Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, sir, Senate Bill 459 by Senator Stewart deals with liquefied petroleum gas fitters and service

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we are reinvigorating the military-industrial complex.
• I appreciate what Alabama is doing to get behind that because our industrial base is important.
• the military-industrial reinvigorating the military-industrial complex.<01:35:17.040><c> Uh</c><01:35
• </c><01:35:26.880><c> We're</c><01:35:27.120><c> also</c> industrial base is important.
• We're also industrial base is important.

Transcript Highlights:

• And given the dire situation in petroleum markets because of the Iran conflict, heating oil customers
• Here's what I've seen over my 20 years in the industry: Mass Save doesn't just create jobs.
• And then we also have agreements with all of the contractors like Rick's peers out there in the industry
• contractors, the Mass Save program creates a lot of opportunity, workforce growth, and long-term industry
• These are from the commercial and industrial sector.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends. Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding. Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And given the dire situation in petroleum markets because of the Iran conflict, heating oil customers
• Here's what I've seen over my 20 years in the industry: Mass Save doesn't just create jobs.
• And then we also have agreements with all of the contractors like Rick's peers out there in the industry
• And hundreds of companies and dozens and dozens and dozens of industries support the Mass Save throughput
• These are from the commercial and industrial sector.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Summary: The hearing focused on the value of Mass Save, with committee members and witnesses largely emphasizing that the program lowers energy bills, reduces peak demand, supports climate goals, and delivers benefits beyond direct participants. The chair opened by noting Mass Save’s long-term savings, its role in weatherization and heat pump deployment, and recent statutory changes directing the program toward emissions reductions, low- and moderate-income households, and fossil-fuel restrictions. Elizabeth Mahoney of the Department of Energy Resources said the program has evolved to broaden access and control costs, citing large weatherization totals, heat pump installations, avoided emissions, and budget controls that removed $500 million from the approved plan. She also said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer Mass Save was intended to reduce administrative and procurement costs, and she explained that outreach to low- and moderate-income communities is counted within marketing spending. Several witnesses addressed the program’s workforce and business impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, contractors, and thousands of jobs by creating stable demand for energy-efficiency work, while warning that sharp budget cuts would lead to layoffs and discourage investment in training, equipment, and hiring. Committee members pressed them on who administers the program, and both said the program administrators and utilities collaborate, with day-to-day contractor oversight and customer work largely delegated to private vendors and community partners. Other witnesses, including Brian Biot and James Collins of the low-income network, described the “quarterbacking” model used for income-eligible customers, where community action agencies provide full project management, technical support, and wraparound services to help households access fuel assistance, discount rates, weatherization, and electrification measures. A major theme was cost-effectiveness and system-wide savings. Anna Johnson of ACEEE and Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said Mass Save returns more than it costs, reduces peak demand, and lowers prices for all ratepayers, including those who do not participate directly. They cited avoided costs in the billions, strong state rankings, and examples of peak-hour savings that avoid expensive generation and infrastructure. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that energy efficiency is the cheapest way to achieve greenhouse gas reductions and that cutting the program would force more expensive power plants to run. Bronte Payne of Sunrun and Ben Sondaga of Highland Electric Fleets highlighted Connected Solutions, a Mass Save-funded virtual power plant program, saying it saves ratepayers money and can use home batteries and electric school buses to reduce peak demand and support grid reliability. Equity and affordable housing witnesses, including Mary Wampo and Barney Heath, said Mass Save has become more responsive to renters, low-income households, and designated equity communities, while also helping affordable housing projects meet passive house and electrification standards; no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, does any industry have the right To pollute New Mexicans.
• But this industry that we're talking about, well, the industry that I most work with, gas and oil, is
• How do you push back on an industry like this? Any ideas?
• What we have looked at is what's the industry doing. For us.
• But we have not lifted up what has the industry done to When we can see what the industry has done to

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The RV industry already mandates gas detectors in recreational vehicles through NFPA 1192, and propane
• We had, we were in the heyday in the early 1900s during the Industrial Revolution.
• which were wired by Thomas Edison himself when he was performing... ...experiments with the shoe industry
• NEMA believes this legislation leverages industry standards and that it will lead to protection of life
• First, please let’s keep in mind this is not an industry that operates on a shoestring budget.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills, with strong support expressed for a proposed municipal and public safety building authority (H. 2571/S. 1650). Municipal officials, fire chiefs, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, regional planning leaders, and Senator Comerford described aging town halls, fire stations, DPW facilities, and other local buildings, especially in small towns and gateway cities, and argued that local budgets and Proposition 2 1/2 make major capital projects difficult to fund. Testimony emphasized the need for a dedicated revenue stream, with the bill proposing a share of marijuana excise tax revenue and a rural funding set-aside. Committee members asked about prioritization and funding levels, and witnesses said even a modest start would help address a large statewide backlog. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee later adjourned unanimously. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2689, requiring fuel gas alarms/detectors in residential dwellings using explosive gases. Representative Jeff Roy, Susan Brown, Jason Cohn, and representatives from NEMA and Kidde supported the bill, describing it as a life-saving measure similar to carbon monoxide detector requirements. Witnesses cited the 2015 Franklin propane explosion that killed Nancy and Robert Brown, the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, and national fire data showing fatalities and property damage from gas leaks. They said detectors are affordable, commercially available, and should be required where gas is used; one witness noted battery-backed or battery-operated options exist. Committee questions focused on cost, battery power, outdoor propane setups, and whether the bill would cover private databases or only residential safety devices. Another major topic was S. 1755 on missing and abducted children. Senator Pavel Payano testified in favor, citing the case of Lee Manuel Villoria Paolino and arguing that misclassification of missing children as runaways can delay urgent response and worsen outcomes, especially for Black and brown youth. He said the bill would set minimum law enforcement response standards, require training, and expand multilingual intake forms. The committee also heard support for expanding the state DNA database through familial DNA searching, with Dr. Amory Myers explaining that the technology could help solve long-unsolved cases while including guardrails to prevent use of private consumer DNA databases. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on H. 2740, “Colby’s Law,” establishing safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Colby Lippincott’s family, community members, and industry representatives described his fatal crash and urged requirements for medical staff, insurance, inspections, warning systems, barriers, and access roads. Witnesses said the bill would not end the sport but would create basic protections, and the committee heard that Massachusetts would join a number of other states with similar standards. The hearing ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And given the dire situation in petroleum markets because of the Iran conflict, heating oil customers
• Here's what I've seen over my 20 years in the industry: Mass Save doesn't just create jobs.
• And then we also have agreements with all of the contractors like Rick's peers out there in the industry
• And hundreds of companies and dozens and dozens and dozens of industries support the Mass Save throughput
• These are from the commercial and industrial sector.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Transcript Highlights:

• Those critical infrastructure facilities can include petroleum refineries, electric power generation

Bills: SB372 , SB1224 , SB1232 , SB1264 , SB1330 , SB1381 , SB1441 , SB1450 , SB1589 , SB1618 , SB1936 , SB1980 , SB2011 , SB2030

Committee: House Criminal Judiciary

Summary: The committee first handled several housekeeping items: SB 1330 was withdrawn, SB 1381 was laid over, and SB 1618 was transferred to rules. It then heard a series of bills, mostly criminal justice, public safety, and regulatory measures, with members repeatedly moving due pass recommendations after brief explanations and little or no debate. SB 1589 would strengthen penalties under Oklahoma’s sweepstakes law and extend coverage to entities profiting from illegal gambling, while not affecting ordinary entertainment games. SB 1441 would make it a crime to fly a drone in the airspace of, or make contact with, designated critical infrastructure facilities such as refineries, power stations, telecommunications sites, and manufacturing facilities, with exceptions for recreational use and authorized law enforcement. SB 1224 would require clemency-related hearing notices to be sent to victims by email as well as mail, and SB 372 was described as a cleanup bill clarifying where firearms may be carried. Other bills addressed theft, domestic violence, expungement, fraud, and impersonation. SB 1232 would create a felony and raise fines for copper theft; SB 1264, after an adopted amendment, expanded the definition of great bodily injury to include concussions, brain bleeds, and injuries affecting more than 10% of the body, making domestic abuse causing such injury a felony. SB 1450 dealt with consistency in fines and fees across counties and prompted discussion about county-by-county obligations and court revenue impacts. SB 2011 would treat assault and battery against OJA contract employees the same as against employees, SB 2030 would delay implementation of the Clean Slate expungement automation initiative to 2027 and backlog processing to 2029 without expanding eligibility, SB 1980 would protect against gift card fraud after an amendment changing the mental state language to “knowingly and willfully,” and SB 1936 would make falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer a D1 felony. The committee reported the bills out with due pass recommendations, with votes recorded on several measures, including unanimous or near-unanimous approvals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, fossil fuels—natural gas, coal, and even petroleum—supply 60% of our electricity.
• Right now, fossil fuels—natural gas, coal, and even petroleum—supply 60% of our electricity.
• Right now, fossil fuels—natural gas, coal, and even petroleum—supply 60% of our electricity.
• </c> coal and even even petroleum coal and even even petroleum Supply Supply Supply 60%<03:39:18.840>
• </c><03:51:33.239><c> and</c> the handcuffs off our AI industry and the handcuffs off our AI industry

Transcript Highlights:

• It also encourages more evening driving, which, get this, the petroleum industry, the gas and oil industry
• And so let’s really show it to the oil and gas industry by not giving them what they want and staying
• Just in the hospitality, golf, and entertainment industry, they’re showing measurable gains during that
• Is that the reason why this won't affect their industry? That is true, yes, sir.
• And so if this is not going to affect any segment of any particular industry, for that matter, it is

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of introductions recognizing student groups, interns, FCCLA and FBLA participants, a Missouri Rural Water Association delegation, medical students, family guests, and legislative assistants. Members also highlighted the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state championship team and several job-shadowing students from across the state. Announcements included committee meetings and a Missouri Department of Conservation Earth Day tree-seedling giveaway in the rotunda. On legislation, the House received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, then took up House substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049. Members discussed the bill as a vehicle for multiple bipartisan provisions, including public safety, AI, trafficking training, and other topics; opponents raised concerns about anti-trans language and the bill’s breadth, while others defended it as a package of widely supported items. The House passed the measure 117-10 with 17 present. The chamber also truly agreed to and finally passed Senate Bill 914, dealing with soil analysis/perk test issues, by 108-34 with one present, and Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State business filing measure for series LLC certificates of good standing, by 142-0 with one present. The most extended debate was on House Bill 1758, a daylight savings time trigger bill. The sponsor argued Missouri should lock in daylight savings time if the federal government authorizes a nationwide change, to avoid neighboring states forcing Missouri into standard time and to support tourism, safety, and economic activity. Supporters cited health, mental health, family, and business benefits, while opponents argued for standard time, raised concerns about children, circadian rhythms, and prior failed experiments, and questioned the federal-state authority issues. After extensive discussion and a point of order, the House ordered House Bill 1758 perfected and printed. The session ended with announcements and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's two lists: a list from Ecology and a list from the industry.
• I mean, that's the balance, right, for the industries?
• and help Washington lead in industrial decarbonization.
• So the food industry is in, and versus food security versus climate goals.
• Large industrial loads with more complex contractual and self-generation, Large industrial loads with

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took testimony on each. SB 6013 would update ski lift terminology in State Parks law to include aerial tramways, tows, and conveyors; the sponsor and Washington State Parks said it is a simple technical update and a companion to a House bill previously passed by the committee. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the time a non-certified on-site wastewater inspector may work under supervision before becoming certified; the sponsor and local public health witnesses said the change would help retain staff because the certification exam is difficult, offered only twice a year, and often results in turnover if the deadline is missed. The committee also heard ESB 6246, which would change policy for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act. The bill would require Ecology to produce a new report on post-2034 allowance reductions and leakage risk, and would require EITEs to submit periodic assessments of technically and economically feasible emissions-reduction options, reviewed by a licensed engineer. Supporters said the bill is a necessary first step to plan for decarbonization while keeping industry in Washington; environmental groups urged stronger third-party verification and clearer reporting, while industry groups supported the general framework but asked for changes on leakage analysis, confidentiality, and penalties. Ecology supported the overall direction but raised concerns about implementation language and resource needs. Finally, SSB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts that distribute electricity and certain large self-generating or affected market customers, while preserving some exemptions for pre-existing cogeneration and certain PUDs. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes so all new generation is subject to clean electricity standards, especially as ports and data centers explore behind-the-meter or fossil generation. Opponents from industrial and business groups argued the bill could sweep in facilities that were not intended to be covered and could create additional costs during a period of tight power supply. Ecology and Commerce testified that the bill would clarify CETA but noted possible effects on no-cost allowance allocations under the Climate Commitment Act. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is not true for most industries.
• industry.
• pharmaceutical industry.
• You know, that's just one industry.
• Liquid bulk: our biggest item is petroleum.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links. Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill. Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• These meetings brought together law enforcement, industry, OHV organizations, and land managers to explore
• remains vulnerable because of limited in-state refining capacity and increasing reliance on imported petroleum
• If this does get very popular, does the industry have the wherewithal to meet the demand?
• Does the industry have the ability to meet the demand?

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a long agenda of transportation-related measures, with testimony focused on housing, safety, environmental access, and fuel affordability. Several bills dealt with Caltrans surplus or former freeway properties in the Los Angeles area: AB 1338 would let the City of Linwood transfer a public-purpose covenant to another parcel to enable 55 units of affordable housing; AB 1594 would remove a net-equity repayment requirement for Ronald McDonald House’s purchase of former SR 710 properties in Pasadena; and AB 2329 would create a more transparent process for tenants and cities to facilitate sales of former SR 710 homes, with support from South Pasadena and Pasadena officials and tenants. AB 2679 addressed safety and access around Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay corridor by allowing Caltrans and local Tahoe agencies to manage parking and improve pedestrian, transit, and public access infrastructure. The committee also heard several public safety bills aimed at impaired driving. AB 1685 would increase DMV points for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from two to three, and AB 1687 would extend the license revocation period for a third DUI conviction from three years to eight years, with an interlock option after four years. Both measures drew strong support from law enforcement, MADD, and victims’ families, including emotional testimony about repeat offenders and drunk-driving fatalities. AB 1613 would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship course before access to off-highway lands beginning in 2029, with supporters describing it as an education-first response to rising OHV injuries and fatalities. Other bills focused on transportation efficiency and affordability. AB 2046 would allow EPA-approved E85 conversion kits in California, which supporters said would give drivers a cheaper, lower-carbon fuel option and improve fuel resiliency. AB 2168 would revise the Active Transportation Program to better prioritize transit-connected biking and walking projects and add stronger accountability for grantees that do not spend funds on time. AB 2263 would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to reserve some affordable housing units for its employees, and supporters said it would help workers live closer to their jobs and reduce long commutes. The committee reported no opposition on most measures, and after quorum was established it approved the bills, sending them onward mostly to the Committee on Appropriations, with AB 2679 sent to Natural Resources and Water. Several votes were unanimous, while AB 1613 and AB 2168 drew some no votes but still advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Daniela Garcia Hernandez with the Western States Petroleum Association, in opposition. Thank you.
• I want to say this industry has come a long way, but it has a long way to go.
• So private security is the third largest industry sector in the United States.
• California's security industry is already among the most highly regulated in the nation.
• California's security industry is already among the most highly regulated in the nation.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• via our existing shore power order and voluntary agreements with the cruise industry.
• Trucking is a pass-through industry.
• Trucking is a pass through industry.
• I mean, we're a mobile industry.
• I don't think it's a bad idea to speed up the industry a bit.

Bills: HB2421 , HB1652 , HB2367 , HB2284

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: 6PPD, tires, environmental impact, public health, chemical regulation, HB1652, Salish Sea Protection and Marine Clean Fuels Act, marine fuel, low-sulfur fuel, sulfur emissions, ocean-going vessels, shipping, maritime pollution, air quality, particulate matter, Department of Ecology, port visit, regulated waters, fuel switching, vessel emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess we have petroleum and insurance premium, so there's other ones.
• don't think is there I guess<00:14:47.480><c> we</c><00:14:47.600><c> have</c><00:14:47.800><c> petroleum
• </c><00:14:48.399><c> and</c><00:14:49.240><c> insurance</c> guess we have petroleum and insurance guess
• They were talking about how there would be concerns in the banking industry about charging people to
• </c> would be concerns of the U Bank industry would be concerns of the U Bank industry uh<01:06:20.880

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• theft and vandalism reported at tower sites, including broadcasters, 911, and the cellular telephone industry
• Senate Bill 1749 allows the Liquid Petroleum Gas Board to establish LP gas-specific permitting and inspection
• Senate Bill 1749 allows the Liquid Petroleum Gas Board to establish LP gas-specific permitting and inspection

Bills: SB1521 , SB372 , SB1232 , SB1307 , SB1338 , SB1390 , SB1451 , SB1463 , SB1558 , SB1567 , SB1595 , SB1621 , SB1734 , SB1749 , SB1827 , SB1833 , SB1991 , SB1992 , SB63 , SB2063 , SB2180 , SB1198 , SB80

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of guest and gallery introductions, including medical professionals, interns, students, and advocates visiting for Disability Day. The chamber then moved quickly through a long floor agenda, with leaders repeatedly noting the need to stay at desks and proceed efficiently. Several bills were taken up with floor substitutes or minor amendments, most often restore-title amendments, before advancing to final passage. The Senate passed a number of measures addressing technology, public safety, education, health care, elections, and state agency operations. Among the most notable were SB 1521, which creates safeguards around AI social companions for minors after discussion of teen suicides linked to such products; SB 1734, which sets guardrails for AI use in schools and requires district policies by 2027; and SB 1307, which removes statutory language conflicting with religious-freedom case law and passed after debate over whether it could open the door to funding religious entities. Other bills approved included SB 372 on carrying firearms in certain state-owned lodges and cabins, SB 1232 on escalating penalties for major copper theft damage, SB 1338 making the literacy-coach program permanent and tying Strong Readers Act dollars to district access, SB 1451 on voter-registration cleanup and reporting, SB 1463 extending the polygraph examiners board sunset, SB 1558 clarifying that some OJA youth in Level E group homes may remain served until age 19, and SB 1567 clarifying APRN prescriptive-authority rules and supervision compensation. The chamber also approved SB 1595, an anti-steering/anti-discrimination bill aimed at CDL training grants and workforce boards, and SB 1621, treating public law libraries as public entities represented by district attorneys. SB 1749, which lets the LP Gas Board create permitting and inspection rules for mobile food vendors and delegate inspections to more local permit holders, drew concern from some senators about added costs and burdens on food-truck operators but still passed. The Senate also advanced SB 1833, codifying the SNAP waiver executive order and limiting certain non-nutritive foods, with questions focused on how the restrictions would be communicated and applied. Most measures were passed by substantial margins, and several were declared emergency measures after final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• via our existing shore power order and voluntary agreements with the cruise industry.
• Trucking is a pass-through industry.
• So whatever that multiplication is, but it would be extremely expensive for industry.
• I mean, we're a mobile industry.
• I don't think it's a bad idea to speed up the industry a bit.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three main bills. House Bill 2284 on reducing litter would remove a scheduled increase in plastic bag thickness, preserve the existing penalty on thicker bags, and create a litter solutions task force to use existing data and recommend further actions. Supporters from business, retail, agriculture, food industry, and the Department of Ecology said the bill takes a data-driven approach and could help reduce litter without imposing a full bag ban, while Ecology noted it already has a statewide litter study underway and raised cost and membership concerns. Opponents and other commenters generally favored the bill’s direction but emphasized the need for more study and careful implementation. No vote was taken. House Bill 1652 would require certain ocean-going vessels in Washington waters to use fuel with no more than 0.1% sulfur, with recordkeeping, Ecology oversight, penalties, and a substitute clarifying vessel coverage and exemptions. The prime sponsor and environmental and public health advocates said the bill would reduce air and water pollution from scrubbers and protect the Salish Sea, orcas, salmon, and nearby communities. Ports, shipping interests, and industry groups raised concerns that the bill could effectively discourage scrubbers, create burdens for irregular callers and cargo traffic, and affect port competitiveness, while some said the bill should be narrowed or further stakeholdered. The hearing also included discussion of a proposed substitute and possible impacts on vessels and port operations. House Bill 2367 would end special coal-related exemptions by limiting the cap-and-invest exemption to pre-2026 emissions, removing limits on additional greenhouse gas regulation for the coal plant, and repealing coal sales and use tax exemptions. Supporters said the bill would align state law with the planned closure of the Centralia coal plant, reinforce Washington’s climate policies, and remove outdated carve-outs. Business and petroleum representatives warned that if the plant were brought back into the cap-and-invest program, the allowance market could be affected and Ecology might need flexibility to adjust the program. The committee heard extensive testimony on all three bills but took no recorded votes or final action in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• convention attendance is below 2015 levels, but the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the convention industry
• Most of that consists of taxes on liquid petroleum products.
• Lots of headwinds in the construction industry. Permits are down.
• seize some growth but it's likely to be quite modest overall lots of headwinds in the construction industry
• And interesting, if you look at the national data by industry, it looks less concentrated than ours does

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• convention attendance is below 2015 levels, but the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the convention industry
• though trade convention attendance has been below 2015 levels, the COVID pandemic has disrupted the industry
• Most of that consists of taxes on liquid petroleum products.
• Lots of headwinds in the construction industry. Permits are down.
• And interesting, if you look at the national data by industry, it looks less concentrated than NARS does

Summary: House Finance met in work session on January 13, 2026, beginning with the introduction of new member Rep. Janice Zahn and a reminder about short-session amendment deadlines. The committee then heard JLARC’s 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine preferences. JLARC recommended continuing several preferences, including natural gas transportation fuel exemptions, reduced B&O rates for travel agents and tour operators, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, a property tax exemption for multipurpose senior centers, a sales and use tax remittance for disabled veteran adapted housing, a trade convention attendance nexus exemption, a B&O exemption for agricultural fertilizer and seed sales, and a hazardous substance tax exemption for certain pesticides. JLARC also recommended allowing unused silicon smelter-related preferences to expire. Members asked about legislative intent, data limitations, and how performance metrics should be tied more clearly to policy objectives; committee leaders and JLARC staff discussed a new standardized rubric for future tax preference performance statements and fiscal note review. The committee also noted that bills related to some of the reviewed preferences were already introduced. For the low-income housing exemption, JLARC said nonprofit developers were building homes as intended but that the current spending-based metric did not fully reflect the policy goal, and it recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify the preference. For multipurpose senior centers, JLARC said the exemption met its inferred objective and recommended continuation, with possible consideration of making it permanent. For the disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, JLARC said few eligible veterans were claiming the benefit and recommended continuation with changes to improve access and consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs. On the trade convention attendance exemption, JLARC said use was unknown but the preference likely helped keep Washington competitive with other states and recommended continuation, though members questioned the lack of direct evidence and the administrative-burden rationale. The committee then received an update from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The forecast showed the U.S. economy slowing but still growing, with Washington expected to have modest growth, weak employment gains, continued personal income growth, and slow construction. ERFC said tariffs and trade policy remained the biggest risks, inflation was expected to stay elevated in the near term, and the Federal Reserve had cut rates three times in 2025 with two more cuts projected in 2026. State revenues were up $105 million in the current biennium compared with the November forecast, but down $185 million in the next biennium, with growth driven in part by recent legislative changes and improved estate tax collections. Members asked about sector-specific employment trends, the impact of high-income households on retail sales, and how state revenues compare with personal income over time. The meeting adjourned after the forecast presentation.