Transcript Highlights:

• We provide health and housing to 25,000 people annually.
• As the state's leading nonprofit provider of licensed child care, ...
• The Public Works Board provides funding to cities, counties, and special purpose districts to provide
• And what it does is it provides resources and support Program.
• Without a stable provider network, the state would lose essential capacity.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing. Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account. Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning in the 1990s, Rosemary served as the national coordinator of the Hillary Support Network, proudly

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several privileges of the floor. Guests and student groups were welcomed, including students from Flore High School’s Law Academy and a fourth-grade class from Holy Spirit School. Senator Blakespear also introduced Brigadier General Nick Brown, commanding general of Marine Corps Installation West and Camp Pendleton, highlighting his military service and leadership. On the floor, the Senate took up Governor’s appointments. Andrew Rakestra’s appointment to the Board of Environmental Safety was confirmed on a 28-0 vote, and Indira Cameron Banks’s appointment to the Civil Rights Council was also confirmed, 28-8. Senators then announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings on resources, health and human services, judicial branch funding, and state administration. The chamber also heard adjourn-in-memory tributes. Senator Archuleta honored Yoshi Nakamura, a World War II veteran, educator, artist, and community activist whose life included service in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and decades of teaching in Whittier and at Rio Hondo College. Senator Blakespear honored Dr. Rosemary George Strayley, a Peace Corps pioneer and global advocate for education, women, and girls who worked with international organizations and co-founded Run Women Run. The Senate expressed condolences and recognition for both Californians. The session concluded with the desk cleared and the Senate announcing its next meeting date, then recessing until later in the day for an adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning in the 1990s, Rosemary served as the national coordinator of the Hillary Support Network, proudly

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Provider types.
• [snorts] provider. I happen to be a Medicaid provider.
• ><c> and</c> provide find alternate providers and provide find alternate providers and even<00:48:25.520
• Most providers are good providers, and they're providing really important services.
• Most providers are good providers, and they're providing really important services.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:30.159><c> in</c> cadbi KAC and DD um and is provided in cadbi KAC and DD um and is provided
• </c><00:57:08.400><c> uh</c><00:57:09.119><c> providers</c> and then also provide uh providers and then
• </c><01:10:08.520><c> and</c> provides the ability for providers and provides the ability for providers
• Yeah, provided everybody a packet. Yeah, I got to put that—I put—I provided everybody a packet.
• Yeah, provided everybody a packet. Yeah, I got to put that—I put—I provided everybody a packet.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I think that it's in here should an audit find that a provider is not providing certain services
• will hold those providers accountable.
• state to provide those services, it is the expectation that those services be provided.
• Again,... ...to provide those services, it is the expectation that those services be provided.
• You're taking the most accessible health care provider in the state..."

Bills: SB206 , SB640 , SB667 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1436 , SB1484 , SB1500 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1557 , SB1562 , SB1572 , SB1644 , SB1645 , SB1794 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1849 , SB1984 , SB2007 , SB2074

Committee: House Health and Human Services Oversight

Keywords: SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health, health care facility, municipality, county, ambulance service district, tribal entity, public entity, contract ambulance service, Oklahoma, 63 O.S. 2021 Section 1-2502, emergency clause

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and then took up a series of health and human services bills, most of them moving forward on do-pass motions. Senate Bill 1645 would set audit procedures for Medicaid providers, with discussion focused on protecting providers from penalties for scrivener’s or typographical errors while still holding them accountable for fraud or failure to provide services. Senate Bills 1796 and 1806 addressed foster care, including a 72-hour cap on informal care and extending foster care to age 21 for youth continuing their education. Senate Bills 1423, 1425, and 1502 all repealed outdated advisory councils or programs that were no longer active or needed. SB 206, as amended, expanded licensed ambulance services as essential services to help them access more federal funding, and SB 500 sought to prevent pharmacy benefit managers from delaying payments to pharmacists. These measures were reported out with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1503, which would allow certain nonprofit pregnancy-support organizations without an Oklahoma physical address to apply for Choosing Childbirth grants. Members questioned whether state dollars could go to out-of-state personnel and how telehealth and reporting requirements would work. The bill was laid over for further amendment work. Senate Bill 1557 would place certified behavioral analysts under the State Board of Examiners of Psychology, and members raised questions about how it might interact with a separate bill affecting board authority; it passed after discussion. Senate Bill 1894 gave the podiatry board authority over continuing education, and SB 1984 was a cleanup bill for the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, including authority over certain licensure and telemedicine-related review issues; both passed after questions about scope and reciprocity. Later, the committee considered several pharmacy and insurance-related bills. SB 1344 created an insulin access and affordability program to partner with manufacturers of low-cost biosimilar insulin, and SB 1380 required Medicaid eligibility checks against death records, with an amendment discussed to protect long-term care facilities from retroactive nonpayment when eligibility is delayed. SB 1572 would commission a feasibility study on dissolving the Department of Mental Health and temporarily allow the Health Care Authority commissioner to oversee both agencies. SB 2007 required PBMs to reimburse pharmacists at actual acquisition cost when reimbursement falls below cost, with escalating fines for noncompliance. SB 2074 would impose a mandatory dispensing fee tied to the Medicaid rate; it drew extensive debate over whether costs would be shifted to employers, employees, or the state, and over the impact on pharmacy closures and rural access. The committee ultimately reported the bills out, with SB 2074 passing after lengthy discussion and a final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• She did not have a primary care provider because her primary care provider had died.
• </c><00:39:29.119><c> And</c> primary care provider had died. And primary care provider had died.
• </c> the opportunity to provide testimony. the opportunity to provide testimony.
• We provide funding for coalition building. We provide education training.
• . providers. providers.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide units of care, hours of care, to people who qualify for those treatments. ...provide units
• providers accountable.
• state to provide those services, it is the expectation that those services be provided.
• Again, ...to provide those services, it is the expectation that those services be provided.
• Providers can apply directly.

Bills: SB206 , SB640 , SB667 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1436 , SB1484 , SB1500 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1557 , SB1562 , SB1572 , SB1644 , SB1645 , SB1794 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1849 , SB1984 , SB2007 , SB2074

Committee: House Health and Human Services Oversight

Keywords: SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health, health care facility, municipality, county, ambulance service district, tribal entity, public entity, contract ambulance service, Oklahoma, 63 O.S. 2021 Section 1-2502, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• the Rogers didn't just build farms, they built schools, townships, church communities, and civic networks
• Over the last 46 years, he has raised us, provided us support, love, and everything that a family could
• In 2023, when severe weather took lives in Carlisle, He provided decisive leadership, coordinating with
• The bill provides that. It provides for a means by which money can be processed through the system.
• You're providing another piece of ammunition, another... Piece of ammunition. For...

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This table provides a brief overview of the states selected in comparison to New Mexico.
• Pull out services provided by reading specialists, pushing services provided by behavior specialists,
• So they are providing direct services to students. I was curious about that, um.
• It's not like the 9010 or it's not the 9010, but they provide Spanish language.
• Yes, DIBELS provides that DIBELS is given by the teacher to the student.

Transcript Highlights:

• SF 2596 provides a community-developed strategy that's comprised of providers across the states working
• SF 2596 provides a community-developed strategy that's comprised of providers across the states working
• SF 2596 provides a community-developed strategy that's comprised of providers across the states working
• SF 2596 provides a community-developed strategy that's comprised of providers across the states working
• </c><02:17:42.280><c> direct</c> our LC's um time to provide direct our LC's um time to provide direct

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding was provided for an employee to support local government, but funding was not provided for one
• Funding was provided for an employee to support local government, but funding was not provided for one
• provide solutions to complaints.
• But OPDP provides a wide array of privacy information.
• So, but do you provide...” “...do you provide that more specialized training for school districts and

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think the governor is committed to providing relief for wildfire settlements.
• It demonstrates the governor's commitment to provide relief.
• Unfortunately, I'm not able to provide that context.
• Before diving into the proposal itself, I'm going to provide a little bit of background.
• That they did not provide last year.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> verified</c><01:49:14.639><c> evidence</c> can can you provide verified evidence can can you provide
• Would it provide their safety? Is this? Would it provide their safety?
• No source was provided. It's all misinformation.
• </c> Islamic bases and no source was provided Islamic bases and no source was provided for<02:15:04.880
• No source was provided. It's cutting. No source was provided.

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first continued its hearing on HB 1287, which concerns the definition of “veteran.” Representative Manion explained that the amendment would adopt the federal-style definition by including a general discharge under honorable conditions, while restoring documentation requirements such as a DD214 and removing a problematic reference to World War II allied veterans. The chair said the committee would close the hearing and take the bill up later in executive session. The committee then moved to HCR 13, a resolution calling for an Article V convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress. Representative Joe Alexander, the prime sponsor, said the measure is narrowly focused on congressional term limits, that 12 states have already passed similar resolutions, and that broad public support in New Hampshire justifies action. Members asked whether the effort would prompt Congress to act on its own, whether the resolution should also cover Supreme Court justices, and how many states are needed; Alexander said the goal is to pressure Congress, that the Constitution already treats Supreme Court justices differently, and that 34 states are required. Testimony in support came from former Representative Linda Masamela, who gave a history-based argument for Article V conventions as a constitutional check, and from Deborah Childs and Aaron Ducet of U.S. Term Limits. Childs said New Hampshire voters strongly support term limits and argued they would open seats to younger, more diverse candidates. Ducet said the application is single-topic and would allow only one amendment, described Article V applications as historically common, and argued that state pressure can force Congress to act. No vote was taken in the portion provided; the chair continued hearing testimony on HCR 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just provides an hour of training to those who are providing tattoos.
• Who provides the training? It would be the state of Washington. Thank you for that question.
• No criteria are provided regarding oversight mechanisms, curricular transparency, redress of grievance
• Rather, it provides a pathway.
• Rather, provides a pathway.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills related to higher education, workforce training, student protections, campus encampments, and EMT recertification. HB 2427 would require tattoo artists to complete annual human trafficking awareness training through the Department of Licensing; the prime sponsor and supporters said tattoo artists may be among the few people trafficked survivors encounter and could help identify and refer victims, while one opponent argued the bill imposes compelled speech and burdens small businesses. HB 2458 would expand Washington College Grant eligibility to approved non-degree credential programs; supporters from community and technical colleges, workforce organizations, and employers said it would help low-income students access short-term training tied to high-demand jobs, while one member raised concerns about short-term credentials and their long-term value. The committee also heard HB 2474, which would strengthen consumer protections when a private institution or program closes by expanding use of the Student Achievement Council tuition recovery trust fund, requiring teach-out or transfer options, and voiding certain student debts if closure rules are violated. The sponsor and agency witnesses said the bill responds to recent closures and gaps in federal oversight, while Independent Colleges of Washington opposed the bill as overly broad and potentially harmful to program innovation, and asked that private nonprofit campuses be excluded. Testifiers from student groups and a national higher-education advocacy organization supported the measure and argued that protections should also apply to public institutions. HB 2589 would regulate campus encampments at institutions of higher education by requiring advance notice, limiting authorization to registered student organizations or recognized bargaining units, and allowing institutions to impose content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions to protect safety and access. The sponsor said it codifies existing practice and does not ban protest, but several testifiers described recent encampments as disruptive or unsafe, while others warned the bill could chill student expression and should not apply to private nonprofit campuses. Finally, HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals from every three years to every six years for EMTs certified in Washington for at least 10 years; firefighters and EMS supporters said it would reduce administrative burden without changing training requirements. The committee took no votes and adjourned after hearing all testimony, with a reminder about amendment deadlines for upcoming bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can certainly provide that to the committee so you have it on paper.
• As the Commissioner said, we can provide the full table to the committee.
• We need to provide more information.
• There is no alternative that can provide even close comparisons.
• We have provided the department with some public...

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• For a reminder, this bill provides that children of certain veterans receive eight years from the date
• of the veteran's disability... ...provides that children of certain veterans receive eight years from
• This amendment provides that the bill takes effect July 1st, 2028, and there are no further amendments
• access to a wider provider network is essential to keep our residents healthy and safe.
• The YMCA is the largest nonprofit provider of licensed child care in Washington State.

Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 27 and first took executive action on three bills. House Bill 2311, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, was reported out with a do pass recommendation after the Leavitt amendment was withdrawn; supporters emphasized transparency, accountability, and student success metrics, while one member opposed moving it forward and urged more interim work. House Bill 2324, which extends tuition waiver access for children of eligible veterans when a disability determination occurs after age 18, passed unanimously. House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2028 and then passed unanimously as a substitute bill; members cited workforce shortages and the value of broader licensure portability. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2422 would shift private security guard licensing fees from individual guards to their employers, eliminate transfer fees, and penalize companies that require reimbursement; the sponsor and workers testified that the current system burdens low-wage guards and contributes to high turnover, while some members asked about whether fees could instead be lowered or eliminated. House Bill 2438 would create the SEEDS scholarship for early childhood education students using up to $10 million from the GET account if it remains sufficiently funded; the sponsor described it as a targeted test of surplus GET funds to address early learning workforce shortages, and testimony from educators, providers, and advocacy groups strongly supported it, while WASAC said the bill may need technical changes to avoid conflicts with existing 529 rules. The committee also heard House Bill 2525, which would create a WSU heritage orchard program and registry for old or rare apple varieties; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would preserve agricultural history, support research, and aid future breeding and education. Finally, House Bill 2586 would align Passport to Careers with federal financial aid formulas and automatically deem Passport-eligible youth financially needy for the Washington College Grant; the sponsor and WASAC said it would help foster youth and homeless students access aid earlier and more predictably, and multiple students and advocates testified in strong support. No final action was taken on the bills heard in public testimony during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just provides an hour of training to those who are providing tattoos.
• Who provides the training? It would be the state of Washington. Thank you for that question.
• No criteria are provided regarding oversight mechanisms, curricular transparency, redress of grievance
• Rather, it provides a pathway.
• Rather, provides a pathway.

Bills: HB2427 , HB2458 , HB2474 , HB2540 , HB2589

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: ink of hope act, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, community support, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, student access, financial aid, consumer protections, school closures, educational programs, student rights, emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, encampments

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> not</c> However, healthcare providers are not However, healthcare providers are not robots
• </c><00:10:53.519><c> will</c> provider that a healthcare provider will provider that a healthcare provider
• </c> a healthc care provider made a mistake. a healthc care provider made a mistake.
• </c> what is providing mean? what is providing mean?
• </c> process and provide a fairer standard. process and provide a fairer standard.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I wanted to use my testimony to provide I wanted to use my testimony to provide additional<00:04
• </c> responsive supervision that provides responsive supervision that provides individuals<00:05:33.120
• </c><00:24:43.240><c> we're</c> uh of training that we provide we're uh of training that we provide we're
• So we are... mca's economical training provides to mca's economical training provides to Statewide<00
• </c> and while there may be ways to provide and while there may be ways to provide other<01:37:01.560

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all