Video & Transcript : 'counties authority' :
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Senate Bill 1337 sd1 Stadium Authority Senate Bill 1337 sd1 Stadium Authority up<00:08:04.599><c
- Chris Sasu, Stadium Authority. Mr.
- </c> Mr Chris sasu deed Stadium Authority Mr Chris sasu deed Stadium Authority welcome<00:10:52.600><
- elections and the counties.
- uh</c> that kaii County and Maui County uh that kaii County and Maui County uh Council<01:21:26.760><
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted.
The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input.
The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/10/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #10
Transcript Highlights:
- assessor's authority to prorate the value of destroyed property for property tax purposes.
- Senate Bill 1294 Property Tax Assessment destroyed property creates clarifying changes regarding the county
- assessors authority to prorate the value of destroyed property creates clarifying changes regarding
- the county assessor's authority to prorate the value of changes regarding the county assessor's authority
- from distinguishing firearm retailers from other retailers, and requires the Attorney General or County
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long calendar of bills spanning health care, education, tax, elections, firearms, and public safety. HB 283, as amended, would require diabetes-related supplies and monitoring equipment to be covered for people with diabetes. SB 1126 would require schools to provide records and information to Department of Child Safety caseworkers and allow school employees to speak with DCS investigators; it was on consent, though some members said they wanted to study it further. SB 1210 would require certain out-of-state private postsecondary institutions to register with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to protect students, especially those taking online courses. SCR 1006, which would create causes of action related to restroom, changing facility, and pronoun policies in schools, drew strong opposition and was requested to be pulled from consent.
Several tax and property bills were discussed. HB 2308 would prohibit dental insurers from owning dental practices, and members noted the committee and Senate had not supported it. SB 1294 would clarify county assessors’ authority to prorate destroyed property for property tax purposes; members said they were still researching whether the bill was necessary. SB 1430, the Tax Corrections Act of 2026, would make technical tax changes and remove redundant language, but members said they wanted Department of Revenue-requested corrections restored. SB 1049 would cap spousal maintenance at four years and change the factors used in setting support; it was pulled from consent. SB 1053 would reduce concealed weapons permit fees for Arizona residents, and members raised concerns about state fee impacts and asked to pull it.
The caucus also considered several election and public safety measures. SB 1006 would allow campaign committees to aggregate donations under $200 instead of $100, but members questioned the higher threshold and pulled it. SB 1029 would address committee termination after a candidate’s death. SB 1038 would make cast vote records public, and SB 1057 would add fraud countermeasures for paper ballots; both were noted as vetoed in the prior year. SB 1237 would require the Secretary of State to consult county recorders and legislative election leaders before issuing the elections procedures manual. Other measures included SB 1058, which would restrict government recordkeeping on firearms and merchant category codes and was pulled after members cited a prior veto, SB 1093 on riot, conspiracy, and racketeering definitions, SB 1160 limiting drone operations near ticketed entertainment events with public safety arguments offered in support, and SB 1211 expanding lifetime injunction eligibility for aggravated harassment involving domestic violence. The caucus ended by moving into closed session.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- residents, and whatever combination the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County does..."
- And for a county like mine in Orange County, And for a county like mine in Orange County, where obviously
- We don't have Leon County, Jefferson, and Madison counties. None of us have beaches.
- I have met with counties.
- into Brevard County.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the Speaker announced schedule changes for the following week, including canceling the floor session on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
The main floor action centered on CS/HB 7033, the House tax package. Sponsor Rep. Duggan described broad tax changes, including reducing the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%, exempting certain bullion sales, repealing the aviation fuel tax, delaying the natural gas fuel tax, changing corporate income tax treatment for charitable trusts, reducing the pari-mutuel tax on card rooms, and major changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use. The bill would redirect most TDT revenue toward property tax relief, dissolve tourist development councils, and include related property tax and local tax administration changes. Several amendments were debated: a Driscoll amendment to preserve local TDT flexibility failed; Duggan’s amendment giving local governments 25% discretion over TDT revenues was adopted; Eskamani’s combined-reporting amendment failed; and a Duggan amendment requiring audit certification of compliance with the TDT/property tax relief provisions was adopted. After debate, CS/HB 7033 passed 78-29.
The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1221 on local option taxes, which was presented as a companion-style measure to give local governments more flexibility while redirecting TDT revenues toward property tax relief. Supporters argued the bill would provide immediate relief to property owners and restore accountability in local tax use, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism funding, infrastructure, and local services. An amendment allowing local governments to retain 25% of TDT revenues for general purposes was adopted, and the bill passed 62-45 after floor debate.
The final item shown was the reading of CS/CS/HJR 1257, a proposed constitutional amendment related to property tax exemptions and assessment limits, but the transcript cuts off before debate or action on that measure.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Courtney Mooney, Florida Association of Counties, waives in support.
- It's local governments, counties.
- So you may mention the county is not being able to have a say-so on it.
- Process when I'm from a county that has quadrupled in size since I was born.
- And a county commissioner told us, we want to see three.
Committee:
Senate Community Affairs
Keywords:
firefighter disability, law enforcement disability, correctional officer disability, correctional probation officer, presumptive disability, workers' compensation, line of duty presumption, heart disease presumption, hypertension presumption, tuberculosis presumption, public safety employees, first responders, physical examination, preemployment exam, medical specialist, Medicare reimbursement, employing agency, Florida Statutes 112.18, Florida Statutes 943.13, occupational disease
Summary:
The committee took up several bills related to public safety, housing, disaster recovery, construction, and land use. SB 330 clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, aligned the definition of heart disease with medical practice, and allowed a transferring law enforcement officer to rely on a prior physical if the new agency does not provide one. An amendment stating the act serves an important state interest was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously after supportive testimony from law enforcement and fire groups. SB 594 expanded local housing assistance eligibility to residents of mobile home communities, including SHIP rental assistance for lot rent and rehabilitation/emergency repair programs for the home itself; it also passed unanimously after support from manufactured housing advocates.
SB 840 revised the hurricane-related land use limits enacted in prior legislation by sunsetting certain temporary restrictions on June 30, 2026, narrowing the affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles from a storm track, and exempting certain planning, water, wastewater, stormwater, and flood-related decisions. The sponsor said the bill was intended to fix unintended consequences of prior hurricane recovery legislation, and the measure was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. SB 526 addressed commercial construction projects by prohibiting “no damages for delay” clauses in public construction contracts, directing the Florida Building Commission to create a uniform commercial permit application, requiring permit fee reductions when private providers are used, and adding mitigation to product approval categories; county representatives raised concerns about implementation and fees, but the bill passed favorably.
The committee also approved SB 504 and SB 506, both by Senator Burgess, creating a framework for code inspector body camera use and a related public records exemption for recordings. Both were described as optional for local governments and were reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 354, a major “blue ribbon projects” bill creating a framework for very large developments that would reserve at least 60% of land for conservation, agriculture, recreation, utilities, and related uses in exchange for streamlined approval and state preemption over local land use controls. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing housing supply and land preservation and opponents warning about local control, sprawl, infrastructure costs, and weak conservation protections. Two amendments were adopted to define reserve areas more specifically and address conservation easements, and the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote, with Senator Passidomo voting no.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It's local governments, counties.
- Courtney Mooney, Florida Association of Counties.
- Johns County was going to show up to talk about this.
- And a county commissioner told us, we want to see three.
- And a county commissioner told us, we want to see three.
Committee:
Senate Community Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today as a proud co-author of ACA 20.
- My colleague from Orange County mentioned VA.
- Navy and is now self-employed as a writer and an author.
- Question of the author: Will the author take a question? Yes. Mr.
- President, question of the author: Will the author take a question?
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session honoring Sister Michelle Gorman, the Senate chaplain, on her final day after 11 years of service. Members from both parties praised her prayers, compassion, humor, and steady presence, and several noted her long career in education and religious service. The chamber also welcomed delegations from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California and the Japanese Business Association of Southern California, as well as a delegation from Morelia, Mexico, in connection with Sacramento’s sister-city relationship.
The Senate then handled several procedural items, including Assembly messages and motions to remove or withdraw certain bills from consent or committee. The chamber adopted a motion to move Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures to third reading, and later approved author’s and floor amendments. The main floor action was on ACA 20, the Save for California Futures Act, which would expand the state Rainy Day Fund target from 10% to 20% of general fund taxes, change how reserve deposits count under the Gann limit, and extend and broaden debt repayment provisions, including federal unemployment insurance debt. Supporters argued it would strengthen fiscal stability and reduce volatility; opponents said it was too complicated, still allowed too much borrowing, and did not sufficiently prioritize paying down existing debt. The measure passed 29-2.
The Senate also took up SB 623, a compromise measure addressing transportation network company accident cases and medical lien practices. The bill would cap certain lien-based medical charges, restrict attorney referrals and kickbacks tied to lien providers, require more standardized billing, and add rideshare safety requirements such as background checks and additional disqualifying offenses; it passed 36-0. The chamber then considered SB 417, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, an $11.25 billion housing bond with $10 billion in general obligation bonds and $1.25 billion for veterans home loan assistance. Supporters said it would fund shovel-ready affordable housing, preservation, homeownership, youth housing, infrastructure, and veterans’ housing; opponents criticized it as a “bait-and-switch” that used veterans to justify broader housing debt and argued the state should focus on existing programs and private financing. Despite the opposition, the measure passed 29-2.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today as a proud co-author of ACA 20.
- My colleague from Orange County mentioned VA.
- Navy and is now self-employed as a writer and an author.
- Question of the author. Will the author take a question? Yes. Mr.
- President, question of the author. Will the author take a question?
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 43 (3-10-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:10:53.320><c> Board</c> Communications Network Authority Board Communications Network Authority
- ,</c> appointment authority, appointment authority, removing<00:10:58.720><c> key</c><00:10:59.160><c
- . authority. authority.
- <00:17:05.800><c> Schools</c> County Schools County Schools principal<00:17:07.560><c> middle</c><00:
- But growing up in Christian County, Kentucky, um, it was very common every day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 5th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- request that we open the roll for co-authors.
- There are 56 co-authors added.
- This is for co-authors, members. Mr. Schultz has asked the roll to be open for co-authors.
- This is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors.
- This is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- approved by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners.
- Lucie County Mosquito Control, Kim Pruitt, St. Lucie County, waives in support.
- Jan Polk County Board of County Chair: Commissioners waives in support.
- Cobb: My county did away with their business tax receipt in their county probably five or so years ago
- Owen: qualified voters of Hillsborough County will change the makeup of the County Commission to nine
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- With regard to solar fields, the bill authorizes but does not require counties to adopt ordinances requiring
- We have Peter Abello representing the Florida Association of Counties and waving in support.
- And Chris Doolin wishes to speak for the Small County Coalition. Mr. Doolin, recognized. Mr.
- Have you ever been to Broward County to visit any projects or Miami-Dade County?
- I have been in those counties, specifically to do a site visit on projects. No, sir.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably.
Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably.
The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. county mayors have had an an ASL county mayors have had an an ASL translator<00:16:19.199>
- </c> that allowed this on every other county that allowed this on every other county but<00:48:28.480
- </c> essentially boards with high authority. essentially boards with high authority.
- It allows state or county parking enforcement officers and persons authorized by a state or county law
- </c><02:04:06.000><c> law</c> authorized by a state or county law authorized by a state or county law
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations.
The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The authority to ask our process.
- Uh so for authoring the bill also.
- </c><01:58:13.520><c> The</c> surrounding cities and county. The surrounding cities and county.
- </c> cities, counties, and school districts. cities, counties, and school districts.
- . co-author. co-author.
Committee:
House Taxes
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:48:05.040><c> to</c> think that we have the authority to think that we have the authority to
- </c> do have authority to do. do have authority to do.
- </c> nicest farms in our whole county. Okay. nicest farms in our whole county.
- County sheriffs are substitute.
- </c> unless the county sheriff consents. unless the county sheriff consents.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 24th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- of the United Way of Palm Beach County.
- I've lived in Hernando County since 2000.
- I moved to Hernando County. I met my wife there.
- opened a second location in Pasco County.
- And what I'd like to do, my background currently is I am a county commissioner in Hernando County.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- No, sir, we would not have any authority to circumvent federal.
- This authority, along with the surface discharge authority already at TCEQ, facilitates regulatory consistency
- Right now, I think I cover almost 21 counties of West Texas.
- There are many counties, like Winkler County that was referred to, that are operating with a couple of
- Atlanta counties.
Committee:
House Energy Resources
Keywords:
HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I come from Del Norte and Humboldt County on the Yurok Reservation.
- I also have served in county government as a child welfare director.
- I live in Solano County, and Solano County is a county that lacks Native services.
- And I find it such a hypocrisy in a county.
- Solano County is actually named after a Native man, Chief Simeto.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules established quorum and approved several routine items on the agenda, including governor’s appointments not required to appear: Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair/member assignments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous votes. The committee noted that some 2026 committee changes would take effect February 1, 2026, and that new committees would depend on adoption of a Senate resolution.
The committee then heard from Dr. Hernando Garson, nominated as chief medical officer of the Emergency Medical Services Authority. He described his background in emergency medicine, disaster response, and EMS leadership, and members questioned him about EMSA’s strategic plan, data integration, statewide standards versus local flexibility, ambulance patient offload time regulations, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response coordination. Dr. Garson emphasized data-driven decision-making, technical assistance to local agencies, collaboration with hospitals and EMS stakeholders, and the need for safer alternatives to routine ambulance transport such as community paramedicine, telehealth, and nurse triage. He also discussed disaster preparedness for vulnerable and rural communities and the use of regional and state assets, including ambulance strike teams, during fires and floods. The committee approved his appointment 4-0.
The final item was Stephanie Weldon’s nomination as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. Weldon, who identified as Yurok-Tolowa and Karuk, spoke about her tribal, county, nonprofit, and state experience, her role as the first Native American woman in the position, and her commitment to health equity, rural communities, and culturally responsive public health work. Senators asked about how the office sets priorities, measures outcomes, addresses behavioral health, tribal consultation, youth mental health, and how it responds to political pressure around DEI language; Weldon said the office focuses on community-driven, data-informed work and transparency. Public commenters strongly supported her confirmation, citing her leadership on the California Reducing Disparities Project and related equity efforts. The committee approved her appointment 4-0, sending it to the full Senate for confirmation.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- counties.
- the county commissions.
- So you have county employees that were afraid to transfer over to the state.
- I'm proud to say today that every institutional office that we established—Elmore County, Benewah County
- , Shoshone County, and Jerome County—is fully staffed.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Woodinville, Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, parts of Kirkland, and unincorporated Snohomish County
- Mark Klicker, 16th District of Walla Walla County, most of Franklin County, most of Benton County, which
- My name is David Stuebe, 17th District, Clark County, Cowlitz County, and Klickitat County.
- I represent the amazing people of the 35th Legislative District, part of Kitsap County, part of Thurston
- County, all of Mason County.
Committee:
House Local Government
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 20th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- One county doesn't deserve to have a higher standard than another county.
- If it's good enough for Yakima County, it's good enough for King County, it's good enough for Lewis County
- If it's good enough for Yakima County, it's good enough for King County, it's good enough for Lewis County
- Regulations depending county by county, but also training employees.
- Restoring local authority empowers cities and counties to innovate and craft policies that reflect the
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business