard several housing-related bills and then took executive action on a number of measures. Early in the meeting, the committee waived the five-day notice rule for Substitute House Bill 2452 and House Bill 2664. HB 2452 would remove the certified-mail requirement for rent increase notices in manufactured/mobile home communities and instead align service with other MHLTA notices; the sponsor said the change would reduce unclaimed notices and administrative burden. HB 2664 would remove the certified-mail requirement for unlawful detainer notices and related notices served the same way, with the sponsor and supporters arguing that certified mail is costly and often ineffective. Both bills drew questions about proof of receipt and how service would be completed, but no opposition was raised in the hearing. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2269, which clarifies that middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development may be served by a publicly owned sanitary sewer system or a large on-site sewage system in rural counties, and by a publicly owned sanitary sewer system in non-rural counties. The sponsor and county planning witnesses said the bill resolves ambiguity left by prior legislation and gives planners more flexibility, while Futurewise and the Building Industry Association supported the clarification. Engrossed House Bill 1687 would extend the housing cooperation law to social housing public development authorities, allowing cities and counties to assist them with land, infrastructure, services, and other tools; supporters said it would help Seattle’s social housing effort and create permanently publicly owned mixed-income housing. In executive session, the committee adopted a due-pass recommendation for EHB 1345 after a proposed amendment was withdrawn; the bill concerns detached accessory dwelling units outside urban growth areas. It also adopted a striking amendment and due-pass recommendation for ESHB 1500, which revises resale certificate rules in common interest communities, and for EHB 1501, which creates a formal inquiry process for unit owners in common interest communities. The committee rejected amendments to E2SHB 1974, which would authorize land bank authorities and related tax preferences, then advanced the bill to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee passed SHB 2288, a building code bill on scissors stairs, and later heard HB 2304, which expands a 2-10 warranty option to more condominium projects, especially four-story stacked flats; supporters from the insurance commissioner’s office, builders, affordable housing groups, and Habitat for Humanity said it would reduce liability costs and expand attainable, accessible homeownership. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2452 and HB 2664 from housing providers who said the current certified-mail rules are expensive and inefficient, and then adjourned after closing the remaining public hearings.

Bills: SB2671, SB2902

Keywords: permit processing, permitting reform, county permits, development permits, building permits, land use, construction delays, housing development, infrastructure development, county workforce, differential pay, salary incentive, performance bonus, recruitment and retention, expedited hiring, vacancy rates, permit backlog, government modernization, county mayor, county council

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard two measures. SB 2671, relating to essential permitting positions, drew no oral testimony beyond written comments from the Department of the Attorney General and the Office of Planning. The chair said the bill was intended to make government more efficient and reduce red tape in the permitting process. SB 2902, relating to renewable energy, received testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, Kauai Island Cooperative, Bright Saver, and 350 Hawaii. Supporters described the bill as a way to expand access to plug-in or balcony solar, lower electricity bills, improve resilience, and broaden access for renters and apartment residents. Several testifiers urged amendments to avoid limiting the measure to condominiums, to remove condominium board approval language, and to eliminate utility or PUC registration requirements. The PUC said registration could help with safety, linemen protection, and circuit hosting-capacity concerns, and noted that improper installation or oversizing could create problems. After a brief recess, the committee voted to recommend both bills for passage with amendments and deferred each to April 19, 2042. The recommendations were adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I appreciate that about you and thank you for your service.
• The Army Reserve provides the service.
• So it would be run through the Arizona Department of Veterans Services.
• delivers its services.
• The Department of Veterans Services is very short on veteran counselors.

Bills: HB2006, HB2165, HB2245, HB2348, HB2806, HB2901, HB2902, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, you remember this bill by Chairman Hollis relating to prohibiting the use of unfilled service
• The Chair lays out SB462 by Senator Co-host relating to establishing a child care service waiting list
• Currently, some food service establishments impose mandatory fees or surcharges. surcharges on dine-in
• House Bill 5212 addresses this issue by requiring food service establishments that charge any mandatory
• So in Austin, they may have a convenience fee, they may have a service fee, they may have a health care

Bills: HB1958, HB2031, HB2879, HB3285, HB3995, HB4487, HB4558, HB4560, HB4876, HB4899, HB5212, HB5317, HB5543, HB5567, SB1333

Keywords: firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, HOA, property owners association, property owners' association, Texas Property Code, Chapter 202

Transcript Highlights:

• Gary Fulton, I'm the administrator of the Remediation Services Division for the Louisiana Department
• I think it was brought to me by some of the firefighters and with the state in the fire civil service

Bills: HB27, HB143, HB205, HB308, HB311, HB417, HB430, HB562, HB812, HB1129

Keywords: inmates, department of public safety, per diem, local correctional facilities, jail funding, insurance premiums, Municipal Fire and Police, dedicated fund, assessments, Louisiana legislation, hazardous waste, cleanup fund, environmental protection, state treasury, Consumer Price Index, law enforcement, firefighters, health insurance, survivors benefits, Lafayette

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Motor Vehicles currently issues several specialty license plates related to military service
• An official specialty license plate commemorating their military service. The U.S.
• Army, and creating specialty license plates commemorating their service would be a small but meaningful
• way for us to honor their service.
• being a Ranger and set a role model for young soldiers and young people that want to go into the service

Bills: HB 1023, HB2537, HB3302, HB3324, HB3644, HB3722, HB3815, HB4053, HB4789

Keywords: specialty license plates, military honor, Texas Homeland Defense Service Medal, Texas Superior Service Medal, Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, military honors, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, veterans, Texas Homeland Defense Medal, military, commemorative recognition, transportation code, claims assistance, disability benefits, court representation, legal services, naming, commemoration, local honor

Transcript Highlights:

• Employment services.
• Could be employment, could be child care, and recognize their service as well.
• Transitioning service members here.
• The service database would act as a casework.
• In 2023, military service members were added to that provision.

Bills: SB651, SB897, SB1814, SB1818

Keywords: SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome you all to the 21st hearing of the Joint Committee on Public Service in the 194th
• Chair Brady, Chair Ryan, and members of the Joint Committee on Public Service...
• This was a tragic accident that occurred while he was giving back to the fire service.
• I chuckle at times when, in passing, I'm thanked for my service as a representative.
• I chuckle because service for us is our job.

Bills: S3051, H5380, H5384, H5389, H5420, H5428, H5427, H5429, H5435

Keywords: retirement benefits, police officer, surviving spouse, pension, public service, police chief, deputy police chief, civil service exemption, local governance, Medford, H5384, Craig Riley, Haverhill, firefighter, fire department, civil service, civil service examination, maximum age requirement, age waiver, age exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• whereas, as a Cheyenne Peace Chief and Marine Corps veteran, Harvey Pratt lived an exemplary life of service
• permanent collections from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian to the National Park Service
• And I had a deep, deep respect for him in his long service. He had a talent.

Bills: SR34

Keywords: recognition, Harvey Pratt, forensic art, legacy, public service

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, pledges, and several floor introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, and Psychologist of the Day. Members also welcomed the Dover High School boys basketball team, which was honored for winning the Class B-2 state championship and the first basketball title in school history after a 30-2 season; coaches and a team representative briefly thanked the Senate for the recognition. The chamber then considered Senate Resolution 34 honoring the late Harvey Pratt, a longtime OSBI employee, Cheyenne Peace Chief, Marine Corps veteran, and artist known for his forensic work and public memorials. Senator Weaver spoke in support, praised Pratt’s legacy and service, and announced that the new OSBI building at the Chesapeake Complex is planned to be named for him if the family approves. The resolution was adopted unanimously, and members were made coauthors by unanimous consent. The remainder of the session featured multiple gallery introductions for Edmond Day at the Capitol, including Leadership Edmond and several Edmond-area state champions: Edmond Memorial and Edmond North palm squads, Edmond North boys powerlifting, individual wrestling and swimming champions, and Edmond Memorial volleyball champions. Senator Jett also introduced visiting OSU students and TeamPack participants. The only announced action after introductions was a reminder about a gubernatorial debate that evening, followed by adjournment until Tuesday, March 31 at 1:30 p.m.