Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...and driving the cost of living up once again, or potentially once again in the state of Washington
• So first we will start with Jerry Cornfield from the Washington State Standard. Good morning.
• Youth Alliance, Team Child, the Washington State Democrats, and Pro-Choice Washington.
• We had net positive immigration into the state of Washington.
• And next we will go to Jake Goldstein Street from the Washington State Standard. Thanks, Kim.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: Senate and House Republican leaders used the media availability to focus on affordability and to criticize the Democratic majority’s newly released income tax proposal. Leaders John Braun and Drew Stokesbary argued the plan would raise costs, harm small and medium-sized businesses, and fail to deliver meaningful tax relief elsewhere. They said the bill’s marriage penalty, lack of loss carryforward, and treatment of pass-through entities were especially problematic, and they warned it could eventually expand beyond high earners. They also cited other pending measures they said would increase costs, including taxes or fees affecting insurance, tires, clothing, social media, cigarettes, and solid waste. A major portion of the discussion centered on Republican-hosted listening sessions on the initiatives, which they said were intended to provide balanced public testimony after Democrats declined to advance hearings. House Republicans said they invited speakers both for and against the initiatives, including a wide range of opponents, and emphasized that the sessions were meant to show the public a fair debate. They also discussed several policy bills they oppose, including housing and homelessness measures they said would limit local control near schools and parks, and a bill creating a regulatory framework for automated license plate readers, which they said still raises concerns for cities and law enforcement despite some improvements. In response to questions, Republicans said they support funding for public defense but believe it should be handled within existing budget priorities rather than through an income tax. They also said they are watching bills on government fraud oversight, SNAP restrictions on unhealthy foods, and public safety, including measures related to sexually violent predators and child safety. Throughout the event, leaders repeatedly framed their agenda as protecting affordability and public safety while opposing what they described as tax increases and regulations that would make life more expensive in Washington.

Transcript Highlights:

• And bless us as we make our way to the historic chamber, remembering the legacy of George Washington
• Uh, we have a presentation from our state archivist in the old Senate chamber.
• Jillian Dugan from Washington County, District 2, a student at North Hagertown High School.
• </c><00:09:10.480><c> House</c><00:09:10.720><c> Bill</c> Energy, and the Environment.
• House Bill Energy, and the Environment.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Witnesses, please state your name for the record.
• to have a program like LifeWise Academy in your state.
• And it is State Senator Derek Shepard.
• So we're not having any conflicts with church and state.
• No, I'm just giving you examples of state-issued. State-issued or state-recognized credential.

Bills: HCR97 , HR168 , SCR33 , SB112 , SB346 , SB347 , SB353 , SB488 , SB504 , SB507 , SB518

Committee: House Education

Keywords: hunting education, firearm safety, outdoor recreation, curriculum, youth education, conservation, collegiate athletics, funding, name image likeness, revenue sharing, NCAA compliance, student-athlete support, financial sustainability, work-based learning, task force, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, cooperative education, co-op

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a number of other states that are doing this.
• There are a number of other states that are doing this.
• It does not affect any. ...all this information to the state data center.
• Obviously, we as a state can't force federal corrections to give us information.
• And, you know, I've been in most jails across the state.

Bills: HB4272 , HB3277 , HB3148 , HB3651 , HB3323 , HB4287 , HB4105 , HB3304 , HB3345

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: HB4272, vessel title, boat title, outboard motor, marine title, certificate of title, uniform certificate of title for vessels act, Service Oklahoma, boat registration, watercraft, hull identification number, hull damaged, title brand, secured party, lien perfection, electronic title, paper title, dealer licensing, boat dealer, marine enforcement

Summary: The Public Safety Committee heard several bills related to vehicle titling and VIN inspection procedures. House Bill 4272, by Representative Miller, would create a formal certificate of titling system for boats and vessels in Oklahoma to document ownership and reduce fraud; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3277, a cleanup bill on VIN inspections and salvage vehicles, clarified who may perform inspections and added salvage pools as authorized entities; it passed 7-0. House Bill 3148 made additional changes to the VIN inspection process, including salvage pool language and anti-fraud protections, and also passed 7-0. House Bill 3323 removed notarization requirements for documents submitted electronically to Service Oklahoma and passed 7-0. House Bill 4105 clarified exemptions under the Oklahoma Security Guard Act and passed 6-0. House Bill 3304, renamed the Ray Davis Safe Roads Act, requires Service Oklahoma to check the methamphetamine database before issuing commercial driver licenses and passed 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 4287, which would change how incarcerated people are counted for legislative apportionment by using their last residence rather than the prison location. Supporters argued it would create more equal representation and address a historical anomaly, while opponents said it would disconnect incarcerated constituents from the districts that currently represent them and could affect rural representation. After debate, the bill failed 4-5 and remained in committee. House Bill 3345, a Department of Mental Health bill, would expand pretrial behavioral health and substance use screening services to any charge, felony or misdemeanor, to help identify diversion opportunities earlier and support treatment referrals. Testimony emphasized that the screenings would be done by certified local contractors at no cost to county jails and would help courts, prosecutors, and defense counsel. The bill received a 4-4 vote but was reported out as a due pass. The committee then laid over House Bill 315 until the following week and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, three states have banned it so far, and then, but I think it's been a part of a broader group Of
• Follow up: Do you know what three states those might be? Thank you for asking that.
• Follow up: Do you know what the results of those might have been from those three states?
• In those states without that practice, they are not. Follow up 104% increase.
• Senate Bill 2067 will update as Other states have already done the process of a state law so that financial

Bills: SB1303 , SB1343 , SB1435 , SB1438 , SB1444 , SB1641 , SB1765 , SB1916 , SB2067

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act

Transcript Highlights:

• A question would be: Has there been any state that has banned credit scoring and seen their rates decreased
• So three states have banned it so far. But I think it's been a part of a broader group of reforms.
• Follow-up: Do you know what three states those might be? Yeah, thank you for asking that.
• Follow-up: Do you know what the results of those might have been from those three states?
• Senate Bill 2067 will update, as other states have already done, the process of a state law so that financial

Bills: SB1303 , SB1343 , SB1435 , SB1438 , SB1444 , SB1641 , SB1765 , SB1916 , SB2067

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act

Summary: The Business and Insurance committee met and first announced that several bills—1765, 1916, 1438, and 1444—would be laid over. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1303, which repeals an obsolete workers’ compensation advisory commission that members said is no longer needed after the state moved to a commission-based system; it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 1641 followed, clarifying that annual renewal notices for certain business certifications may be sent to the last known email address of record; it also passed 9-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1435, a property insurance measure responding to rising premiums. The author argued it would prohibit insurers from using credit scores in premium rating, citing examples of large rate differences tied to credit rather than driving or property risk. Members questioned whether banning credit scoring would shift costs to other policyholders, but the bill passed 5-3 after the title was struck. Senate Bill 1343, an optometry-related bill intended to ensure vision plan organizations and optometrists follow existing regulatory rules, drew questions about discounts and incentives but was described as not changing the current framework; it passed 8-1. Finally, Senate Bill 2067 was heard to help financial institutions more effectively report suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and share information with Adult Protective Services or law enforcement more quickly. The author said the bill would remove legal barriers and improve scam prevention, especially for older adults. It passed unanimously 9-0. The chair then adjourned the meeting, noting the next meetings would be longer.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> please state your name for the record. please state your name for the record.
• </c> Please state your name for the record. Please state your name for the record.
• </c> Please state your name for the record. Please state your name for the record.
• </c> this is so important for our state. this is so important for our state.
• </c><00:42:38.960><c> I'm</c> of our state. My name is Jenny Mojo. I'm of our state.

Bills: HF2080 , HF356 , HF1968 , HF228 , HF569 , HF603 , HF692 , HF1455 , HF2224 , HF1361

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: contamination, water supply, municipal bonds, environmental mitigation, city funding, Sauk Rapids, PFAS contamination, drinking water, pollution control, bond issuance, Cokato, capital investment, school infrastructure, state bonds, HF228, Lakes Area Police Commission, Lindstrom, Chisago City, regional training facility, public safety facility

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:38.200><c> of</c> Bennett bad news for all the state of Bennett bad news for all the state
• </c><00:45:35.079><c> of</c> fourth largest city in the state of fourth largest city in the state of
• </c><00:52:51.880><c> your</c> representative vaji please state your representative vaji please state
• </c> seeking 4 million ion in state seeking 4 million ion in state assistance<01:05:58.000><c> to</c>
• </c> and without assistance from the state and without assistance from the state we're<01:12:36.040><

Bills: HF458 , HF459 , HF461 , HF449 , HF450 , HF965 , HF1280 , HF612 , HF615 , HF616 , HF622 , HF650 , HF651 , HF1045 , HF972 , HF851 , HF644 , HF1050

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: HF458, Henderson, water treatment facility, drinking water, municipal water, public infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, bonding bill, Public Facilities Authority, water distribution system, well connection, local government grant, Minnesota capital budget, HF459, Carver levee, City of Carver, levee restoration, flood control, flood mitigation

Transcript Highlights:

• Beyond offshore wind being a renewable energy source that helps our state reach its climate goals and
• in the state.
• developing clean energy resources here or trying to make, hoping to make future investments in the state
• My name is Kat Burnham, and I'm senior principal at Advanced Energy United and our Massachusetts state
• It uses dirty energy, should produce less energy for use; it uses more... ...energy for use.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative. The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs. Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, different states have different needs.
• in other states in other parts of our country by avoiding top-down mandates from Washington and giving
• We passed a law in the state of Ohio to do rural broadband with state money.
• Is this the one between Oregon and Washington?
• State over to my state, skipping the state in between. Quite a bridge.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: surface transportation, infrastructure reauthorization, bipartisan collaboration, safety, federal programs, funding challenges, bureaucracy, transportation needs, critical projects, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Discussions centered around key principles aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the transportation network, reforming federal programs for efficiency, and addressing the diverse transportation needs across various states. Members emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and ensure timely funding for critical infrastructure projects. There were also notable conversations about specific projects and funding challenges, reflecting the urgency for action and commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, development for Washington State is complex and very diverse.
• state strategic plan that actively engaged... ...drawing upon this type of Washington State strategic
• The first, Wailed 397, sponsored by Representative Penner, requires the Washington State Department of
• I think this Senate bill is a simple and important idea that if you were in the uniform, Washington State
• State or to add to our supply chain resilience. ...or grown in Washington State, or to add to our supply

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6289, which would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan by June 30, 2027, with updates every five years. Senator Kaufman said the bill is intended to create a more intentional, coordinated, data-driven statewide strategy to support businesses of all sizes and sectors. Supporters from the Washington Economic Development Association and the Department of Commerce said the plan is needed to align regional and local efforts, improve competitiveness, and address challenges such as capital access, infrastructure gaps, tariffs, and AI-related disruption. Both Commerce and WEDA supported moving the update cycle from two years to five years, and Commerce said the change would save money and help reduce the fiscal impact. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6149, which would expand the definition of a rural county for public facilities funding and related programs to include counties with population density of 100 or more people per square mile if they have no city larger than 45,000 people. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to preserve rural eligibility for counties like Cowlitz as cities grow, so they do not lose access to grants and loans that support economic development. Members raised questions about how the new definition would affect counties and whether it would better capture rural areas within larger counties, but no testimony opposed the bill. In executive session, the committee considered three bills. For Senate Bill 5420, concerning access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, the committee adopted a striking amendment that broadened some eligibility language, including changing a reference from physical to medical discharge and updating employment preference provisions, then advanced the bill by a 12-0 vote with one excused. For Senate Bill 5649, creating a Supply Chain Competitiveness Infrastructure Program, members began debate on amendments that would add WSDOT scoring criteria favoring Washington-made or Washington-grown goods and limit grants and loans to projects not already eligible for Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding. The committee also reviewed several amendments to the AI companion chatbot bill, including narrowing educational and gaming exclusions, adding protections around age inference and manipulative engagement techniques, and limiting data collection; one amendment was withdrawn before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:01:18.680><c> interests</c> states and DEP protect State interests states and DEP protect State
• </c> Washington and and Washington DC Washington and and Washington DC exploded<01:33:08.320><c> second
• And had a national discussion about what Washington should do and what's best left at the state, or what's
• </c> one state one voice I'm sorry one state one state one voice I'm sorry one state one<02:41:53.920
• other George Washington bestowed on you<02:42:41.080><c> our</c><02:42:41.359><c> state</c><02:42:41.920

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• clear out trash on state property.
• If we were a state park, we would be the oldest state park in the state.
• It’s a 160-acre state property.
• into the state property.
• State of California.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or a red state, is an American... ...regardless of whether you live in a blue state or a red state,
• We saw it in red states like Texas when they had flooding.
• Welcome to our State Capitol.
• Ryan Taylor, California State FFA reporter. Tessa Camacho, California State FFA reporter.
• Department of Energy, where he received a commendation from then Vice President Al Gore for his energy-saving

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a largely ceremonial floor session with multiple guest introductions and recognitions. Members honored the retirement of long-serving committee secretary Marisa Lancaster, recognized Assemblymember Rubio’s parents on her mother’s 80th birthday, welcomed school and agency guests, and celebrated Crescenta Valley Water District’s 75th anniversary. The body also adopted several resolutions recognizing Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and California FFA, with strong bipartisan support and co-author additions. The main policy item was AJR 27, a resolution urging federal disaster aid for Los Angeles-area wildfire recovery, especially the Palisades and Eaton fires. Supporters from both parties emphasized the need for immediate, unconditional federal assistance for displaced residents, businesses, and communities still rebuilding, while some Republicans argued the state and local governments should move faster on permitting, recovery, and mitigation and criticized state spending priorities. After debate, the resolution was opened for co-authors and then adopted on a 68-0 roll call vote. The Assembly also adopted ACR 133 on Girl Day by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, ACR 138 honoring FFA with 73 co-authors and voice adoption, and ACR 136 on Engineers Week with 69 co-authors and unanimous consent on the consent calendar. The chamber then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Juan Antonio Pacheco and Paul L. McAiley, and adjourned until Monday, March 2, at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Credit card debt in the United States has now surpassed $1.3 trillion.
• At this point, 12 states have already banned the use of cueing as a method.
• Forty other states, Mr.
• Since 2013, several states have had some form of literacy requirements.
• Several states have passed some form of literacy requirements.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several procedural orders early in the session, including extending the reporting deadline for the Housing Committee on H.4655 and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a petition seeking to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications. It then advanced three Ways and Means bills on education-related topics: personal financial literacy education (H.4670), expanded access to the state seal of biliteracy (H.4671), and teacher preparation and student literacy (H.4672), each moving through amendment adoption and third reading or engrossment procedures. A major portion of the meeting focused on H.4670, which would require personal financial literacy instruction in middle and high school and establish a financial literacy trust fund for curriculum and teacher training. Members spoke in support, emphasizing budgeting, credit, student loans, and long-term financial planning, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a 154-0 roll call. H.4671, which broadens access to the seal of biliteracy for students in public and private schools, also drew support and passed to be engrossed 155-0. The most extensive debate centered on H.4672, a literacy bill requiring evidence-based reading instruction, DESE-approved curricula or approved local alternatives, screening and progress monitoring, professional development, and related implementation measures. Members described concerns about declining reading scores and argued for a shift away from three-cueing toward phonics-based, science-of-reading approaches. Several amendments were considered: a proposal to change intervention language from “significantly” to “at risk of falling behind” failed, while amendments adding funding language, stakeholder collaboration, and other implementation details were adopted. One amendment clarifying that pictures may be used as a supplement in literacy curricula was also adopted, and the bill ultimately passed to be engrossed 155-0. The House also observed moments of silence for former Judge Leslie Harris, former Representative Mark Carron, and former Representative Dennis Rosa, and adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just yesterday, a United States citizen, a mother, a poet, and a community member of Minneapolis,
• It's referred to the committee on natural resources and energy.
• Energy. Energy.
• energy energy S225<00:09:13.519><c> an</c><00:09:13.680><c> act</c><00:09:13.920><c> relating</c><00
• Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Finance will meet at 1:30.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure we had good citizens in our state in the United States.
• </c> that is a key priority across the state. that is a key priority across the state.
• state is like, "Oh, yeah."
• </c><01:42:05.040><c> state</c> but a kid in Washington state but a kid in Washington state is<01:42:
• I want us states in the nation.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H716 to Energy and Digital Infrastructure.
• </c> to energy and digital infrastructure. to energy and digital infrastructure.
• </c> representative Mari Cordis to the state representative Mari Cordis to the state house.<00:12:02.640
• They're visiting to the state house.
• </c><00:30:39.919><c> County</c> programs officer at Washington County programs officer at Washington

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Jeff Fawcett, and I serve as fire chief here in Washington State, and I also represent the Washington
• Fire Chiefs and all the fire chiefs in Washington State.
• Washington State does not have a unified court system.
• They have attorneys in all four corners of Washington State, and they feel...
• If adopted, Washington State would be the first state in the nation to adopt this bill.

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 so it could be heard that day. It then took public testimony on House Bill 2248, a technical cleanup bill affecting Secretary of State corporate and nonprofit filings, trademarks, foreign entities, and apostille procedures. The prime sponsor said the bill makes no policy changes or fee increases, while the Secretary of State’s office supported it as a clarification measure. One testifier raised concerns about multiple LLCs and transparency in manufactured home communities, asking for stronger oversight and verification. The committee then heard engrossed substitute House Bill 2508, which expands the Office of Independent Investigations’ jurisdiction over deadly-force and related non-deadly-force incidents, broadens notification and records access requirements, and exempts certain records from disclosure. The sponsor and OII testified in support, emphasizing that the bill clarifies authority and procedures; members asked about how far back investigations could go, and staff confirmed there was no time limit for deadly-force cases under the bill. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2203, creating the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving around closures on hazardous roadways. The sponsor described it as a response to flood and disaster rescues, and fire chiefs supported it as a safety and accountability measure. Defense attorneys opposed it as unnecessary and disproportionate, warning of criminal penalties, license suspensions, restitution, and fiscal costs for conduct they viewed as more appropriately handled civilly. Next, Second Substitute House Bill 1909 proposed a Court Unification Task Force to study inefficiencies and inequities in Washington’s fragmented court system; the sponsor and a legal aid attorney supported it as an access-to-justice reform, while the committee noted a large number of signed-in opponents. Finally, engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 would create a rebuttable presumption of negligence for drivers who injure or kill vulnerable road users in designated areas, along with education requirements and damages provisions. Supporters, including a widow, bicycling advocates, and a bike commuter, said it would improve accountability and help injured people who cannot easily prove fault; opponents from cities, trucking, and defense groups argued it would expand litigation, create liability and fee-shifting problems, and go beyond existing negligence law. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and advanced several bills. Substitute House Bill 2158 received a do pass recommendation. Substitute House Bill 2239, concerning family burial grounds on private property, was amended to increase a setback from public rights-of-way and easements and then received a do pass recommendation as amended. Substitute House Bill 2178 on court rules and procedures also received a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2543 on county clerk fees was advanced despite concerns about fee increases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 on false identification as a peace officer was amended to clarify intent and then passed out of committee. The committee also adopted an amendment to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on firearm manufacturing, including a change allowing certain digital code and manufacturing activity for repair purposes, and discussed another amendment removing some possession prohibitions for personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington are using the Residential Building Code to accelerate
• Cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington are using the residential building code to accelerate
• and into the residential code.
• code.
• In addition, state cooling centers are paid for by state and local communities.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development heard a long agenda focused mainly on housing production, higher education facilities, homelessness, and permitting reform. Early items included AB 6, which would direct HCD to convene a working group on allowing three- to ten-unit “missing middle” housing to be built under the Residential Code rather than the Building Code; AB 48, a higher education bond proposal that would fund campus repairs, modernization, disaster recovery, and student/employee housing; and AB 76, which would clarify a Chula Vista university innovation district exemption so the project can include academic buildings and housing without conflicting with surplus land rules. Supporters emphasized affordability, cost savings, student housing needs, and access to education, while members raised questions about implementation, affordability requirements, and project scope. The committee later took votes on these items, with AB 6, AB 48, and AB 76 all moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Members also heard AB 595, which would create a state homeownership tax credit pilot to support affordable for-sale housing. The author and supporters argued that California’s homeownership rate is at historic lows and that the bill would help close racial wealth gaps by financing homes working families can buy. The committee approved AB 595 and sent it to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including several other housing-related bills, was also approved unanimously. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act of 2025, which would require ongoing state investment and a financing plan to address homelessness and housing affordability. The author and witnesses described the scale of homelessness, the limits of one-time funding, and the need for sustained, accountable funding streams. After testimony from housing advocates and people with lived experience, the committee passed AB 1165 on a 10-0 vote to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 609, a CEQA reform bill that would create a simplified exemption for qualifying infill housing projects in already developed areas. Supporters framed it as a targeted way to reduce delays and costs for housing near jobs and transit, while opponents from environmental justice, labor, and tribal groups warned it could reduce public participation, weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, and create consultation concerns for tribal cultural resources. The author said the bill would not change zoning or affordability tools and would continue to work with opponents on amendments. The bill was moved forward after extensive discussion, with members noting ongoing negotiations on tribal consultation and labor concerns.