Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have a briefing and the public hearing on the governor's... ...briefing and the public hearing
• We can hear you. Can you go to another person and I'll try back?
• We can hear you. Can you go to another person and I'll try back?
• We can't hear you. Mr. Iman: Does this sound okay? Do I come through at this point now?
• With that, this concludes our public hearing.

Bills: HB2306

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is our first formal agenda for hearings, for public hearings.
• And then we will jump into the public hearing and executive session.
• That means TVW can hear you. And welcome to those of you in TVW land.
• We want to make sure everybody can hear you.
• All right, seeing none, we will now hear from the prime sponsor.

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:

• And the chair hears none, and the bill is left pending.
• The chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• I think you may hear testimony to that end.
• The Chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• Hearing none, the motion prevails and the committee stands at recess.

Bills: HB660 , HB4845 , HB3902 , HB5396 , HB4615 , HB1825 , HB1403 , HB4336 , HB4585 , HB4371 , HB863 , SB1589 , HB5223 , HB3195 , HB2734

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, employee goals, call processing, child care, human resources, government accountability, Medicaid, provider enrollment, revalidation

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for hearing me.
• So thank you for your time in hearing my testimony.
• I want to thank you for hearing this bill today.
• Can you hear us and can you say something to ensure we can hear you? Yes, sound check, Mr. Chair.
• Chair, I had a hard time hearing. Could Mr. Gehring repeat himself? Sure. Mr. Gehring. Mr.

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair hears none.
• The Chair hears none.
• The chair hears none. when the rules are suspended.
• The chair hears none and the resolution is adopted. The recognizes Ms.
• The chair hears none. The rules are suspended. The following resolution...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sadly, last week I went to San Quentin, and I went to San Quentin to hear the stories.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Rodriguez, you may close.
• I don't ever want to hear that I want to hear them say the state is helping us get these things done
• Seeing and hearing no further business I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn.
• Monday, January 27th, floor session at 1 PM, seeing and hearing no further business.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a hybrid hearing.
• Looking forward to hearing the bills before us this afternoon.
• I know a theme of today's hearing is housing production.
• Thank you for hosting this hearing.
• Yes, can you hear me? Go ahead. Yes, can you hear me? Go ahead. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing opened a hybrid hearing focused on housing production bills, with Chairs Julian Cyr and Rich Haggerty emphasizing Massachusetts’ housing shortage and the need to produce more than 200,000 units over the next decade. The committee then heard testimony on a wide range of proposals, including social housing, starter homes and the “missing middle,” accessory dwelling units (ADUs), single-stair residential buildings, permanent affordability homeownership, and housing for people with disabilities. Several witnesses framed the bills as tools to expand supply, lower costs, and address racial and generational wealth gaps. Representative Connolly testified for H. 1478 on the Massachusetts Social Housing Program, describing publicly owned, mixed-income housing financed through a revolving loan fund. Senator Feeney testified for S. 989 on missing middle starter homes, arguing for zoning changes, incentives, and affordability tools to support smaller starter homes and duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Multiple witnesses, including housing advocates, real estate representatives, and local officials, supported the ADU trust fund bill and the single-stair study bill, saying they would reduce barriers, support homeowners, and enable more family-sized and infill housing. Some witnesses opposed bills they said would weaken ADU reforms or add new restrictions, while others urged broader deregulation to speed production. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1576/S. 1010, the Homes for Lasting Affordability bill, which would create a permanent affordability homeownership program for low- and moderate-income buyers and support small developments with long-term affordability restrictions. Testimony from community land trust leaders, legislators, and housing advocates emphasized that permanent affordability can preserve public investment, stabilize neighborhoods, and help families build wealth over generations. Senator Miranda and Representative Worrell tied the bill to closing the racial wealth gap and expanding access to homeownership for Black and Latino residents. The committee also heard testimony on S. 971, which would reform the Housing Development and Incentive Program to require more affordability in Gateway City projects. The committee additionally heard from Senator Kennedy and disability advocates on S. 1004, which would strengthen the Alternative Housing Voucher Program for people with disabilities by codifying project-based vouchers and aligning the program more closely with other voucher systems. Witnesses described long waitlists and the lack of accessible, affordable units as major barriers that can lead to homelessness or unnecessary institutionalization. No votes were taken during the hearing; the session was devoted to testimony and questions from committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can stay discovery to hear the motion to dismiss, correct?
• So has it had a hearing? Lady, has it had a hearing this month?
• It hasn't had a hearing. It's not a standalone bill.
• So has it had a hearing? Lady, has it had a hearing this month?
• The first time we're hearing about this on the floor.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There will be no votes taken in today's hearing. There will be no votes taken in today's hearing.
• This ends the panel presentation portion of our hearing for today.
• Thank you for the opportunity in the hearing today.
• Thank you for the opportunity in the hearing today.
• Thank you so much for hearing us out.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, are there any in opposition? Hearing none, the amendment is adopted.
• Hearing none, HB 420 is reported favorable.
• Anybody ready to hear their bills that's on the list?
• Hearing none. Technical amendments, any objections? Hearing none. They're adopted. Rep.
• Hearing none, we're adjourned. to adjourn. Any opposition? Hearing none, we're adjourned.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee met on April 1 and considered several health-related bills and one resolution. HB 933, by Rep. Charles Owen, would create commemorative birth certificates and adjust vital records fees; after adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 288, by Rep. Boyer, would require the term “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation and billing; after an amendment changed the bill from mandatory “shall” language to permissive “may,” the committee heard emotional testimony both in support and opposition and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 420, by Rep. Berault, would require criminal background checks and registry review for all DCFS employees, not just those with direct contact with children; it was reported favorably. The committee also voluntarily deferred HB 927 and HB 962. The committee then heard HB 971, by Rep. Stagney, which seeks to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates for independent rural health clinics and hospital-owned provider-based clinics. Supporters, including clinic owners and practitioners, testified that independent clinics provide the same services under the same rules but receive far lower reimbursement, making it difficult to retain staff and avoid sale to hospital systems. The author said the bill is intended to prompt discussion and eventual parity without harming hospitals, and the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 815, by Rep. Carver, would allow federally insured financial institutions to receive death certificate information from vital records to reduce losses and help reconcile account issues after a death; credit union representatives supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. The committee also adopted HR 74, by Rep. Sterling, which urges the Department of Education and local school authorities to report on how schools accommodate students with seizure disorders. Sterling described personal experience with epilepsy and said the resolution is meant to gather data on implementation of existing seizure action plan law and identify gaps in access to rescue medication and training. Finally, the committee took up HB 915, by Rep. Dickerson, which would place Medicaid prior authorization and utilization management timelines into statute. After technical and substantive amendments, including changing some deadlines from five business days to seven calendar days, the bill drew support from providers and health groups concerned about delays in care, and the committee reported it favorably as amended. The committee also began consideration of HB 944, by Rep. Hilferty, creating a women’s consortium within LDH focused on menopause and related women’s health issues; technical amendments were adopted and testimony emphasized coordination of existing research and resources, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you again, colleagues, and thank you so much for hearing my bill today.
• Please, thank you, respective senators, for hearing this Senate Bill 1523.
• The Senate under the ceiling, so we'll hear her bill next. Mr.
• Chairman, thank you for hearing the bill.
• Hearing none, as he's making his way up...

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several appropriation and policy bills. SB 1488 would appropriate $600,000 for a workforce development study on coal-impacted communities in northern Arizona, especially areas affected by the closure of Navajo Generating Station and related coal operations; supporters described it as a needed transition study, and it received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1523 would provide $340,000 to the Navajo Nation for the Ganado waterline pipeline project serving 235 homes; testimony emphasized long-standing lack of safe drinking water, and the bill also received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1041 would appropriate $500,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund; supporters highlighted the trail’s statewide recreational and cultural value, and it passed with a do-pass recommendation. SB 1447 would extend the groundwater withdrawal fee moratorium and related Pinal AMA fund provisions through 2033; irrigation district representatives said the extension would help maintain infrastructure amid Colorado River shortages, and it was also recommended do-pass. The committee also considered several regulatory bills. SB 1445 would let smaller cities and towns use approved on-site bacteriological testing equipment and limit required sampling frequency for certain ADEQ permits; the sponsor said it would save small towns money, while some members raised concerns about limiting sampling during discharge events, but the bill still received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1580 would appropriate $2.545 million for a statewide fire incident management platform for fire and law enforcement agencies; supporters said it would improve accountability, information sharing, and interoperability, while one member objected to the targeted funding approach, and the bill passed on a 5-3 vote. SB 1418 would streamline siting and permitting for small modular nuclear reactors in smaller counties, especially when co-located with large industrial users; supporters argued it would help energy reliability and rural economic development, while opponents warned it would weaken local review and environmental safeguards, and it passed 5-3. The committee took up two bills involving consumer protections and access. SB 1419 would add inspection and disclosure requirements for rooftop solar installations and restrict sales claims about estimated savings; supporters said it responded to consumer complaints about roof damage and misleading sales practices, while opponents argued it would burden rooftop solar and restrict speech. After extensive testimony, including from county officials, former ROC leadership, and solar industry representatives, the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-2 vote. SB 1363 would create a rural opportunity initiative to issue additional marijuana-related licenses for underserved rural communities; supporters said it would improve access and reduce illicit-market activity, while opponents argued the bill was confusing and could expand licenses too broadly. The committee ultimately recommended the bill do pass on an 8-0 vote, with members noting possible amendments before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hear this November, move it to November, and I hear opposition to it.
• So I hear you. I mean, we've had this conversation. You and I have agreed that I hear you.
• We have our tax rate hearing at our last ...September right before our tax rate hearing.
• Everywhere I go, I hear decline in enrollment. Let me hear strategies for declining enrollment.
• Everywhere I go, I hear decline in enrollment. Let hear strategies for declining enrollment.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Bill 2709, including a substitute that combined language from HB 2709 and HB 2671. Members debated an amendment that would have separated the Hancock-by-subclass portion from a personal property tax provision; supporters said it would make the bill cleaner and preserve a separate property tax issue already addressed elsewhere, while opponents argued it would create inconsistency. The amendment failed, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for HB 2709 and HB 2671 was voted do pass by a roll call of 14 yes and 5 no. The committee then passed HB 1759 do pass by a vote of 12 yes and 7 no, with one member noting that additional tweaks were expected on the floor. Next, the committee considered HB 2925, where Representative Fowler offered Amendment 04H to remove the requirement that property tax elections be held in November and replace it with an affirmative-consent standard requiring both a majority of votes cast and at least 25% of registered voters voting yes. Supporters said the change would avoid forcing local tax elections into a narrow election window and would require broader voter buy-in for long-term tax obligations; opponents argued it would be a major change that should receive more public review and could distort local election participation. The amendment failed 5 yes to 14 no, and HB 2925 was then voted do pass 11 yes to 8 no. In public testimony, Representative Van Schoiack presented HB 2415, which would require assessors to use a cost approach rather than a market approach for valuing buildings, while still valuing land through the market approach. He said the bill was intended to address over-assessment in larger counties and under-assessment in rural counties, and to make valuations more objective. Testimony was mixed: a public advocate supported the idea as a way to address rising taxes and tax sales, while county assessors and other witnesses said assessors already use multiple approaches, that cost approach works best for new or rural properties but can be subjective for older buildings, and that forcing one method statewide could create inaccuracies and large valuation swings. No action was taken on HB 2415 during the hearing. The committee also heard HJR 148 and HJR 111, presented by Representatives Coleman and Taylor, to bring Kansas City Public Schools under Hancock limits like other districts. Sponsors said KCPS is the only district still operating under a special court-imposed arrangement from desegregation-era orders and that the proposal would keep the district at its current levy while requiring voter approval for future increases. KCPS Superintendent Jennifer Collier opposed the measure as written, saying the district does want to come under Hancock but needs to do so on its own timeline and with a planned April 2027 levy proposal that would maintain the current rate; she said the district is now fiscally stronger and has community support, including passage of an 85% bond issue. Committee members questioned the legal basis, the effect on KCPS and charter schools, and whether the proposal would interfere with the district’s planned ballot strategy.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are very grateful that you are hearing this bill.
• So we are very grateful that you are hearing this bill.
• So we are very grateful that you are hearing this bill.
• So we are very grateful that you are hearing this bill.
• </c> hear about the agency we want to hear hear about the agency we want to hear about<00:17:09.400><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, hearing none. on Zoom or present? Okay, hearing none.
• </c> hearing from them as well. hearing from them as well.
• </c> Let's hear the discussions. Let's hear the discussions.
• </c> support and for hearing about my story. support and for hearing about my story.
• Hearing none. Madam or reservations? Hearing none.

Bills: HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Did I hear she brought samples? Did I hear she brought samples?
• Can you hear us? Okay, Mr. Warsami. Yes, I can. Can you guys hear me? We can hear you just fine.
• </c> hear us? Okay, Mr. Warsami. hear us? Okay, Mr. Warsami.
• Can you guys hear me? We can Yes, I can. Can you guys hear me?
• Um David, can you hear Okay. Thank you. Um David, can you hear us?

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the hearing for House Bill 632.
• Sorry, did you hear me? Yeah, I did. But the public listening in can't always hear. Okay.
• Sorry, did you hear me? Yeah, I did. But the public listening in can't always hear. Okay.
• Thank you for hearing my viewpoint. Thank you for hearing my issues.
• </c> hear House Bill 452. The floor is yours. hear House Bill 452. The floor is yours.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, so ordered. First order of business: reports of standing committees.
• Hearing no objection, so ordered. Senator Ritchelley. Thank you so much, Mr. President.
• Hearing no objection, so ordered. Senator Richelie. Thank you so much, Mr. President.
• Hearing no objection, the Senate now stands adjourned. 3rd at 12.30 p.m.
• Hearing no objection, the Senate now stands adjourned.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do not register until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to register.
• We may have a portion of patience and be blessed with an ability to listen and hear.
• In Hearing Room 5, with your permission. Senator Rivero. President Peña. Thank you, Mr.
• The Judiciary Committee will be meeting at 9 a.m. in Hearing Room 4 tomorrow. Thank you.
• The Committee on Ways and Means will be meeting in Hearing Room 3 at 10 a.m.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1999, House Bill 3155 transferred responsibility for licensure hearings over to.
• Chair sees none, hears none. Recognize Speaker Plan to close. Thank you, members, I close.
• If anyone would like to hear from the resource witness.
• Members, uh, we did hear, uh, members, we did hear, uh, Senate Bill 378, and if there's no objection,
• There's objection to hear is none. The committee stands adjourned. Right.

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the chair will now hear excuses for absent members.
• Chair, hears none. The resolution is adopted.
• The chair hears none. The resolution is adopted. Thank you. Mr.
• The chair hears none. is ordered. Thank you. This is HR. All right. Chair recognizes Ms.
• Chair hears none, the rules are suspended.

Keywords: 1184, house, all