Transcript Highlights:

• The New Mexico State Parks Division has 35 state parks in 23 of 33 counties across the state of New Mexico
• of New Mexico Energy and Minerals and Natural Resources Department State Parks Division.
• San Miguel County has the most state parks of any county in the state, with four state parks.
• In the state of North Carolina, we saw it in the state of Maryland and in the state of Arizona.
• So for the entire Navajo Nation, And the entire United States, the Navajo Code Talker Museum belongs

Transcript Highlights:

• What would you like to bring to the State Board? Mr.
• The state stepped up to help guarantee them.
• I got a full ride to leave the state, and so I did.
• And when I did so, it was such a joy to return to the state.
• I feel very passionate about education in this state. I share Mr.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It clarifies the use of Adoption Assistance Program funds for in-state and out-of-state out-of-home placement
• A lot of it has come from Washington.
• And the State Controller's Office, it says the State Controller's Office administers the property tax
• And the state controller's office, it says the state controller's officers administer property stock
• They are a state-only population.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to make sure I can't. ...over 3,700 farms in the state of Washington in the last five years.
• And in Washington state, being one of the highest in the nation, that's top of mind.
• I'm the executive director of the Washington State Farmers Market Association.
• Somewhat telling, there are more than 600 hunger relief agencies operating in Washington state.
• There are more than 600 hunger relief agencies operating in Washington state.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee opened its first formal public hearing agenda of the session with House Bill 2238, which would direct the Department of Agriculture to coordinate statewide food security efforts and develop a food security strategy due to the Legislature by December 1, 2027. Staff explained the bill would add food security coordination and food system monitoring to the department’s duties and require collaboration with state agencies, nonprofits, experts, and tribes. Prime sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves described the bill as a way to codify and continue work the department had done under COVID emergency authority, while also addressing food insecurity, farm viability, food access, and supply chain resilience. She and several testifiers emphasized rising food costs, food deserts, and the need for a coordinated statewide approach. Testimony in support came from Second Harvest of Spokane, Northwest Harvest, Washington wheat, potato, onion, and cattle groups, the Washington State Farmers Market Association, Harvest Against Hunger, Pierce County Councilmember Brian Yambay, the Washington Food Industry Association, Food Lifeline, the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health, and small producers, many of whom stressed the importance of coordination, affordability, data, and including people with lived experience and small farmers in the process. No one testified in opposition during the hearing, though the sign-in record showed 137 pro and 166 con positions overall. The committee then moved into executive session on several 2025 bills, including measures on gray wolf management (HB 1311), farmed octopus (HB 1608), force-feeding birds and foie gras (HB 1735), grizzly bear management (HB 1825), invasive species education for pet sales (HB 1976), and maple syrup processing operations (HB 262). Staff briefed each bill, and members discussed proposed amendments on HB 1735 and HB 1976, but the committee deferred action on all bills except HB 1608. During caucus, members indicated HB 1608 was the only bill to be voted on that day. On HB 1608, which would ban knowingly possessing, transporting, or distributing farmed octopus and authorize a civil penalty, members debated animal welfare and the bill’s policy merits. Rep. Birnbaum supported the measure as a humane step, while Rep. Dent said he had concerns and was not ready to support it. The committee then voted 6-5 to report HB 1608 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after that vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• policies that we have in Washington State and find ways to streamline and make things work better.
• I am the Executive Director at the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and I'm going to provide
• And I would say that the state has, the state is the... Correct. OK.
• That's what I would say that the state has, the state is getting this federal subsidy.
• What is the risk to the state of Washington on default?

Summary: The Housing Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 2118 would limit homeowners associations’ ability to adopt or enforce new covenant restrictions on the use of a unit that are more onerous than those in place when the owner bought the property, unless the owner agrees in writing. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect buyers from having the rug pulled out from under them on things like chickens or renting part of a home. Staff explained the bill’s grandfathering and recording provisions, and that it excludes rules required by law. Testimony was split: supporters emphasized fairness, certainty, and protecting relied-upon uses, while opponents from HOA and management groups argued it would create fragmented enforcement, higher costs, administrative complexity, and conflict within communities, and that existing law and court decisions already address these issues. The committee closed the hearing without taking a vote. HB 2236 would update Washington Housing Finance Commission statutes. The bill would allow the commission to make direct mortgage loans, extend the term of the commission attorney, remove advance notice to the state finance committee before bond issuance, repeal the housing finance program and housing finance plan requirements, and revise the commission’s purpose language. The sponsor and commission said the changes would modernize outdated statutes, improve efficiency, and give the commission more flexibility to use its revenues and financing tools for affordable housing, gap financing, preservation, and starter homes. Committee members asked about the commission’s bond structure, default risk, and the meaning of “public funds,” and the commission said the transactions remain third-party and tax-exempt, with no state credit risk. Banking industry witnesses said they generally support the commission’s mission but wanted clearer limits on direct lending and the use of public funds, and they were working with the commission on amendment language. Committee members expressed support for the collaboration and the goal of increasing housing production. No votes were taken; both hearings were closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This marked the first Welfare and Institutions Code Section 876 hearing of its kind anywhere in the state
• Who conducted the first Welfare and Institutions Code Section 876 hearing in the state.
• or doctor who is out of state.
• Those states get to pass their own laws and make their own decisions; that is states’ rights.
• Additionally, while a bench warrant can be issued for non-Vehicle Code infractions, this bill states

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of public safety bills, with several measures pulled off calendar and one consent calendar adopted. AB 2419 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva would extend body-worn cameras to Los Angeles County juvenile probation officers. Supporters said cameras would improve accountability, youth and officer safety, and public trust; opponents argued the bill would not solve deeper problems in juvenile halls and raised concerns about officer discretion, privacy, and labor issues. The bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote. AB 1902 by Assembly Member Pellerin, co-sponsored by Santa Cruz County, would revise the juvenile detention extension hearing process in response to the Madison Middleton case. Supporters, including the victim’s mother and county officials, said the bill would clarify jurisdiction, allow continuances, permit hearsay at the probable cause stage, extend the maximum detention period, and better protect the public and victims from repeated trauma. Opponents from public defender, youth justice, and civil liberties groups argued the bill expands civil commitment, reduces review frequency, and could lead to inappropriate adult placement. The committee approved the bill to Appropriations, with some members noting remaining concerns. AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie would allow continuity in prosecution for elder and dependent adult abuse cases, including a limited continuance so the same prosecutor can stay with a case. Supporters said older victims and those with dementia or other impairments benefit from a single point of contact and less repeated trauma; opponents said the bill could undermine speedy-trial rights and was broader than necessary. The bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1588, also by Assembly Member Stephanie, would strengthen sideshow and street takeover enforcement by adding motorcycles and dirt bikes to the law and increasing penalties. Supporters framed it as a public safety and accountability measure, while opponents warned it would expand punishment, surveillance, and fines without addressing root causes; the bill was sent to Transportation on a roll call vote. AB 1753, another Stephanie bill, would tighten firearm relinquishment and protective-order enforcement, expand remote hearing access, and align firearm prohibitions across protective order categories; it passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 1739 by Assembly Member Ward, which would criminalize clergy sexual exploitation when clergy provide therapeutic services, with survivors and advocates testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> prices</c> going to see Energy prices going to see Energy prices decline<03:07:38.359><c> and</c
• </c><03:08:14.960><c> would</c> exporting a lot more energy as I would exporting a lot more energy as
• Washington Washington DC and<03:10:42.200><c> I</c><03:10:42.359><c> think</c><03:10:42.600><c> that
• </c> how much longer the chaos in Washington how much longer the chaos in Washington is<03:13:52.319>
• to state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the State Fire Marshal.
• Uh, these individuals are from Philadelphia, New York, and Washington states. Mr.
• Washington State Procurement Apprenticeship Program Accountability and Completion.
• Washington.
• Clean Energy Center.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the big industries need reliable energy. We need safe energy.
• states.
• states.
• And we've already seen several energy-intensive businesses in the state leave.
• </c><01:06:19.960><c> we</c><01:06:20.400><c> kind</c> state or the neighboring states we kind state

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In energy efficiency, wildfire safety, and innovative housing solutions.
• Many of our new state office buildings are highly energy efficient, carbon-free, and fully Our new state
• These are four extraordinary, exemplary architects in the state of California.
• Amazing work, and welcome to the California State Senate. Them.
• Amazing work, and welcome to the California State Senate. All right.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized guests on the floor, including students honored for a young authors program and representatives connected to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The body then took up SCR 138 by Senator Ashby, designating Architecture Week and highlighting California architects’ work in climate resilience, energy efficiency, wildfire safety, and housing innovation. The resolution also noted the low percentage of women in the profession and recognized Ida Claire, California’s first female state architect, along with other architects in attendance. SCR 138 passed unanimously, 32-0. The Senate also considered two gubernatorial appointments. Francisco Kim’s reappointment to the California Acupuncture Board was confirmed without opposition. Davina Hurt’s appointment to the California Water Commission was then considered, with supportive remarks from Senator Becker citing her service and qualifications; the appointment was confirmed on a 26-7 vote. The chamber also approved the Senate journals for March 23-26, 2026, and pulled SCR 124 from the consent agenda. Later, members made announcements about committee hearings scheduled after adjournment, including the Senate Human Services Committee, the new Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection, and a joint budget subcommittee hearing. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of several individuals, including Andrea Schroeder, Country Joe McDonald, and Brenda Joe Martin, with members offering tributes to their civic, artistic, and community contributions. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on April 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is composed of about 1,500 state legislators from all 50 states, bipartisan, and about 20 staff.
• </c> there um composed of about 1500 state there um composed of about 1500 state legislators<00:03:33.480
• ><c> from</c><00:03:33.599><c> all</c><00:03:33.760><c> 50</c><00:03:34.080><c> states</c> legislators
• from all 50 states legislators from all 50 states bipartisan<00:03:36.000><c> uh</c><00:03:36.360><c
• can we welcome them to the Washington can we welcome them to the Hawaii Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Food access in Washington state is a very real problem.
• Washington State faces significant challenges with food deserts, areas where low-income residents lack
• It is happening in the state of Washington. This bill is not the end-all, be-all.
• State that have overburdened resources. ...of our many counties across Washington State that have overburdened
• newspapers in the state, and they are the Washington...

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2517, which would give regional transit authorities, especially Sound Transit, more flexible permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects. Staff and the bill sponsor said the goal is to let permit applications and technical reviews proceed concurrently with property acquisition and land use decisions, reducing delay and uncertainty for large transit projects. Sound Transit testified that the bill could save as much as nine months, while a city representative from Bothell asked for an amendment requiring notice to property owners before permits are advanced on land not yet owned or controlled by the agency. The committee then took testimony on HB 2313, concerning publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas. The bill would let cities acquire land, build or rehabilitate stores, seek capital grants, and create tax increment financing areas for grocery access projects, with annual reporting requirements. Supporters, including the sponsor, Food Lifeline, and Northwest Harvest, argued that grocery closures and food deserts are real problems and that local governments need tools to fill gaps when private grocers leave. Opponents, including grocery industry groups and several students, warned that public stores could undercut private grocers, burden taxpayers, and create operational and property-rights concerns; some testimony also questioned the need for government ownership and the use of tax increment financing. A proposed substitute removed eminent domain and tax increment financing provisions and narrowed the bill to grant-funded stores in underserved areas. Next, the committee heard HB 2451, a major rewrite of local tax increment financing rules. The bill would tighten notice, consultation, reporting, and mitigation requirements for TIF areas, strengthen the “but-for” test, limit where increment areas can be located, and protect existing taxing districts by excluding certain levies and requiring negotiation, mediation, or arbitration when impacts are significant. Cities, ports, counties, libraries, fire chiefs, and hospital districts largely described the bill as a negotiated compromise that improves transparency and addresses unintended impacts, though some local governments said they still wanted more flexibility or protections for existing projects. One city testified against the bill, arguing the new restrictions would make TIF much less useful for large redevelopment efforts. The committee then heard HB 2298, which would authorize county auditors to create voluntary property title protection programs to help prevent land-record fraud by allowing owners to record a protection instrument that delays recording of a title transfer for up to five business days unless identity verification is provided. Auditors, treasurers, and county officials strongly supported the bill as a practical response to rising deed fraud, while title and foreclosure industry representatives said the proposal was too limited, could interfere with foreclosures or other transfers, and would only delay—not prevent—fraud. The final bill heard was HB 2566 on local government procurement, which would raise certain small-purchase and small-public-works thresholds for counties, remove some differences between larger and smaller counties, and give counties more options when no bids are received. County representatives supported the bill as a needed update to procurement rules and a way to reduce bureaucracy and keep pace with inflation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we're going to move to Washington State University's presentation. I think that's Dr.
• My name is Meg Autry and I serve as our director for Housing and Residence Life here at Washington State
• Washington State. Are we hearing first from Washington State University? Is that right? Okay.
• Apparently, we're going to hear first from Washington State University. Are we sure that Dr.
• What I show you in this list is the most common careers in Washington state.

Summary: The committee spent much of the meeting hearing presentations on student mental health supports at Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. CWU described high levels of student distress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and basic-needs insecurity, along with a campus-wide holistic well-being model that includes behavioral intervention teams, emergency aid, peer outreach, community partnerships, and a collegiate recovery community. WSU emphasized loneliness, common presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship distress, and the role of housing and residence life, resident advisors, living-learning communities, and coordinated crisis response in identifying and supporting students. UW highlighted prevention and support programs through LiveWell, including alcohol and other drug consultations, confidential advocacy, suicide intervention, student needs navigation, peer health educators, and peer wellness coaches. The community and technical college system reported persistent access barriers, especially for students ages 18 to 24 and those facing housing or food insecurity, and said the legislature-funded mental health pilot at four colleges expanded counseling access, telehealth, and referral pathways, while broader system efforts focus on awareness, telehealth, basic-needs supports, and workforce training in behavioral health fields. Members asked each panel how they gather student feedback, and the institutions said they use surveys, evaluations, and ongoing outreach to students in services. Questions also focused on substance-use and recovery resources, Greek life outreach, and whether colleges have enough licensed mental health staff versus academic advisors; the community college board said not all colleges have licensed mental health providers on staff, and some rely on community contracts or telehealth. The committee also discussed whether counseling services are increasing because of post-pandemic effects or because students are more willing to seek help, with presenters saying both factors likely play a role. The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the community and technical college system described campus AI task forces, governance structures, and efforts to set policies for students, faculty, and staff. Presenters said institutions are requiring course-level AI use statements, promoting ethical and transparent use, expanding access to approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, and using AI for teaching, research, advising, and administrative support while guarding privacy, equity, and academic integrity. Members raised concerns about deepfakes, bias, student monitoring, and whether AI should be used to screen applications or evaluate student work; presenters said human review remains essential and that some institutions prohibit AI use in hiring or admissions screening. The final presentation, from OSPI, described the statewide rollout of the School Links high school and beyond plan platform under 2023 legislation, saying it will standardize career and college planning across K-12, provide better data and student guidance, and connect students to postsecondary pathways and employers; OSPI said the rollout is underway but current funding only extends through June 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been working with Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, the City
• Of the 32 transit agencies in the state of Washington, 21 are PTBAs.
• Of the 32 transit agencies in the state of Washington, 21 are PTBAs.
• Now, current state law, the state municipal ethics code, states that board members are prohibited from
• There's actually one, but it's in this actual state ethics code.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6066 would authorize counties, cities, towns, and WSDOT to designate crash prevention zones on roads with repeated serious or fatal collisions, require public hearings and engineering/traffic studies, increase enforcement, add a $73 penalty for certain infractions in signed zones, and dedicate those funds to zone-related safety work. The prime sponsor and Pasco officials cited repeated crashes on U.S. 395 and U.S. 12; supporters said the bill would help address dangerous corridors, while one member of the public argued it was unnecessary and duplicative. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6253, which would make labor-recommended seats on public transportation benefit area boards voting members while limiting participation in executive sessions on labor and personnel matters. Labor representatives and transit workers supported the change as giving frontline employees a meaningful voice, while Washington Policy Center opposed it, warning of conflicts of interest and reduced accountability. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6311, which would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during certain construction projects near hospitals, parks, and school zones, authorize inspections and stop-work orders, and direct WSDOT to adopt rules for reroutes and detours. Cities and counties said they support the safety goal but want more flexibility and less risk of added cost or liability; disability and transit advocates strongly supported the bill. Senate Bill 6262 would raise the transportation benefit district vehicle-fee exemption from 6,000 pounds to 9,000 pounds for certain trucks, allowing local districts to charge heavier vehicles a flat fee; Spokane, Spokane Valley, Port Orchard, and AWC supported it as a fairness and pavement-preservation measure, while several members of the public opposed it as another tax increase. Finally, Senate Bill 6335 would narrow and revise the statutory responsibilities of the State Transportation Commission, removing some planning and outreach duties while retaining toll, ferry fare, and other functions. Local governments, ports, and commission members opposed the bill, arguing the commission provides independent statewide planning, public input, and coordination; the sponsor said the goal was to eliminate duplication and focus the commission’s role. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state has had strong tax collections since June.
• If I may, just real brief, I did want to state for the record, Erin Nadea on behalf of the State Superintendent
• government, or state and local government purchase. local government and local state government, or
• state and local government purchase.
• So it's a more so than energy. The national number is greatly influenced by energy, right?

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• The impact, as we stated, is fairly large. It would be about 10% of the stated is fairly large.
• We're one of, you know, we're the state that is identified as the, quote, progressive climate state,
• ...the only project in the state like that? Is it the most advanced project in the state?
• the state as well.
• clean energy tax credits.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the extent that uh access to state.
• That’s what I’m trying to avoid. on each state, local, and federal on each state, local, and federal
• Oh, okay. stated as the intent of this bill, I stated as the intent of this bill, I would<00:17:45.360
• </c> facilities that can provide that energy. facilities that can provide that energy.
• </c> plant in the state. plant in the state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just state your name, Ms.
• So one of the things we at state agencies is required to do is comply with Texas labor code.
• It's a necessity for the state to continue to be the great state that it is.
• So, water in the state...
• Excellent state agency.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Approach here in the state of Washington.
• These are individuals who are lawfully present in Washington State.
• These are individuals who are lawfully present in Washington State.
• Washington state is also a hotbed of innovation, especially in our lower-resource delivery centers.
• In Washington, we're set apart because we actually look at those deaths. Not all states do that.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee met on July 30, 2026, to hear two main briefings. The first, from the Health Care Authority, focused on implementation of federal H.R. 1 Medicaid changes and Washington’s rural health transformation funding. HCA said the state is preparing for major eligibility changes, including the October 1 loss of Medicaid coverage for about 14,000 lawfully present non-citizens and January 1, 2027 work requirements, six-month renewals, and reduced retroactive coverage for roughly 600,000 Medicaid expansion adults. Officials described outreach efforts, new automated verification systems, a verification hub, and plans to use available data sources to reduce manual paperwork, while noting that about one-third of the affected population may still need manual processing. They also said H.R. 1 will limit state-directed payments over time, with an estimated long-term impact of up to $1.5 billion in hospital reimbursements. On rural health transformation, HCA said it is moving quickly to obligate its $181 million federal award through contracts and competitive grants for rural hospitals, workforce, behavioral health, technology, and tribal and community partners. Committee members asked about the impact on rural providers, community service as a work-requirement pathway, emergency Medicaid, tribal and federal reimbursement issues, and whether the state would submit comments on the federal work-requirement rule. HCA said it would file comments, that emergency Medicaid coverage for certain services remains available, and that it is working with tribes and other agencies to avoid erroneous terminations and to move eligible people into other coverage where possible. Members also raised concerns about the administrative burden on families and providers and the need for congressional attention on issues such as TRICARE reimbursement. The second briefing addressed maternal health and the Department of Health’s Maternal Mortality Review Panel report. DOH said maternal mortality in Washington increased for the first time in the report series, but most pregnancy-related deaths remain preventable. Nearly half were linked to behavioral health conditions, especially overdose deaths, with suicide, cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19 also significant causes; most deaths occurred postpartum rather than during delivery. The report found higher mortality rates among American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, multiracial, rural, and Medicaid-covered populations, and identified lack of access to care, financial hardship, housing instability, discrimination, bias, and systemic inequities as major contributors. DOH highlighted existing state actions such as one-year postpartum coverage, doula reimbursement, inpatient substance use treatment coverage for birthing people, and vaccine coverage requirements, and offered 12 legislative recommendations focused on affordable and high-quality care, basic needs and community supports, and equitable, culturally responsive services. Presenters from the Suquamish Tribe and Kitsap OBGYN described how the tribe acquired and stabilized a threatened OB-GYN practice to preserve regional access amid provider shortages and hospital service losses. They said rural obstetric care is difficult to sustain because of thin margins, workforce shortages, long travel distances, and higher-risk patients, and emphasized that tribal health systems can offer stronger reimbursement and integrated family-centered care. The Foundation for Healthcare Quality and the Bree Collaborative then outlined statewide maternity-care quality efforts, including work on perinatal behavioral health, care coordination, postpartum screening, doula support, and better-aligned payment models. They said Washington has strengths in innovation but still needs more OB-GYN capacity, better transitions of care, and more culturally responsive, trauma-informed maternal and Native health services.

Transcript Highlights:

• State your advice. So Mr. Mr advice. State your advice. So Mr.
• State your advice.
• State your point of order. Mr. of order. State your point of order. Mr.
• State your advice. Advice, Mr. Speaker. State your advice. Uh<00:27:23.760><c> Mr.
• </c> Washington, Representative Depel. Washington, Representative Depel.

Keywords: 1183, house