Video & Transcript : 'prompt pay' :
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Closed hearings to examine United States Cyber Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an open hearing at 3:30 p.m. in SD-G50.
Cybersecurity Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Or the federal government could pay billions more to backfill these employees by using contractors, or
- Yeah, well, I'd like to have an answer that suggests that you guys... are paying attention to this.
- government will... ...cancel the student loans of people who work in public service and faithfully pay
- And so we appreciate the support with being able to provide the services. bonuses and pay grade equal
- For that account right now, you know, I appreciate the 10% pay raise for our junior enlisted sailors.
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- might only be talking about cents here, but I think under no circumstances should you be required to pay
- might only be talking about cents here, but I think under no circumstances should you be required to pay
- My amendment today would require data centers to bring their own generation and pay their own way for
- , build their own electricity, that is, bring it themselves, or pay for their infrastructure costs.
- The governor has said data centers need to bring their own generation and pay their own costs.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed numerous guests and interns to the chamber, and established a quorum with 202 members voting on the master roll call. The House then received committee reports on several bills and a resolution, including measures from Consumer Protection, Finance, Communications and Technology, Rules, and Appropriations, and agreed to the reports. House Bill 1877 was reported as passed by the Senate without amendment and was signed by the Speaker for presentation to the Governor.
The chamber adopted House Resolution 363, as amended, directing the Joint State Government Commission to study Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system, including the role of public and private equity in child care and recommendations to improve access and affordability. The House also advanced several bills on final passage, including House Bills 2551, 75, 76, 426, 1127, 2234, and 1585. These measures addressed issues such as banning government text-message collection of fees and tolls, medical licensing for physician assistants and physicians, native habitats at Commonwealth facilities, joining the dental and dental hygienist compact, a spent grain donation tax credit, and restrictions on mugshot removal fees. Most passed with broad support, though House Bill 1127 drew opposition over concerns about licensing standards and the compact structure.
Members also considered House Bill 2650, creating the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development Certification for data centers, and House Bill 2496, establishing a temporary pause on data center proposals while local ordinances are reviewed. Both bills were amended several times. Debate on HB 2650 focused on data center impacts on electricity costs, water use, noise, community benefit agreements, and farmland protection; one farmland-protection amendment was tabled, while other amendments on closed-loop cooling and enforceable local criteria were adopted. Debate on HB 2496 centered on preserving local control and home rule authority for municipalities, with amendments clarifying that local governments could continue curative amendment procedures and retain zoning powers. The House agreed to both bills as amended.
The House also re-reported several bills from Appropriations and Rules, reconsidered and re-accepted a prior committee report on House Bill 2359, and announced caucus and committee meetings. At the end of the session, the House moved several bills to Appropriations, removed Senate Bill 1058 from the table calendar to the active calendar, and adjourned until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE-SENATE AND HOUSE Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Prime example being we pay a nurse practitioner less than we pay a physician for the same CPT code.
- Prime example being we pay a nurse practitioner less than we pay a physician for the same CPT code.
- We obviously approved this legislation, so our intent was to pay the other 700 dentists and spend that
- So you cannot pay those dentists for this service until that language is fixed.
- I will say the one comment that we received regarding not paying higher rates Are there any questions
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- , sales-tax-paying people in there, but yet all the people in Calcasieu Parish, for instance, come to
- , sales-tax-paying people in there, but yet all the people in Calcasieu Parish, for instance, come to
- that district in McNeese and they pay the tax and they have had no say in it.
- Currently, you already pay sales tax when you go to, whether it be a McNeese football game, basketball
- game, the bookstore, you're already paying sales tax.
Keywords:
TOPS, education funding, workforce development, postsecondary education, Louisiana Works, tech training, declining enrollment, public schools, school districts, Louisiana Department of Education, state superintendent, school closures, budget cuts, teacher layoffs, school consolidation, education policy, enrollment decline, birth rates, migration, private schools
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Health and Human Resources Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:10 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- our caregivers more, who do a very tough job in the home and provide a better quality of pay for those
- increases for that for the services going up from $18.992 an hour to $27 an hour which allows us to pay
- our caregivers more that do a very tough job in the home and provide a better you know quality of pay
- I cannot pay a meal driver an eight-hour day shift to deliver meals, pay for the vehicle, pay for the
- I cannot pay a meal driver an eight-hour day shift to deliver meals, pay for the vehicle, pay for the
Summary:
The committee met, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several health- and human-services-related bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs for covered caregivers, was explained as creating training and testimonial privilege protections; the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. House Bill 5004, an educational bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience and the importance of earlier diagnosis; it was reported to the Senate without amendment. House Bill 5327, which would require the Department of Human Services to create an ALS services program, also received supportive testimony from the sponsor and members, but the transcript reflects the bill being reported as House Bill 537; it was moved forward without amendment.
The committee then considered House Bill 5096, which would remove personal care and intellectual/developmental disability waiver services from certificate-of-need review. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory burden and expand access, while a county aging-program director testified that certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and services and that eliminating the requirement would reduce important support for aging providers. After a division vote, the motion to report the bill failed 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative medically appropriate covered treatment without new prior authorization if it costs no more than the original treatment, was explained as carrying an estimated $13 million annual cost to PEIA and was reported to the Senate.
The committee also advanced House Bill 5582, enacting the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, after discussion of a committee amendment removing a new-background-check-at-initial-licensure provision; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported. Another House Bill 5582, concerning the TANF drug screening program, was described as removing the sunset date and allowing oral fluid testing in addition to urine samples; it too was reported. Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery with an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide, and the bill was reported to the Senate. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- When the department initiates an investigation on its own and orders the employer to pay amounts owed
- And it also ensures that employers know whether they are paying rates aligned with their own risk or
- This amendment requires the arbitrator to consider the financial ability of the public employer to pay
- This amendment requires the arbitrator to consider the financial ability of the public employer to pay
- We do want to be able to pay these people fairly.
Keywords:
workers' compensation, industrial insurance, premium rates, rate transparency, actuarial rates, contingency reserves, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, risk classifications, employer premiums, insurance regulation, rate setting, premium increase limits, workers' compensation advisory committee, retrospective rating, state insurance fund, accident and medical aid funds, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Business and Insurance 2ND REVISED Feb 19th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Business and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- What did we pay? What did we get? And A do pass from Senator Guthrie in a second from the chair.
- Is if they open up their insurance policy renewal, they're gonna say we can't pay this anymore.
- So, customers are paying that money. Then, those companies get to invest that money.
- Oklahomans are paying a lot of money that's going towards corporate profits.
- This would leave insurance companies that cannot pay the losses out of business.
Bills:
SB1969, SB1953, SB1277, SB1287, SB1061, SB1916, SB1589, SB2178, SB1444, SB1438, SB1501, SB1873, SB1364
Keywords:
massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We blew $1.2 trillion just to pay the interest in 2025.
- Then you turn around and start focusing on how to actually pay down the debt.
- Did we actually pay down the debt? No, we grew our way out of it.
- Did we actually pay down the debt? No, we grew our way out of it.
- When the federal government borrows money to keep paying whatever it desires to pay, it raises the interest
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from January 29 and 30. It then took up HCR 25, a resolution calling for an Article V convention effort focused on a balanced budget amendment. The sponsor and supporters argued that the federal debt and annual deficits are unsustainable, that the resolution is intended to pressure Congress rather than actually trigger a runaway convention, and that any amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. Supporters also said a balanced budget amendment would force fiscal discipline without immediate tax hikes or drastic cuts, and several public witnesses, including former officials, a banker, a student, and party leaders, testified in favor on generational and economic grounds.
Opponents and skeptical members raised concerns that the resolution explicitly calls for a constitutional convention, that there is no reliable way to limit the scope or delegate selection, and that a convention could create unintended constitutional changes. Some questioned whether the strategy was honest with constituents, whether Congress should instead be changed through elections, and whether states like Idaho should continue accepting federal funds while advocating fiscal restraint. The Idaho Republican Party chair testified against the measure, saying the risk of an uncontrolled convention outweighed any benefit.
After debate, Representative Boyle moved a substitute motion to hold HCR 25 in committee, but that motion failed 9-4. The committee then voted on the original motion to send HCR 25 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and that motion passed 9-4. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We understand that nobody likes paying impact fees.
- You know, this isn't about not paying impact fees.
- Every person I talk to is willing to pay impact fees.
- And so I think it's not about not paying impact fees.
- Every person I talk to is willing to pay impact fees.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of bills, mostly local claims and growth-management or permitting measures. SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24 were uncontested claims bills providing relief for injuries or damages involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County; each was described as settled or favorably reported by a special master, and each was reported favorably without debate. SB 288, a negotiated bill on rural electric cooperatives, was presented as a clarification to protect co-op authority over generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections; it drew support from industry stakeholders and was reported favorably. SB 830 created a public-records exemption for certain local administrators and their families’ personal information, citing threats against city managers, and it also passed favorably.
The committee also considered several land-use and permitting bills. SB 1138 would create a registry of qualified professionals to conduct pre-application review for plats and development, aiming to reduce delays and backlogs; local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, but the bill passed favorably with one no vote. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling houses, increased penalties, and authorized attorney’s fees and foreclosure of unpaid fees; it was reported favorably. SB 686 revised the agricultural enclave statute to create a public-hearing process for certain residential projects in urban service areas, with a sunset date later amended to June 30, 2026; conservation and planning groups raised concerns about local planning authority and public participation, but the bill passed favorably.
SB 548, a growth-management and impact-fee cleanup bill, clarified plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for impact fees. Local government and development stakeholders testified that it would improve predictability while preserving flexibility, though some sought further refinement on fee increases and refunds; the bill was amended and then reported favorably. SB 1234 addressed building permits and inspections, including permit validity, small-project exemptions, temporary hurricane protection, standardized permit forms, and expanded use of private providers; county officials objected to reduced oversight, while builders and private-provider advocates supported the measure. After testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Jones requested to be recorded on several votes, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We understand that nobody likes paying impact fees.
- You know, this isn't about not paying impact fees.
- Every person I talk to is willing to pay impact fees.
- And so I think it's not about not paying impact fees.
- Every person I talk to is willing to pay impact fees.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The funding here will help increase staff pay, leading to better efficiencies and stabilized and secure
- The third category is pay increases to support recruitment and retention.
- And there is a pay disparity of $50,000 between ALJ pay and PERC hearing officer pay.
- And we ask that you increase hearing officer pay by 17%.
- Electronic file-and-pay system and implementing a new cloud-based case management system.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- How many projects have you visited that have been hardened from the fund that all my constituents pay
- We'll go ahead and go to the retail a la carte division of FPL and just pay to underground because we
- Affordability, to some of us, does it suggest an ability of a customer to pay?
- So when we talk about energy burden and we see that people are paying sometimes over a third of their
- I think we should pay deference to them.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably.
Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably.
The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 7th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Now imagine overcoming that hardship, paying off all the debts, and securing a new lease, only to find
- First, the tenants have to fully pay their debt to the landlord.
- The intent of this bill is to allow customers to pay with a credit card or electronically as a one-time
- Sometimes it can be a lot more costly if you have to pay late fees and things like that.
- The concern was specifically if a borrower who currently pays each month via an ACH would be charged
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Transportation Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- young boy was killed in my district right in front of my building, and all the person had to do was pay
- It essentially maintains the requirement for other utilities to pay that are regulated by, you know,
- It essentially maintains the requirement for other utilities to pay that are regulated by, you know,
- Most utilities pay a franchise fee; 3% is a common number, maybe as much as 5%.
- If you're paying... ...franchise fee, 3% is a common number, maybe as much as 5%.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably.
The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- as criminal DAs and county attorneys the flexibility that we need to help keep our legal assistant pay
- We can only pay these fees and taxes if we're allowed to open.
- In the '86th session, we passed HB 2384 by Chairman Leach to modify the way we pay judges for hearing
- Uh, 4 years ago, the state did not include the county judges for that, uh, longevity pay.
- The fees, court fees under 133 of the criminal code pay for the salary, so it's not.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota’s Healthcare Needs – Senator Liz Boldon Mar 31st, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- through the program, able to complete their training, complete their schooling, and then get into good-paying
- the system, bringing people, getting them that training and education needed to get into those good-paying
- ><00:01:44.079><c> into</c><00:01:44.320><c> those</c><00:01:44.560><c> good</c><00:01:44.799><c> paying
- </c> needed to get into those good paying needed to get into those good paying jobs<00:01:45.600><c>
- </c> folks are just they're not able to pay folks are just they're not able to pay it<00:07:36.319><c
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 20th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Requests from the feds, their overtime pay.
- And we told them to come back and reconcile that pay before we put money in.
- Uh, to pay the cost of the premium increases as well as the, the employer share, uh, increase to where
- They agreed to pay 5% for another $100 million so we capped that so they can't bond over the rate.
- I, I think the investment into our programs or into our universities are gonna pay dividends back.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Revenue - Finance Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This reduces take-home pay at a time when families are dealing with rising living costs, income volatility
- And they're still paying a significant amount. And so if you look at the break-even...
- And they're still paying a significant amount.
- And veterans' households tend to be financially disciplined, long-term homeowners, stable, tax-paying
- And veterans' household tend to be financially disciplined, long-term homeowners, stable, tax-paying
Summary:
The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider two tax-related measures sponsored by Representative Holofsky. The first was House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, the Tipped Worker Tax Relief Act of 2026, which would allow a temporary Delaware income tax deduction of up to $15,000 for qualified tips for tax years 2027 through 2029, with phaseouts at higher incomes and a refundable credit for lower-income workers. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill applied to residents and non-residents, whether credit-card tips were included, the need for an updated substitute, and the expected fiscal impact. The Office of the Comptroller General said the bill would likely reduce general revenue and that the fiscal note had not yet been fully reviewed, while Deputy Secretary Goldsmith said the Department of Finance could administer it and that implementation costs would be modest. After public comment, the committee voted on a motion to release the bill, but it did not receive enough votes, so the chair said she would walk it for additional signatures.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. Representative Holofsky argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, support the economy, and provide a strong return on investment through spending, taxes, and community participation. Members raised concerns about whether the benefit should be income-based, with one member arguing that higher-income retirees may not need the tax break, while supporters emphasized the multiplier effect and the value of veterans to the state. Public testimony from Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives strongly supported the bill and described how the exemption could influence retirement decisions and local economic activity. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's no money set aside to pay claims despite the fact of what they've done. ...that the former
- So there's no money set aside to pay claims despite the fact of what they've done.
- They also caused the entire residence to go out of tilt, but they won't pay for anything.
- But if there's no one there to issue bonds or to issue a millage tax to pay for all this damage that
- And so this is the amount of time it takes us to pay contractors for every invoice.
Summary:
The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then adopted Amendment Set 5327, which adds a compliance officer requirement and related qualifications for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. Supporters of Senate Bill 56 argued that the Lafitte levee district lacks sufficient recurring revenue to maintain its system and that the West Bank flood authority could provide professional management, coordination, and financial support. Testimony also raised concerns about governance problems at SLFPA East and about unresolved landowner damage claims tied to prior levee work. The committee reported SB 56 favorably with amendments.
The Department of Transportation and Development secretary then gave an update on the agency’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing, construction process improvements, faster contractor payments, quicker change-order approvals, and higher project delivery rates. The committee next reported Senate Bill 171 favorably, which cleans up language for the recreation, economy, navigation, and transportation authority board, and Senate Bill 252 favorably, which allows driver’s license records to reflect both acceptance and refusal of anatomical gift authorization.
Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic vehicle titles and registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, require electronic lien and title functions for certain users, and set implementation timelines; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would create a Louisiana Vehicle Commission by consolidating the motor vehicle commissions, was amended with a substitute but then voluntarily deferred to allow more stakeholder work. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate and adding a special plate provision for designated state officials tied to Supreme Court parking/security concerns, was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, urging safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident, was amended to shift responsibility to parish governing authorities and was reported with amendments.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 04:40 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- spending, indicating that 5% of the revenue will go into the Fair Start for Kids account to help us pay
- Everyone with a job will eventually be paying this income tax. our tax system.
- Everyone with a job will eventually be paying this income tax. ...with a job.
- Everyone with a job will eventually be paying this income tax, Mr.
- We would like to pay our share. We don't have a mechanism to do it.
Bills:
SCR8410
Keywords:
returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904
Summary:
The Senate considered engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346, a major tax package creating a new income tax on high earners, providing tax reductions and credits, and funding various spending priorities. A point of order was raised that House amendments exceeded the bill’s scope under Senate Rule 66, focusing on new provisions affecting sales and use taxes and business and occupation taxes. The President ruled the amendments were within scope, finding they were tax reductions similar to those already in the Senate-passed bill, and the Senate then took up the motion to concur in the House amendments.
Members debated the House changes at length. Supporters said the amendments improved the bill by expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, adding exemptions for diapers and over-the-counter medicines, bringing forward some tax relief, preserving business loss carryforwards, and adding funding or intent language for items such as Fair Start for Kids, K-12 investments, local government replacement funding, and universal school meals. Opponents argued the bill remained unconstitutional or unfair, criticized the income tax structure and inflation indexing changes, objected to the gambling-loss deduction and limits on charitable deductions, and said the bill’s promises on public defense, education, and other priorities were not secured in the body of the measure.
On a roll call vote, the Senate concurred in the House amendments by a vote of 27-21, with one excused. The Senate then passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 as amended by the House by the same 27-21 vote, and the President signed the bill in open session. The chamber also received several messages from the House announcing signed bills, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.