Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking you to please support House Bill 74.
• in support but does not wish to speak.
• I appreciate your support. I appreciate your support. Thank you so much.
• I fully support the intent.
• So, again, I'm going to support you.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 74, which would create a Louisiana Spectrum Alert for missing persons with autism spectrum disorder. Representative Eccles said the alert would be modeled on Amber and senior alerts and could be absorbed within existing resources. The committee heard emotional support testimony from a parent describing the dangers of elopement and drowning risks for autistic children, and several members voiced support. HB 74 was reported favorably. Members then considered HB 1033 and HB 1034 by Chairman Bacala. HB 1033 expands the statutory definition of critical infrastructure to include additional facilities such as airports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, mass transit, government facilities, military installations, and oil and gas exploration platforms. It drew mostly support from economic development and law enforcement groups, with one opposition card from the Sierra Club, and was reported favorably. HB 1034 authorizes parish presidents, mayors, sheriffs, police chiefs, and chief executive officers to establish temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with a warning before criminal penalties attach. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that the bill cannot be used in a manner inconsistent with state firearms preemption law, heard concerns from the ACLU about vagueness and possible overreach, and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 59, by Representative Marcel, would require East Baton Rouge Parish and its municipalities to fund the 19th Judicial District public defender’s office in a manner parallel to the district attorney funding structure. The bill drew support from the public defender, the district attorney, and the state public defender, but several members raised concerns that the language could create an unfunded mandate or litigation risk for local governments. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 59 favorably. HB 175, as amended, redirected $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds into a Veterans Service Grant Fund administered by a new board in the Department of Veterans Affairs; testimony emphasized support for veterans programs, treatment courts, homelessness services, and community organizations, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 568, which increases penalties for drug-free school zone violations involving open marijuana use and other drug activity. Supporters said the bill would give law enforcement and prosecutors a clearer tool to address visible drug use near schools and large events, while opponents warned it could over-criminalize marijuana and create proof problems. The committee reported HB 568 favorably. Finally, HB 525, which requires DPS&C to publish certain incarceration data online, was amended to remove parish jail census data after DPS&C said it would not post that portion; the department said it would publish the remaining data and codebook online. The committee then reported HB 525 favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also support a lot of marginalized artists that don't have a platform.
• We then established a MASH approach, multi-agency support for hospitality.
• , and support, not multi-agency confusion.
• A lot of support to the notion of the nightlife economy as a public safety tool.
• All of us rely on this being a sector that is thriving and supporting.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm supporting the State Association of Counties in supporting this bill for several reasons.
• I'm speaking in support of SB 6239.
• So we do not support the legislation as written.
• So I urge you to support it and vote for the bill.
• So I urge you to support it and vote for the bill.

Bills: SB6239, SB6074, SB5886, SB6041, SB6190

Keywords: tort claims, state liability, Washington law, government accountability, legal process, parole, criminal justice reform, felony, recidivism, rehabilitation, public safety, personality rights, right of publicity, publicity rights, name image likeness, NIL, deepfake, AI-generated content, digital impersonation, forged digital likeness

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm supporting the State Association of Counties in supporting this bill for several reasons.
• I'm speaking in support of SB 6239.
• So we do not support the legislation as written.
• So I urge you to support it and vote for the bill.
• So I urge you to support it and vote for the bill.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 6239, which would require civil arbitration for tort claims against the state and its subdivisions before trial. Staff explained current tort-claim procedures and said the bill would apply arbitration to claims of any dollar amount, with a fiscal note pending. The sponsor said Washington’s liability exposure is unusually high and argued the bill would promote early resolution without limiting jury trials, damage caps, or attorney fees. Members asked who pays for arbitration and whether trial rights are preserved; staff said costs are generally split and the bill preserves a jury trial de novo. Testimony on SB 6239 was sharply divided. Counties, cities, school districts, risk pools, and some public-safety groups supported the bill, saying rising liability and insurance costs are straining budgets and threatening core services. Opponents included trial lawyers, legal aid groups, victim advocates, journalists, and survivors of abuse, who argued the bill would create barriers to justice, delay relief, increase costs for claimants, reduce transparency, and retraumatize survivors by forcing private arbitration before a public trial. Several witnesses said the bill was too broad because it would cover employment, contract, and other claims, not just torts involving abuse or negligence. After public testimony closed, the committee noted the large number of sign-ins, with far more in opposition than in support. The committee then took up Senate Bill 6074, which would reinstate parole for certain felony offenses committed on or after July 1, 2027, allow eligible incarcerated people to petition the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board after serving 60% of their sentence, and create a parole implementation work group. Supporters said it would recognize rehabilitation and improve reentry, while some witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s prospective-only application, the 60% threshold, and the need to address racial disparities and parole criteria more fully. The sponsor said the parole bill was paired with tort-liability reform because criminal justice reform advocates have said liability changes are needed to restore parole in Washington.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have lots of different supports.
• supports.
• Instead, we must prioritize release, healing, and true community support.
• I'm here to encourage you to continue to support the Wright grant.
• alone, you know, having support from advocates on the outside.

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's great to rise in support of this bill.
• And so I rise in support of this motion today, this bipartisan effort that In support of this motion
• students and educators and all those that support them on a daily basis.
• So I'm deeply supportive of this, Madam President.
• I enthusiastically rise in support of this conference committee report.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the DDSD I'm also going to use the acronym for that, the Developmental Support Disability Support
• Um, the largest group settings will be in what we call group homes, supported living, supported housing
• Um, the, uh, DDSD also supports autism programs.
• So, uh, DDSD also does a behavior support services.
• So could you come and support them?

Transcript Highlights:

• WE SUPPORT ALL OF YOU TO SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT. >> Chair Canady: ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT?
• I SUPPORT PARENTAL RIGHTS. I SUPPORT CHRISTIAN VALUES.
• AND I WAS NOT READY TO GET SUPPORT.
• IN GENERAL I SUPPORT PARENTAL CONSENT.
• I'M IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we strongly support that effort as well.
• range of high-quality supportive services.
• Thanks for the support.
• Also, thank you for all you do to support our veterans.
• We are being supported by Duke Cannon, Support for the Troops, Minnesota Power. is having us be their

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, I rise to support SCR 110. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you.
• I rise also in strong support of SCR 110.
• I just want to add my voice to supporting the importance of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
• Today I also rise in support of SCR 137.
• Ma was an extremely supportive father. Dr.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then recognized several guest groups, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber also marked Senator Allen’s birthday and later took up a memorial adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener. On the floor, the Senate confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Andy Nakahata as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, Richard Stein to the California Arts Council, and Nick Hardiman to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. Each confirmation passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief supportive remarks about the appointees’ experience and qualifications. The Senate also adopted several resolutions. SCR 127 designated December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, SCR 110 recognized Women’s Military History Week, SCR 137 proclaimed March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, and SR 85 marked Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Members spoke in support of each measure, emphasizing interfaith understanding, women’s military service, Ginsburg’s legacy on equality, and the need for MS awareness and research. All of the resolutions passed by unanimous roll call, and the special consent calendar items were also approved 33-0. The session concluded with committee announcements for upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and a select committee meeting on California’s wine industry, followed by recess and notice of the next Senate session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We wholeheartedly support this legislation and ask you to move forward.
• We also stand in full support of this. Lily May said it all, almost.
• We also stand in support of HM 30.
• We strongly support House Memorial 30.
• It should be our role to come to the table and support.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the New Mexico Constitution to remove language requiring school elections to be held at different times from partisan elections. The sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office said the change would let school bond and mill levy questions appear on general election ballots, reduce the number of costly special elections, increase turnout, and address an outdated discriminatory provision dating to 1910. Testimony from the New Mexico School Board Association and school superintendents supported the resolution for its potential cost savings and faster access to local and state capital outlay funding. A committee member asked for clarification that school board member elections would remain on the regular local election cycle and nonpartisan. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the resolution on a due pass motion. The committee then heard House Memorial 30, which asks the Legislative Education Study Committee to study public education governance and convene a broad working group to review roles, responsibilities, statutes, and long-term planning across the education system. The sponsor and LESC staff said the memorial is intended to improve coherence, support long-term goals, and consider governance structures that could better align education policy across administrations, including lessons from the Martinez-Yazzie response and models from other states. Supporters from charter schools, Kids Can, the school board association, superintendents, and Teach Plus backed the study as a way to improve coordination and student outcomes. Several committee members raised concerns about who would be included in the process, emphasizing the need for meaningful participation by families, plaintiffs in the Martinez-Yazzie case, tribal leaders, and students with disabilities, as well as clear notice and access for working families. Members also asked about guardrails, accountability, and whether a future statewide education commission could dilute local or tribal voices. LESC staff said the memorial would allow the committee to define the study’s structure, composition, metrics, and potential recommendations, including whether any commission should be created by statute or another mechanism. There was no opposition, and the committee passed House Memorial 30 on a do pass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• They just approved a support position in support. Thank you.
• They just approved a support position in support, thank you.
• With me to testify and support is Mr.
• Support comes from Congress.
• I'm prepared to support it today, as I told you.

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard three bills. SB 849 by Senator Weber Pearson would address physician sexual misconduct by clarifying that physicians or surgeons who committed specified sexual offenses against patients cannot petition for license renewal, and by requiring automatic revocation in certain misconduct-related cases, including where a license was surrendered, revoked, or the person was convicted or required to register as a sex offender. Support came from the California Medical Association and the American College of OBGYN; there was no opposition in the room. The bill was moved do pass to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, then later confirmed out on call. SB 96 by Senator Umberg would extend California’s advertising-volume rules to streaming services, podcasts, and similar content by requiring ads to be kept at the ambient level of the surrounding content. The author said the bill was inspired by a child awakened by loud streaming ads and argued it would update the earlier CALM Act for modern media. There was no support or opposition testimony in the room. The committee discussed how the rule might affect platforms operating statewide or nationally, and the bill passed do pass on a 9-0 vote, then was confirmed out on call. SB 342 by Senator Umberg, the Contractors Licensure Fairness Act, would allow contractors to recover payment for work performed while licensed even if they were unlicensed for part of a project, while still barring payment for unlicensed days and preserving existing prohibitions on starting work without a license. Supporters, including representatives of the California Conference of Carpenters, State Building and Construction Trades, and contractor associations, argued the current law can be overly punitive and can create windfalls for owners when a technical lapse is discovered later. Committee members raised concerns about consumer protection, burden of proof, and whether the bill could create loopholes, but the author and supporters said existing protections remain and the bill is intended to be proportional. The bill passed do pass to Judiciary on a 9-0 vote and was later confirmed out on call to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our service array includes supports for individuals during a crisis, such as the Baker Act for mental
• These revisions ensure the manual remains an accurate and up-to-date resource that supports consistent
• Resource sharing and education, funding flexibility, and peer support services.
• So services that were supported with the $48 million... ...of work.
• Our crisis beds ensure immediate access to care within a secure and supportive environment...

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period. Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services. Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:31:15.199><c> housing</c> SF1732 to fund supportive housing SF1732 to fund supportive housing
• ><c> the</c> Family supportive housing is the Family supportive housing is the essential<01:31:35.320
• robust support and to build receive more robust support and to build more<01:32:27.719><c> homes.
• </c> SF1 1732 for families in supportive SF1 1732 for families in supportive housing.<01:32:36.400><c
• Your omnibus also supports hopeful.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:48.000><c> of</c> the opportunity to testify in support of the opportunity to testify in support
• </c><00:26:55.360><c> this</c> very very much consider supporting this very very much consider supporting
• </c> these discussions undermines the support these discussions undermines the support and<00:30:15.120
• </c> closing I urge you to support closing I urge you to support H22<00:30:21.880><c> this</c><00:30:
• </c><00:30:41.159><c> this</c> psychological research supporting this psychological research supporting

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As described, we support the concept of allowing localities to enforce We support the concept of allowing
• Please support this bill.
• I am here today to support HB 2239.
• I am here today to support HB 2239.
• We support the bill.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, just wanted to show my support for the project.
• So Proposition 4 allows for resources within the bond to support staffing.
• Support the previous comments about the fund reversions.
• We would like to support allocations for funds for local water infrastructure improvements to support
• Hi, Kristen Gorey here on behalf of a coalition of Proposition 4 supporters.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:07.039><c> a</c> flourish with the right support a flourish with the right support a nursing
• We thank you for your continued support of the Rural Capacity Program and your support of Minnesota's
• We thank you for your continued support of the Rural Capacity Program and your support of Minnesota's
• We thank you for your continued support of the Rural Capacity Program and your support of Minnesota's
• We thank you for your continued support of the Rural Capacity Program and your support of Minnesota's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, we ask for your time support.
• </c> ask you to uh support this effort. ask you to uh support this effort.
• </c><00:26:44.760><c> and</c> organizations don't have the support and organizations don't have the support
• </c><00:27:27.520><c> this</c> So, we are asking you to support this So, we are asking you to support
• Madam Chair, I ask for your support.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate your support from all of you on this. Thanks for real. All right.
• I urge your support. Thank you for your testimony. Katie.
• Again, we support efforts to help WSDOT address these barriers and remove them.
• Again, we support efforts to help Washdot address these barriers and remove them.
• We respectfully urge your support. Thank you. Thank you very much. Bryce.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for a work session and public hearing on February 19, 2026. In the work session, Switch Maritime presented a proposal for hydrogen fuel cell ferries for Washington State, including a budget proviso directing the Joint Transportation Committee to study hydrogen propulsion and a lease model for future Washington State Ferries procurement. The company described its Sea Change vessel, said the design could be adapted for Washington routes such as San Juan Islands–Anacortes, and emphasized that hydrogen fueling could be delivered through a mobile supply chain without new charging infrastructure. Senators asked about vessel flexibility, size, hydrogen availability, and terminal compatibility. The committee also received an update from WSDOT on the new public-private partnership program authorized in 2025. Staff said the agency is developing a four-phase implementation process, including consultant selection, a steering committee, a program manual, stakeholder engagement, and candidate project identification, with a report due to the transportation committees on September 1, 2026 and program launch targeted for January 1, 2027. The presentation stressed that the program manual will provide flexibility within the statute and that legislative input is being sought on engagement and project timing. The public hearing was on Senate Bill 6352, an omnibus transportation resources bill that revises and expands provisions from last year’s ESSB 5801. Staff outlined sections covering a mobile driver’s license and ID card program, a reduced-fee ID card for older drivers, changes to alternative fuel and aviation taxes and fees, revised sales tax distributions for ferry and multimodal funding, transit and bicycle education grants, fish passage permitting, clean energy siting on WSDOT right-of-way, toll notice procedures, older driver safety outreach, traffic safety camera revenue sharing, and a delay to the tow-truck indigent impound reimbursement program. The prime sponsor highlighted two priorities: digital driver’s licenses and dedicated ferry funding. Testimony was mixed. Supporters included airlines and aviation groups backing mobile ID and repeal of the luxury aircraft tax, transit and bicycle safety advocates supporting grant flexibility and continued bike education funding, and ferry advocates supporting dedicated ferry revenue. Local governments, including Bellevue, Kenmore, and Tacoma, raised concerns about the traffic camera revenue change, saying the shift from net to gross revenue would reduce local safety funding and could discourage new camera programs. The Association of Washington Cities also warned about unintended consequences in the fish passage and traffic camera provisions. RV dealers sought a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, and peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Turo asked for clarification on documentation requirements. The committee took no final vote and announced it would consider executive action the following week.