Transcript Highlights:

• So just to start, Haley and Brian did a great job showing you where the budget was when you left town
• So the governor funds an additional DOL mobile office system that can go out to rural communities, roll
• And then the budget also restores funding for regional mobility grants in the out biennium.
• to go truck or the mobile licensing truck.
• That's not just jobs on the river. That's farmers, truck drivers, maritime labor, and more.

Bills: SB6005

Keywords: transportation budget, transportation appropriations, capital budget, supplemental budget, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferries, Puget Sound ferries, tolling, express toll lanes, highway safety, traffic safety, impaired driving, ignition interlock, speed cameras, transit funding, public transit, multimodal transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on January 13, 2026, for a work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental transportation budget and a public hearing on Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation appropriations bill. Committee staff reviewed the current transportation budget, recent revenue forecasts, and the impact of the 2025 session’s new revenues and spending plan. They noted that fuel-tax-related forecasts were revised downward, while Climate Commitment Act revenues were revised upward in the near term but are expected to decline over time. The governor’s proposal was described as balancing over the six-year horizon and adding about $3.1 billion in bond-backed resources, including major preservation funding, three new ferries, maintenance, and support for other transportation accounts and agencies. Governor’s staff said the budget prioritizes preservation because of bridge deterioration, pavement needs, ferry fleet aging, and maintenance backlogs. They highlighted funding for bridge replacement and rehabilitation, paving, slope stabilization, culverts, maintenance, ferry vessel purchases and preservation, county road grant startup costs, State Patrol communications equipment, Department of Licensing mobile services and call center modernization, Columbia River dredging, bridge-strike analysis, and restoration of regional mobility grants. Committee members asked about electric vehicle adoption effects on fuel revenues, the self-insurance account, ferry vessel size and dock compatibility, and whether DOL mobile offices would be limited to rural areas. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s budget emphasis on preservation and maintenance. Cities, counties, contractors, business groups, ports, ferry users, and labor representatives backed investments in roads, bridges, ferries, dredging, and local access services, while urging more funding and better support for workers and equipment. Some witnesses argued the system is underfunded and fragile, while one testifier urged restraint and questioned the reliability of dedicated revenues. Other testimony called for continued support for COFA REAL ID assistance, Confluence Parkway in Wenatchee, and greater use of Climate Commitment Act funds for rail and port electrification. No votes were taken; the hearing on SB 6005 concluded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• bonds issued over a 40-year period would make Sound Transit, or the RTA, ineligible for regional mobility
• advantage of authority established by the federal government in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
• This approach will help ensure real mobility for this generation of Washingtonians and for the next,

Bills: SB5750, SB6148

Keywords: electric vehicles, charging fees, state facilities, sustainability, infrastructure, regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5690, the committee heard staff explain that WSDOT would be required to give utility owners advance notice of planned fish barrier removal projects and Dig Once projects, seek federal funding for utility relocation costs when available, and report back to the Legislature by December 15, 2026. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, sewer and water districts, PUDs, and a remote testifier, said the bill would help utilities plan for costly relocations and potentially reduce impacts on ratepayers. WSDOT said it supported the intent but raised concerns about the bill’s fiscal impact and whether federal funding for these costs is still available. The public hearing closed with testimony recorded as 46 in favor and none opposed. The committee then heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5746, which would create or continue an advisory process within the state’s EV Coordinating Council to address property crime affecting EV charging infrastructure. Staff said the bill is substantively the same as a version previously passed by the Senate, with technical updates, and would require recommendations, reporting, and limited confidentiality protections for proprietary information. The prime sponsor argued that vandalism and theft at charging stations undermine public infrastructure and that the bill would bring together relevant stakeholders. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with one recorded opponent. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5750, which would authorize state facilities to charge privately owned electric vehicles a fee for electricity and deposit the revenue into the motor vehicle fund. The sponsor said the bill would make charging at state facilities fairer by recovering costs from private EV users, rather than providing free fuel. Staff noted the bill is permissive and that fiscal impacts and revenue would be indeterminate. The hearing closed with strong support and a small amount of opposition recorded. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6148, which would increase the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years, affecting Sound Transit. Supporters, including Sound Transit and transit advocates, said the longer term would align with federal financing rules, help manage cash flow, and accelerate delivery of long-lived infrastructure such as tunnels and bridges without raising taxes. Opponents argued the bill would increase long-term debt costs and shift burdens to future generations, and questioned Sound Transit’s financial management. The hearing closed with substantial pro and con testimony recorded, and the committee adjourned after the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• This diverse ecosystem not only supports job creation but also enhances the overall economic stability
• bill ensures that public safety employees are protected during their recovery process and that their jobs
• Essentially, this means that these essential employees will have job protection while they recover from
• Hopefully, the Senate will do their job. We have trouble getting them to do that, but I close.
• Being a parent is a full-time job on top of education and a career. ...but these hard-working families

Bills: HB1654, HB1691, HB2545, HB2652, HB3799, HB4144, HB5008

Keywords: peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized

Transcript Highlights:

• In Winona alone, according to DEED, we have 499 open jobs today.
• As I stated earlier, we have 499 open jobs here.
• With 530 students and 499 open jobs, the math works.
• , and then loses their job.
• It can sometimes take a long time to find a new job.

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:06.560><c> that</c> of the Northstar promise to jobs that of the Northstar promise to jobs
• why. 530 students and 499 open jobs.
• </c> and 499 open jobs. The math is it works. and 499 open jobs. The math is it works.
• They should have a job when they graduate, but there also should be that the job that the student goes
• their job, and it can sometimes take a long time to find a new job.

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:14.319><c> market</c> skills needed for evolving job market skills needed for evolving job
• job because I'm taking classes.
• naturally lead to a relevant job but naturally lead to a relevant job but that's<00:29:06.840><c> not
• </c><00:29:49.240><c> Pipeline</c> most critical piece in a job Pipeline most critical piece in a job
• </c><00:42:55.040><c> available</c> 990,000 jobs so a lot of jobs available 990,000 jobs so a lot of

Bills: HF1936, HF849, HF989, HF1130, HF1223, HF1907, HF1847, HF1957

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise

Transcript Highlights:

• of the producers's parent company, a list of financial assistance received, goals for a number of jobs
• those goals, including equity hiring goals as well, wage goals and progress in achieving goals for jobs
• 00:03:50.239><c> created</c><00:03:50.640><c> in</c><00:03:50.879><c> progress</c> for a number of jobs
• created in progress for a number of jobs created in progress in<00:03:51.440><c> achieving</c><00:03
• created or maintained by the for jobs created or maintained by the producer<00:04:02.159><c> board</

Bills: HF858, HF2577, HF2576

Keywords: bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It also enables automatic mobility for CPAs.
• It also enables automatic mobility for CPAs.
• It also enables automatic mobility for CPAs.
• ><c> and</c> We value on-the-job training and We value on-the-job training and mentoring<00:18:05.080
• </c> jobs, 13% of the workforce. jobs, 13% of the workforce.

Bills: HF1458, HF2063, HF2164, HF1377, HF927, HF1059, HF1910, HF2232

Keywords: CPA, certified public accountant, public accounting, accountancy, licensure, license mobility, substantial equivalency, interstate practice, out-of-state accountant, NASBA, Uniform CPA Examination, board of accountancy, attest services, audit, tax preparation, financial advisory, consulting, accounting education, master's degree, bachelor's degree

Transcript Highlights:

• assistance would support projects that attract private investment, develop infrastructure, and create jobs
• cities by providing financial assistance for projects that it. track private investment and create jobs
• Unfortunately, a large sawmill providing hundreds of jobs and servicing timberland owners, logging crews
• mobile devices, which is the only thing you've got with you most of the time.
• It's a good bill, and I think Victoria did a good job of laying it out, so I won't waste your time.

Bills: HB2564, HB2760, HB2765, HB2898, HB3260, HB3800, HB4341, HB4396, HB5195

Keywords: Defense Economic Adjustment, grant applications, economic assistance, local government, Evaluation panel, judicial review, Texas Workforce Commission, unemployment compensation, legal proceedings, labor law, rural development, infrastructure, Texas economic fund, private investment, job creation, meteorological evaluation towers, wind resources, aviation safety, regulations, construction notice

Transcript Highlights:

• Without a reliable address, it's difficult to find a job.
• Mobility programs, in addition to economic stability programs.
• Then we can calculate what folks need to come in with as a goal job.
• So do they not receive money until they get the new job to base that?
• Criminal records also prevent people from accessing jobs as well as housing.

Bills: H5085, H5286

Keywords: poverty alleviation, family support, economic mobility, youth transition, financial education, matched savings, community programs, Department of Children and Families, DCF, child abuse investigation, child neglect, pediatrician, advanced practice registered nurse, medical misdiagnosis, rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, bone fragility, child welfare

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing on miscellaneous bills, including H. 5286, which would require DCF to consult a medical professional when a parent presents evidence of a pre-existing diagnosis that could explain symptoms mistaken for abuse or neglect. Representative Brian Mario said the bill would give DCF another tool in difficult cases. Jennifer Fernandes testified about her family’s experience with her grandson being removed after doctors initially suspected a skull fracture that later proved unfounded, saying the bill could help prevent similar outcomes. Committee members expressed sympathy and indicated interest in further discussion. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H. 5085/S. 3095, the omnibus “An Act Significantly Alleviating Poverty.” Supporters described the bill as a comprehensive anti-poverty package built from the Poverty Commission’s work, combining higher cash assistance grants, matched savings, baby bonds, a guaranteed stipend for youth aging out of foster care, expanded tax credits, language access, clean slate record sealing, and worker protections. Senator Eldridge, Senator Miranda, Representative Decker, and many advocates argued that poverty is tied to housing instability, child welfare involvement, health harms, and racial and gender inequities, and that the bill would help families meet basic needs, build wealth, and reduce the benefits cliff. Witnesses from social service, legal aid, labor, immigrant advocacy, and public health groups strongly supported the bill’s provisions. Several focused on specific sections: child support pass-through and a broader good-cause exception for TAFDC recipients; extending the state EITC to ITIN filers; creating baby bonds and matched savings programs; automating criminal record sealing; improving language access at state agencies; and ending the subminimum wage for farm workers. Former foster youth and service providers said the guaranteed stipend would help young adults avoid homelessness and transition more safely into adulthood. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly noted the limited time and encouraged written testimony and follow-up conversations.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said, "You know, Naomi and I have good jobs. We can afford to do this.
• A licensure within the compact should not be required for a job, like if a law firm said you had to be
• Why do we want to put that in statute that a job shouldn't require a particular license?
• Chair, Senator, that job could still say you need to be licensed in New Mexico and Texas and Arizona.
• They have done an honorable job. Thank you, and thank you for recognizing them.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, if we really wanted to make DPS's job easier, we could repeal the Fourth Amendment, but we,
• So it may make their job tougher. So what? We as Texas citizens do not care.
• individuals with disabilities in the state of Texas, with a focus on disabled veterans and people with mobility

Bills: HB 408, HB 787, HB 1029, HB 1126, HB 1136, HB 1607

Keywords: cultural attractions, highway signs, Texas Department of Transportation, travel guidance, Museum of the Big Bend, traffic control, tourism, sunscreening devices, motor vehicle, judicial specialty license plate, vehicle safety, Texas Transportation Code, disability, parking, Governor's Committee, mobility impairment, disabled veterans, legislative recommendations, license plates, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Mart. local leaders and champions mobilizing local leaders and champions mobilizing private<00:19:59.960
• </c> years but the growth of child care jobs years but the growth of child care jobs right<00:29:00.519
• skills training, career counseling, and job placement.
• </c><01:38:36.280><c> interview</c> always floss before a job interview always floss before a job interview
• </c><01:38:58.360><c> Training</c> director of Anoka County Job Training director of Anoka County Job

Bills: HF2582, HF2266, HF2518, HF2039, HF1941

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• Without a reliable address, it's difficult to find a job.
• By that, I mean access to good, well-paying union job opportunities.
• And then we can calculate, folks need to come in with a goal job.
• So do they not receive money until they get the new job to base that?
• Criminal records also prevent people from accessing jobs as well as housing.

Bills: H5085, H5286

Keywords: poverty alleviation, family support, economic mobility, youth transition, financial education, matched savings, community programs, Department of Children and Families, DCF, child abuse investigation, child neglect, pediatrician, advanced practice registered nurse, medical misdiagnosis, rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, bone fragility, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Hired graduates better understand the job and are more job ready.
• </c><01:02:24.279><c> on</c> preparing them for operator jobs on preparing them for operator jobs on
• and are more better understand the job and are more job<01:02:44.200><c> ready</c><01:02:45.200><c>
• job ready hired organizes training Outreach<01:02:47.520><c> job</c><01:02:47.799><c> Readiness</c><
• </c><01:03:07.359><c> retention</c> additionally hirs pilot job retention additionally hirs pilot job

Bills: HF500, HF718, HF1096, HF1246, HF1469

Keywords: nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, workforce development, job training, economic stability, low-income, career pathways, education funding, Summit Academy, employment, STEM programming, GED preparation, Neighborhood Development Center, NDC, small business, entrepreneurship, business training

Bills: HB408, HB787, HB 1029, HB 1126, HB 1136, HB1607

Keywords: cultural attractions, highway signs, Texas Department of Transportation, travel guidance, Museum of the Big Bend, traffic control, tourism, sunscreening devices, motor vehicle, judicial specialty license plate, vehicle safety, Texas Transportation Code, disability, parking, Governor's Committee, mobility impairment, disabled veterans, legislative recommendations, license plates, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• That's also what protects the local economy and jobs tied to tourists on both sides of the border.
• General flagged serious concerns about lack of transparency, accountability, verification of data and job

Bills: HB2746, HB2751, HB2752, HB2753

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona competes fund, economic development, fund repeal, state finances, state appropriations, Arizona Commerce Authority, job creation, business incentives, commerce authority, public-private partnership, business regulation, Arizona governance, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that's our job. That's what we're supposed to be doing here in the legislature.

Bills: SB540, HB1085, HB1484

Keywords: dentist, dental hygienist, dentistry, dental hygiene, licensure compact, interstate compact, professional licensing, license portability, health workforce, workforce shortage, mobility, compact privilege, state licensing board, public health, public safety, military spouse, telehealth dentistry, reciprocity, Title 59, occupational licensing

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and several introductions, including the nurse of the day and student guests. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 540, a Department of Defense-request compact bill creating a dental/dental hygienist licensure compact. The author and supporters said it would improve reciprocity and help military spouses and workforce needs without lowering Oklahoma standards, while several senators raised concerns about sovereignty, rulemaking authority, potential enforcement actions, and possible costs. After debate, the bill passed 35-12. The Senate next considered House Bill 1085, which would standardize and adjust the fee structure for the service contract industry. An amendment changing dates was adopted, and the bill passed 44-3. The chamber then heard House Bill 1484, a fentanyl education bill requiring instruction for students in grades 6-12 on the dangers and consequences of fentanyl exposure. The author described it as a response to rising fentanyl deaths and a tribute to a young victim; the bill was said to apply to school districts and, by understanding, private schools as well. It passed 47-9 and then passed as an emergency measure. Before adjournment, senators also introduced visiting students and family members affected by fentanyl, and members made announcements about an appropriations subcommittee meeting and a Farm Bureau of Women lunch. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, February 12th at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• When businesses cannot access capital, jobs are not created.
• When businesses cannot access<00:04:50.000><c> capital,</c><00:04:50.960><c> jobs</c><00:04:51.280><c
• </c> access capital, jobs are not created. access capital, jobs are not created.
• </c> hours or modification in job duties. hours or modification in job duties.
• </c> good job with that. So thank you. good job with that. So thank you.

Bills: HF3707, HF3732, HF2581, HF3731

Keywords: unemployment insurance, judicial officials, paid leave, economic development, worker protections, workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, grants, job creation, grant funding, revolving loan, underserved communities, disadvantaged groups, electrical licensing, installation, Class A installer, regulations, labor and industry, 1183

Summary: The committee first adopted the minutes from February 26 and then heard House File 2581, authored by Representative Frazier, which sought $1 million for Fortis Capital, a nonprofit economic development lender. Frazier and Fortis CEO Brian Smith described Fortis as a gap-financing lender that helps underserved entrepreneurs who cannot meet traditional bank underwriting standards. They said the organization has made 37 loans totaling more than $4 million since 2021, leveraged another $29.5 million, and created 314 jobs. Smith said Fortis typically charges around 6.5% interest, has had two defaults, and uses a revolving loan fund model that recycles repayments; members discussed how the proposal fits with other state economic development programs and whether Fortis should instead be part of a competitive grant process. The chair laid HF 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill. The committee then heard House File 3707, brought by Representative Berg, which would extend confidentiality protections to unemployment insurance and paid leave judges and related staff by adding them to the definition of judges for purposes of protecting personal information. Berg and testifiers from the Department of Economic Development and MAPE said the bill responds to harassment and safety concerns, including threats, doxxing, and an attack near an office, and is intended to protect people making sensitive determinations. MAPE supported the bill as an update to existing protections for similar workers. Members raised concerns that the bill’s language was too broad, especially the reference to the paid leave division, and questioned whether it should cover only judges or also call-center and other staff. Department and committee members agreed the language likely needed narrowing and discussed possible amendments and whether to move the bill to Judiciary and then revisit it. No final vote was taken on HF 3707 during the discussion, and the bill remained under consideration for further language work.

Transcript Highlights:

• If our members could thank our staff today for an amazing job they did.

Bills: SB6248, SB5976, SB6079, SB6250, SB6257, SB6289, SB6230, SB6312, SB6149, SGA9060, SGA9169, SGA9265, SGA9266

Keywords: travel insurance, travel protection plan, travel assistance services, cancellation fee waiver, travel retailer, travel administrator, limited lines producer, insurance producer license, blanket travel insurance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel medical coverage, emergency evacuation, repatriation, inland marine, premium tax, consumer protection, unfair trade practice, insurance commissioner, Washington RCW

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee met on cut-off day and first received a staff briefing on several gubernatorial appointments and bills, including travel insurance (SB 6248), false subject lines in commercial emails (SB 5976), wildfire mitigation grants and insurance underwriting limits (SB 6079), small loan principal limits (SB 6250), appraiser trainee licensing tolling (SB 6257), the statewide economic development strategic plan (SB 6289), cash transaction rounding to eliminate pennies (SB 6230), surveillance pricing in grocery stores, and a late-added proposed substitute on the definition of rural counties. Staff noted fiscal impacts where available and described proposed substitutes that adjusted effective dates, reporting requirements, eligibility, and other technical details. In executive session, the committee voted to recommend confirmation for gubernatorial appointments 9060 (Alicia Levy), 9169 (Michael Charles), 9265 (Brian Bennett), and 9266 (Noah Skartford). It then advanced SB 6248, SB 6079, SB 6250, SB 6257, SB 6289, SB 6230, and SB 6149 with due pass recommendations, sending most to Rules and SB 6079 to Ways and Means. SB 5976 was not considered, and SB 612 was removed from the agenda. Members and the chair closed by thanking committee staff, stakeholders, tribes, and those who testified in person or online during the short session. The committee then adjourned.