Transcript Highlights:

• amendments on the provision in this bill that relates to the union, and this simply states that the labor
• 00:49:43.840><c> the</c> simply say states that the simply say states that the uh<00:49:45.200><c> labor
• seat in this bill will uh be uh labor seat in this bill will uh be the<00:49:48.000><c> product</c><
• <c> seat</c><00:50:24.400><c> and</c><00:50:24.720><c> this</c><00:50:25.360><c> amendment</c> the labor
• seat and this amendment the labor seat and this amendment I<00:50:27.640><c> move</c><00:50:28.000><

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Very much aligned with my colleague in labor, Mr. Scott.
• manager for manufacturing and industrial policy at the BlueGreen Alliance, a national coalition of labor
• Catherine Berry-Houston, United Steelworkers District 12, also on behalf of California Labor for Climate
• Sarah Flocks, California Federation of Labor Unions, in support. Thank you. Thank you very much.
• Sarah Flocks, California Federation of Labor Unions, in support. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Transit employees to access the Public Employment Relations Board, or PERB, for adjudicating unfair labor
• As we know, PERB is a labor-management relations entity for a vast majority of California's public sector
• AC Transit is one of the few districts under a separate framework requiring labor disputes to be resolved
• This bill is about fairness, consistency, and modernizing AC Transit's labor relations system.
• That is a clear unfair labor practice, and it directly impacts our members, families, as well as our

Summary: The committee first took up SB 934 by Senator Wiener, which would extend the time for survivors of conversion therapy to bring malpractice claims and clarify how expert testimony and scientific evidence may be used in those cases. Senator Wiener and supporters, including a survivor and a licensed therapist, described conversion therapy as harmful and argued that survivors often cannot come forward within current limitation periods. Opponents, including attorneys and advocacy groups, argued the bill was an unconstitutional workaround to California’s existing ban and could chill legitimate therapy or expand liability. Committee members pressed both sides on the bill’s scope, with the author emphasizing it does not bar exploratory therapy or medical treatment, only attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill was moved on a 7-2-1 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with the item placed on call; the consent calendar was also adopted 6-0 and placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1092 by Senator Allen, as amended, concerning manufactured home parks. The bill would require park owners who intend to sell to give residents or their designated representatives notice and an opportunity to submit a competitive bid, with timelines intended to allow residents to organize financing and complete due diligence. Supporters said the measure would help preserve naturally occurring affordable housing and give residents a fair chance to buy the land under their homes, especially after fire-related losses and increasing investor ownership of parks. Opponents from park-owner and realtor groups argued the bill would burden private property rights, devalue parks, and create an unconstitutional taking by imposing long timelines and restrictions that could deter buyers. Several senators questioned the 240-day process and whether the bill should include clearer good-faith or reciprocity provisions; the author said he was open to further adjustments. The transcript ends during committee discussion of SB 1092, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've just seen too much in the news about the Labor Cabinet's administration of our unemployment system
• and we're protecting people's rights, um, and like I said, I just, I really am concerned about the Labor
• ><00:47:14.920><c> the</c> seen too much in the news about the seen too much in the news about the labor
• cabinets</c><00:47:16.359><c> administration</c><00:47:17.319><c> of</c><00:47:17.480><c> our</c> labor
• </c><00:47:44.319><c> cabinet's</c><00:47:45.240><c> ability</c><00:47:45.599><c> to</c> about the labor

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:52 SB 1 Discussion 01:33 SB 1 Vote 32:39 SB 76 Discussion 34:35 SB 76 Vote 36:20 SB 162 Discussion 37:04 SB 162 Vote 46:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1, which would create a Kentucky Film Office and a Kentucky Film Leadership Council to promote film production in the state. Sponsors said the bill is intended to expand Kentucky’s use of film tax incentives, improve marketing and infrastructure, and attract productions that could generate jobs, tourism, and broader economic development. They noted a committee substitute made two changes: adding a salary cap for the film office executive director and correcting a date. Members asked about whether the office should instead be housed in the Economic Development Cabinet, how Kentucky’s refundable credit compares with Georgia’s transferable credits, the bill’s obscenity language, the size of the current incentive cap, and whether there should be reporting on the program’s results. Supporters cited a University of Louisville study estimating about $200 million in industry revenue in 2022 and argued the state is not fully using existing credits; an outside witness, Andrew McNeel, opposed the bill, calling the incentives subsidies, warning that Georgia’s uncapped program could lead to pressure to raise Kentucky’s cap, and arguing the bill could subsidize films with little lasting local benefit. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed Senate Bill 1 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 with an expression of opinion that it should pass. Several members explained their votes, including concerns about transparency, local hiring, and the need for further review. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 76, which would raise the threshold for a retainage/escrow requirement in certain real estate improvement contracts from $500,000 to $2 million. The sponsor said the change is meant to reflect construction cost inflation since the statute was enacted in 1990. The transcript indicates a motion and second were made, but the discussion was cut off before any final action on the bill is shown. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 162, a simplified bill on unemployment insurance fraud. The sponsor said it would require suspected fraud to be referred to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement authorities, including the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, county or Commonwealth’s attorneys, and, where applicable, the U.S. Department of Justice, to create a clearer process and accountability. The transcript ends during the presentation, before any vote or committee action on SB 162 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, if we know that, why don't we work on some co-parenting skills?
• Work on some conflict resolution skills and mediation-type skills. Co-parenting education.
• Well, if we know that, why don't we work on some co-parenting skills?
• Work on some conflict resolution skills and mediation-type skills.
• Work on some conflict resolution skills and mediation-type skills.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting was a discussion of fatherhood and a possible response to Senator Robby Mills’ Resolution 112, which had proposed a task force on fatherhood initiatives. After approving the June meeting minutes and confirming a quorum, the committee heard a presentation from Mark Ludwig, executive director of the National Council for Equal Shared Parenting, who argued that fatherhood is often left out of public policy and that stronger father involvement is linked to better outcomes in crime, education, substance abuse, and family stability. He cited Kentucky’s 50/50 shared parenting law as a model and urged fatherhood classes, employment support, mentoring, co-parenting education, and partnerships with community organizations, schools, and social workers rather than relying solely on state spending. He also said fatherhood engagement could save the state money by reducing incarceration and related costs. Members then raised concerns that the presentation did not sufficiently address structural causes of fatherlessness, especially incarceration, racial disparities, gun violence, poverty, housing, transportation, and sentencing policy. Senator Berg and Representative Kulkarni emphasized that Black and brown families are disproportionately affected by incarceration and violence, and questioned whether fatherhood programs alone can solve the problem without broader reforms. Ludwig responded that some fathers are pushed out by the court system or lack legal resources, and said reintegration programs and legal, financial, and community supports are part of the solution, though he had focused mainly on the need for fatherhood programming in this presentation. No bill was voted on and no formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes. The discussion appeared to be an initial policy conversation to gather ideas and perspectives for possible future work on fatherhood-related initiatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that size limitation and increase in work hasn't stopped our skilled, dedicated team.
• 00:13:51.000><c> hasn't</c><00:13:51.280><c> stopped</c><00:13:51.640><c> our</c><00:13:51.760><c> skilled
• ,</c> work hasn't stopped our skilled, work hasn't stopped our skilled, dedicated<00:13:52.640><c> team
• c> investigation, or other necessary investigation, or other necessary necessary<01:28:59.000><c> skills
• </c> necessary skills and tools. necessary skills and tools.

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was actually our goal was to try to have a relationship around a particular skill.
• technical degree and want to go into management, that's one way to do it, right—to get those MBA skills
• and leadership and management skills to be able to progress through that workforce.
• and leadership and management skills to be able to progress through that workforce.
• Not only across this country, but across the globe, people with technology skills are in high demand.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do believe that we need life skills to move forward. Okay.
• I do believe that we need life skills to move forward.
• I do believe that we need life skills to move forward.
• I do believe that we need life skills to move forward.
• Um and need life skills to move forward.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are contests that students can participate in to build their skills and knowledge of agriculture
• It's just really taught me financial skills, time management, and cooperation that I'm going to be able
• students can participate in to build students can participate in to build their<00:03:04.400><c> skills
• </c><00:03:04.720><c> and</c><00:03:04.959><c> knowledge</c><00:03:05.680><c> of</c> their skills and
• </c> just really taught me Financial skills just really taught me Financial skills time<00:03:52.360>

Bills: HF1063

Keywords: grain buyers, grain dealer, grain elevator, agriculture, financial reporting, audit, CPA review, independent accountant, financial statement, balance sheet, cash flow, nonpublic data, licensee oversight, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, grain purchase volume, insolvency, nonpayment, warehouse chain, fiduciary duties, producer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Partners, labor, small businesses, and also members on this floor, and members in the Senate who have
• He has brought together an incredible coalition of labor, business, small business, and has really put
• union coalition Rebecca Ryan and motion pictures association Melissa Patak and a true coalition of labor

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from small businesses, nonprofits, different organizations of government, as well as a lot of our labor
• Thursday, February 13, 2025. well as a lot of our labor unions down well as a lot of our labor unions

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Joe Kendo here with the Washington State Labor Council.
• Senate Bill 6147 before you comes from the Labor and Commerce Committee.
• This bill comes to you from Labor and Commerce.
• This bill comes to you from Labor and Commerce.
• This bill comes to you from the Committee on Labor and Commerce.

Bills: SB6346, SB6347, SB6147, SB6246, SB5940, SB5882, SB6223, SJR8206, SB5762, SB5828

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Birth center providers are also unable to bill for the full range of care they provide, such as labor
• </c> of care they provide, such as labor of care they provide, such as labor support<00:19:00.480><c>
• care, the labor and delivery, and<00:21:22.320><c> all</c><00:21:22.400><c> of</c><00:21:22.559><c>
• </c><00:25:33.360><c> and</c> I arrived at Roots, I was in labor and I arrived at Roots, I was in labor
• After a life spent working in manual labor, he couldn't afford the rent.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• developers are better at bringing in low-cost renewables than we are, so we try to optimize their skill
• just the contracting costs because if you look at the fundamentals, I don't see any evidence that our labor
• fundamentals, I don't see any evidence<01:55:48.719><c> that</c><01:55:48.960><c> our</c><01:55:49.119><c> labor
• </c><01:55:49.440><c> costs</c><01:55:50.159><c> are</c> evidence that our labor costs are evidence that
• our labor costs are significantly<01:55:51.119><c> higher.

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• the $5 million for higher ed, but that there should be more money available for independent living skills
• Chair, and this is regarding the state program, I believe you're referring to for independent living skills
• the $5 million for higher ed, but that there should be more money available for independent living skills
• Chair, and this is regarding the state program, I believe you're referring to for independent living skills
• My father would also suffer from many crippling physical ailments due to the hard labor that he was forced

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Food costs are up, labor costs are up, utilities are up, insurance is up, and nearly every transaction
• Labor costs: $38,000. Merchant processing fees in one month...
• Independent restaurants already operate on extremely thin margins while facing rising labor, food, insurance
• Every major cost—labor, insurance, food, rent, utilities—continues to go up, and layered quietly on top
• For mom-and-pop shops, this is not relief if the savings are swallowed by the labor needed to comply.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail. Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions. The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other item is, in Alabama, we do not have a labor and service tax.
• Part of that 11-bill package was actually a tax on labor and services.
• The other item is, in Alabama, we do not have a labor and service tax.
• Part of that 11-bill package was actually a tax on labor and services.
• Part of that 11-bill package was actually a tax on labor and services.

Bills: SB59, SB221, SB59, SB221

Keywords: military families, immunization, education, public health, school enrollment, Mobile County, judge of probate, compensation, salary, expense allowance, higher education, funding, annual report, state funds, federal funds, budget oversight, sales tax, credit card fees, tax exemption, merchants

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Thursday, March 19th, and the Committee on Transportation and the Committee on Labor and Technology
• Thank you. >> And for the Committee on Labor and Technology, same recommendation as the Committee on
• ><00:05:40.080><c> the</c><00:05:40.160><c> committee</c><00:05:40.400><c> on</c><00:05:40.560><c> labor
• on labor and technology,<00:05:41.440><c> same</c><00:05:41.680><c> recommendation</c><00:05:42.240>
• This concludes a joint hearing of Transportation and Labor. Good afternoon.

Bills: SB2697, SB2399, SB2665, SB2851, SB3102, SB2521, SB3157

Keywords: SB2697, Hawaii transportation, motor vehicle law, road shoulder, shoulder lane, shoulder driving, high occupancy vehicle lane, HOV lane, vehicle registration, expired registration, out-of-state vehicle, vehicle tax delinquency, impoundment, vehicle seizure, public auction, county finance, Department of Transportation, law enforcement, antique motor vehicle, traffic penalties

Summary: The joint hearing of the Transportation and Labor and Technology committees considered HB 2097, which would allow administrative driver’s license revocation hearings to be held by interactive conference technology such as Zoom and permit electronic exchange of evidence. DOT and the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office supported the bill, saying Zoom hearings have worked well since 2021 and save time and money. Both committees passed HB 2097 with technical and nonsubstantive amendments. The Transportation Committee then heard HB 1163 on commercial driver licensing, HB 2113 on funding vegetation removal from the Kaola Stream drainage way, HB 2283 on port pilotage, HB 1588 on a noise detection camera program, and HB 2333 on airport special districts and aeronautics penalties. DOT asked for HB 1163 to use “non-domiciled” language to match federal rules, and the committee passed it with amendments. For HB 2113, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity said the project would likely need about $1 million, and the committee passed the bill with amendments while noting the funding would be reflected in the committee report rather than the measure itself. HB 2283 drew broad support from maritime and labor interests, but the committee deferred it, saying the Senate version was already moving and would be used instead. HB 1588 received support from DOT and several community and health-related testifiers who said noise from traffic is a serious problem, but the committee expressed concern about enforcement language and re-referred the bill to Judiciary/Ways and Means while still passing it forward. HB 2333 was supported by DOT and airline interests; after questions about airport loitering and sleeping rules, the committee passed it as is. In the final decision-making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on HB 1163, HB 2113, HB 1588, and HB 2333, and deferred HB 2283.

Transcript Highlights:

• Between time, labor, fuel, and fees, small farmers simply cannot compete.
• This turned out to be really prescient because on Labor Day of last year, a lightning strike set off
• the Labor Mountain fire, which burned 43,000 acres over 52 days.
• This turned out to be really prescient because on Labor Day of last year, a lightning strike set off
• the labor mountain fire, which burned to 43,000 acres over 52 days.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills and a joint memorial, with testimony largely focused on steelhead recovery, agricultural viability, wildfire funding, and shellfish fees. On SB 6241, which would create a wild broodstock conservation program for steelhead, staff described a statewide program with a fiscal note of about $14.6 million in FY 2027, while sponsor Sen. Braun argued the concept could boost wild populations and fishing opportunity at lower cost than the fiscal note suggests. Proponents, including anglers and conservation groups, said broodstock programs could improve fisheries, preserve genetics, and support local economies; opponents, including Trout Unlimited, argued the bill was too broad, not sufficiently science-driven, and should be left to agency and co-manager discretion. The public hearing closed with a strong pro/con sign-in count in favor of the bill. The committee then heard SB 6104, a broad agriculture-protection bill that would require agricultural impact statements for certain agency actions, annexations, and zoning changes, and would direct mitigation measures when actions harm agricultural or natural-resource-based commercial activities. Sponsor Sen. Muzzall said Washington agriculture is under severe pressure and losing farms, while supporters from farm groups said the bill would force agencies to consider ag viability and compensate for impacts. Opponents, including a small farmer and environmental advocates, said the bill was too procedural, could burden modernization or conservation efforts, and might create uncertainty around existing conservation funding accounts. The hearing ended with more testimony in opposition than support. The committee also heard SJM 8015, urging the federal government to ensure wildfire-response consolidation does not reduce capacity or firefighter safety. Sponsor Sen. Short and many testifiers, including private forest owners, tribes, students, conservation groups, and local officials, emphasized the importance of maintaining and fully funding Washington’s wildfire response and forest-restoration investments, especially the 1168 account. Testimony highlighted fuel breaks, early detection, community protection, and the economic costs of wildfire. The memorial drew overwhelmingly pro testimony. Finally, the committee suspended the five-day notice rule to hear SB 6318 on commercial shellfish fees; staff explained it would cap Department of Health fee increases after a recent fee review, and shellfish growers strongly supported the bill as necessary to keep small farms viable. The committee also took a work session on beaver relocation and habitat restoration, where presenters described beavers as a water-retention and wildfire-resilience tool and discussed coexistence, relocation, and possible future management changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• adding something to the bill so we can track some of those costs that we have on fuel, packaging, and labor
• This amendment is going to add some metrics, calls out specifically the cost of fuel and labor.
• and to give it to the food banks so that others could benefit and enjoy the fruits of the growers' labor
• to us: the ability to produce an expensive food, having a viable agricultural system, having strong labor
• While I applaud the amendment sponsor's intent to look at how we can unionize agricultural labor, if

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a new council to oversee utility wildfire mitigation, claims payments, and related administration. Staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and maintain approved wildfire mitigation plans to qualify for claims coverage. The prime sponsor, Rep. Christine Reeves, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, support prevention, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire risk. Members asked about retroactivity to July 1, 2021, utility contribution limits, and whether the bill would lower rates or improve mitigation funding. Public testimony was split. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several wildfire and insurance advocates, who emphasized the need for compensation, stable funding, prevention, and better resilience planning. Opponents included several utilities, utility associations, business groups, and public utility district representatives, who argued the bill would shift uncapped costs to ratepayers, lacked clear liability reform and solvency protections, and could be vulnerable to future fund sweeps. Some witnesses cited California’s wildfire fund as a model, while others said Washington needed a broader, more holistic solution focused on prevention and liability reform. No vote was taken on HB 2275; the public hearing was closed after testimony. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring to the department’s duties. Four amendments were adopted: L-061, requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting; L-062, directing the strategy to recommend legislative actions to make food more affordable and reduce food assistance need; L-060, adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and focusing on root causes of hunger; and L-063, adding fuel and labor cost tracking to agricultural viability metrics. Amendment L-064, which would have required a consultant study on proposed agricultural labor legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then adopted the amended substitute and reported Substitute House Bill 2238 out of committee with a due pass recommendation by an 11-0 vote.