Transcript Highlights:

• We've had these kind of rules in financial markets for nearly a century because we know what happens
• interest at the heart of Google's digital advertising. monopoly.
• conflicts of interest that come from owning those various stages in the advertisement purchase process
• Kent, about that statement, that the frustration of the delay in courts in many respects.
• And so if DuckDuckGo were to become more popular, more advertisers would be interested in that kind of

Committee: Senate Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee

Keywords: antitrust, competition policy, digital advertising, monopoly, America Act, big tech, consumer rights

Summary: The meeting, titled 'Big Fixes, Big Tech', marked the first hearing of the Senate antitrust competition policy and consumer rights subcommittee in the 119th Congress. Chairman Lee opened the session focusing on the urgent need for effective solutions regarding anti-competitive behavior among major tech firms like Google and Facebook, highlighting several ongoing court cases regarding monopolistic practices in the digital advertising and search markets. Key discussions included the limitations imposed on small businesses and innovation due to the dominance of these tech giants, with many testimonies advocating for stronger legislative measures, including the America Act. The act aims to disrupt the monopolistic capabilities of these firms and restore competitive integrity in the marketplace, which has suffered under their oppressive market control.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this something—and I'm not really sure—it seemed a conflict of interest and all kinds of other stuff
• direct or indirect interest in any entity that has a business interest with a foreign country of concern
• Instead of explicitly referencing back to the definition of a controlling interest in another statute
• of foreign concern, and clearly defining who the controlling interests are.
• of the entity in which is a controlling interest or 5% investor.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills. SB 1546 on background screening for athletic coaches was explained as another extension of the deadline for coaches to be added to the background screening clearinghouse; it passed favorably with support from athletic and youth sports organizations. SB 958 on type 1 diabetes early detection was amended to match the House version, requiring the Department of Health to provide school districts, school boards, and charter schools with informational materials for parents; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/SB 1070 on electrocardiograms for student athletes drew extensive discussion about sudden cardiac arrest prevention, implementation timelines, costs, funding through private and public sources, and whether insurance, KidCare, or Medicaid should cover screenings; after supportive testimony from school and athletic groups, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also heard SB 1060, which would create a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid managed care to review encounter data, financials, audits, and rebate calculations with assistance from an actuary and the Auditor General. The sponsor and several senators framed it as a transparency and verification measure in response to large mid-year Medicaid funding increases and concerns about network adequacy and vertical integration; it passed favorably. CS/SB 944, which shortens the insurer overpayment recovery look-back period for claims involving psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, also passed favorably with support from the Florida Psychological Association. SB 1370, moving ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute rather than under hospital licensure provisions, was supported by surgery center representatives and reported favorably. The committee approved SB 768, as amended, to narrow the foreign-country-of-concern licensure attestation for health care entities to direct controlling interests and clarify the “reasonable efforts” standard; it passed after questions about how the standard would work in practice. SB 1544 on opticianry prompted significant debate over whether the bill would limit nonlicensed staff in ophthalmology and optometry settings; after a proposed amendment was withdrawn and multiple witnesses spoke both for and against, the bill was temporarily postponed. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1808 requiring health care practitioners and facilities to refund patient overpayments within 30 days, with enforcement through AHCA fines or professional discipline, and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other announcements of Senate interest?
• Anyway, anyone else any other announcements of Senate interest?
• </c><03:48:58.319><c> Uh</c> announcements of Senate interest? Uh announcements of Senate interest?
• Any other announcements of Senate interest?
• </c> other announcements of Senate interest? other announcements of Senate interest?

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the, for example, Office of the State Treasurer interest on fund balance.
• Otherwise, the usual kind of geopolitical issues and issues around inflation and higher interest rates
• Otherwise, the usual kind of geopolitical issues and issues around inflation and higher interest rates
• But we also have OFM, our Office of Financial Management, and they do more of the looking at what's appropriated
• Again, most of our guidance is in the form of interim guidance statements, but we also have FAQs and

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The Finance Committee work session began with a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), explaining how the state’s revenue forecasts are built from economic models and how they are used to support the budget process. He described the main revenue sources for state operating funds, the ERFC’s membership and quarterly public process, and the factors affecting the latest forecast, including slow employment growth, weak taxable sales, higher inflation pressures, tariffs, federal spending uncertainty, and the federal shutdown. He said the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, with smaller changes to capital gains and other funds, though revenues were still roughly on track and the base case remained slow growth rather than recession. Committee members asked about whether Washington’s economy can lag national downturns, and Dr. Reich said the timing and severity of impacts can differ by recession and sector. Representative Chase asked what happens if revenues fall short of expenses, and Dr. Reich said that is a budgeting question for elected officials rather than the forecast council. Members also noted the importance of the forecast for policy decisions, especially given slowing employment and manufacturing. The committee then heard from the Department of Revenue on implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained the existing sales and use tax framework, sourcing rules, reseller permits, and the multiple points of use exemption, then walked through the new taxable categories, including live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software changes. He described DOR’s implementation efforts, including listening sessions, a public landing page, notices to taxpayers, and interim guidance, and noted a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts but no general penalty or interest relief. Committee members raised concerns about taxpayer confusion, the burden on new taxpayers, sourcing and allocation issues, and the difficulty of determining liability in cases like speakers, nonprofits, and advertising services. DOR said it would continue outreach, answer ruling requests, and likely seek technical cleanup legislation in the 2026 session. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• e e e e e e e e e The first order of business is a pledge of allegiance.
• what</c><00:18:33.320><c> we</c> financial statements and also what we financial statements and also
• Our plan is, with the conversion of the new financial system, to... there's a module in the financial
• ><00:18:55.960><c> new</c><00:18:56.159><c> Financial</c><00:18:56.679><c> system</c> conversion of the
• new Financial system conversion of the new Financial system to<00:18:58.159><c> um</c><00:18:58.320>

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a seven-member board of directors. Uh, we have an annual independent financial audit.
• c> from</c> great job of using the interest from great job of using the interest from their<01:27:22.719
• an appropriation of a very large sum and then the agency is earning interest on that appropriation that
• an appropriation of a very large sum and then the agency is earning interest on that appropriation that
• So that kind of gets to where the interest would go going forward. expenses necessary and incidental

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• financial penalties to those incurred during the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency.
• to make restitution in the form of financial support to each surviving child of the victim.
• </c> to make a restitution in the form of to make a restitution in the form of financial<00:16:01.120
• of financial responsibility and type of financial responsibility and make<00:18:03.440><c> a</c><00:
• And truly, if we're speaking about what might be in the best interest of the victims, this is not the

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• of course, the safety, public safety, and safety... ...or devastating in some parts of the state, of
• And interests of transit and rail within the department. Okay. Well, maybe that will help.
• So I do think frequency is a part of it, and the level of service that has been provided is a part of
• Fencing 500 or hardening 545 miles of corridor is not something that is financially doable.
• Fencing 500 or or hardening 545 miles of corridor is not something that is is financially doable.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand all of that. Yeah. That is, maybe I just leave it as a statement.
• The Department of Licensing must notify motor vehicle owners of liability insurance and proof of financial
• proof of financial responsibility with the registration renewal.
• Department of licensing must notify motor vehicle owners of liability insurance and proof of financial
• proof of financial responsibility with the registration renewal.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on transportation planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Western Washington. April Putney of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee described the event as a statewide, 39-day tournament with six Seattle group-stage matches, additional possible matches, fan zones across the state, and major transportation impacts centered in the Seattle area, including street closures, increased I-5 traffic, and heavy use of transit, shuttles, ferries, and active transportation. She said the goal is safe, seamless mobility with 80% of stadium attendees arriving by non-personal vehicle, and noted coordination with federal agencies on border crossings and security. WSDOT’s Travis Phelps outlined roughly $25.65 million in World Cup-related funding for tunnel maintenance, traffic operations, signage and digital messaging, public transit support, ferries, and related staffing and training, emphasizing use of existing staff, overtime, and current fleets rather than new hires or vehicles. Senators asked about border staffing and ferry capacity, and WSDOT said it would follow up on ferry staffing concerns. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 5839 would remove the “passenger only” limitation for county ferry districts, allowing them to support vehicle ferries; supporters from Whatcom County and the Association of Counties said the change would help aging ferry systems, improve funding flexibility, and support essential island access, while some testimony was opposed. SB 6032 would amend the secure-your-load law to allow vehicles with mud, rocks, or debris on them to be covered instead of cleaned before being towed on paved highways; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would save time and water for construction equipment operators, and the hearing closed with strong support and little opposition. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, allowing up to 46 feet measured from the kingpin to the rear of the trailer; RV industry, dealer, and business groups supported it as a safety-neutral clarification that would align Washington with other states and improve competitiveness, and the hearing closed with overwhelming support. Finally, SB 5864 would create an online motor vehicle insurance verification system at the Department of Licensing, require insurers to provide policy data, and use the system at registration renewal beginning in 2029 after a pilot period. The sponsor and supporters from insurers and law enforcement said the bill would reduce uninsured driving, improve roadside verification, and lower costs shifted to insured drivers, while county auditors and vehicle subagents supported the policy but warned that implementation must be technically reliable and adequately funded so renewals are not slowed. The public hearing closed with substantial support and some operational concerns raised, and the committee adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The market rent was an interesting question because, of course, there's no objective measure of market
• And as we've retooled this program, I've gotten so much interest from your kind of average market-rate
• And I hate to shut down this portion of our conversation today because there's so much interest, and
• Dave, there are financial impacts in terms of loss of fees for jurisdictions that don’t comply with the
• We have a lot of interest from our development community in Bellevue to lean in on the space of artificial

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee heard presentations on several housing finance and permitting tools. Chattanooga described its payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) affordable housing program, which ties property tax abatements to the number and affordability level of units provided, using a calculator based on market rents and HUD affordability levels. Senators asked about the 15-year term, auditing, and whether the program was attracting private market-rate developers; the presenter said the first mixed-income project would include 278 units with 42 affordable units and that annual compliance monitoring is conducted. Shoreline then described its MFTE and inclusionary housing approach, emphasizing that longer 20-year exemptions helped make projects pencil out and that most recent development has clustered around light rail station areas; city staff said they will study whether the program should be adjusted further and noted the importance of the new state inclusionary housing law. The Department of Commerce and MRSC discussed tax increment financing, proportional impact fees, and the CHIP program. Commerce explained that TIF can fund public improvements such as roads, utilities, parks, broadband, and some affordable housing or child care facilities, but jurisdictions should only use it when development is likely to occur and the public benefit justifies the investment. On impact fees, Commerce said fees should be proportional to the actual infrastructure demand of a project and based on capital facility plans; it also noted that fee reductions for affordable housing must be backfilled through CHIP. Senators asked for more information on CHIP funding levels, project selection, and how much of it supports affordable housing. Commerce also presented the first annual permit-timelines report under the 2023 permitting reforms, saying 2024 data showed timelines still exceeding statutory goals and that future reports will examine factors such as paper versus electronic processing and local reform efforts. Auburn and Bellevue highlighted local permitting innovations. Auburn said it has moved to fully electronic review, uses MyBuildingPermit.com, has internal performance standards, and offers a stock-plan program that can cut later review to about a week; staff said most stamped plans still require at least two review cycles and that the city is watching how middle-housing code changes affect development. Bellevue described a pilot with GovStream AI to use artificial intelligence for pre-application assistance, document triage, and plan-review support, with the goal of reducing back-and-forth and improving application quality. Finally, Seattle presented a pilot for accessory dwelling unit co-development in which a mission-driven partner would finance, build, and manage backyard ADUs for homeowners, with the owner eventually buying out the partner; senators raised questions about rent-setting, management fees, liability, and what happens if a homeowner sells early. The committee also heard from community land trust representatives, who explained how ground leases and resale restrictions keep homes permanently affordable and allow public subsidies to serve multiple generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any financial of the prison.
• </c><00:27:12.600><c> implications</c><00:27:13.600><c> of</c> there any financial implications of there
• any financial implications of buying<00:27:14.400><c> it</c><00:27:14.640><c> and</c><00:27:14.880><
• of health on those so that when they go out to bid, they hopefully have more competing interest and
• </c> manage as part of this track of land. manage as part of this track of land.

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• care statewide and ultimately lead to the sharing of ideas that are in the best interest of the children
• A blended PCPM combines all groups of care and assumes financial outcomes were similar in nature.
• There was a discussion of whether or not we'll eventually, this tier, link into financial outcomes.
• But I do know there has been a lot of discussion from some of the financials.
• Right now, to implement the model as proposed, it does have that financial gap of $35 million.”

Bills: S0042 , S0578 , S0624 , S7018

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> examination of a practice of medicine. examination of a practice of medicine.
• This is why are we one of seven instead of one of 39?
• And I probably should declare a conflict of interest because of my age, but uh, but I thank my friend
• </c> probably should declare a conflict of probably should declare a conflict of interest<04:34:25.039
• of my age, but uh but I interest because of my age, but uh but I thank<04:34:27.520><c> my</c><04:34

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is just a taste of one, just one of the systems that the county financial workers are using.
• So this is just a taste of one, just one of the systems that the county financial workers are using.
• So this is just a taste of one, just one of the systems that the county financial workers are using.
• The rest require some sort of intervention by a financial worker.
• I'm not going to go through all of those in the interest of time, but happy to have a longer conversation

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• and we're here to oppose AB 981 based on the fact that the installation of ISA devices create financial
• and we're here to oppose AB 981 based on the fact that the installation of ISA devices create financial
• And nine times out of ten, as a result of the conviction, And nine times out of ten, as a result of the
• of protection that we want to afford and in sending a statement as a matter of public policy that it
• My son was one of multiple victims, identified in one of the largest perverse cases of sexual abuse of

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills, with extensive testimony for and against each measure. AB 82 by Assembly Member Ward would expand privacy and safety protections for patients, families, and providers of gender-affirming care, including limits on reporting certain prescription data to CURES, expanded safe-at-home and anti-doxing protections, and broader health information confidentiality. Supporters said the bill responds to rising harassment and threats against transgender people and providers; opponents argued it would create dangerous secrecy and undermine parental rights. The committee recommended the bill do pass to Judiciary, and it was held on call. AB 331 by Assembly Member Pellerin would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and supporters said the bill strengthens election integrity and access, while the Secretary of State had no position after amendments addressed concerns. The committee moved the bill do pass to Appropriations, and it passed on call. AB 1178 by Assembly Member Pacheco would narrow public-records redaction rules for undercover peace officers, while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement supporters said it protects undercover officers and their families; transparency and civil liberties groups warned it could lead to broader withholding and confusion in the courts. After amendments and discussion, the committee recommended the bill do pass as amended to Appropriations, and it passed. AB 981 by Assembly Member Gibson would create a five-county pilot requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for people convicted of specified reckless driving and speed offenses, with a report back to the Legislature. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash survivors, said it would reduce speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, liability, oversight, and the breadth of the pilot. The committee recommended the bill do pass as amended to Appropriations, and it passed. The consent calendar was also adopted. The committee then heard AB 22 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would repeal Proposition 57, restrict release of sexually violent predators, and repeal a sex-offender registry exception for certain offenses. Supporters framed it as a public safety correction to prior policy choices, while opponents said it would be unconstitutional and would harm youth rehabilitation and community safety. The chair recommended a no vote, no motion was made, and the bill was held. The committee also began hearing AB 897 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would create a process to remove alleged squatters from property more quickly; the author and supporters said it would protect property owners and provide due process, while opponents warned it could criminalize informal housing arrangements and accelerate homelessness. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 897, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining me today for our discussion of the Department of Game and Fish, soon to be the Department of
• This is where all of the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund money goes to in the Department of Game and
• Mike Sloan, the Director of the Department of Game and Fish.
• it's on page 301 of Volume 2 of the LFC Publications.
• But back to my statements with regard to your handouts, it demonstrates the amount of work that has taken

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It's quite interesting. I'm like, oh, they let that pass out of that chamber.
• Protecting the interests of the state of New Mexico and our residents against federal funding cuts and
• publicly a joint statement with the plaintiff states, all of the litigation remains pending.
• Because of this committee, I'm really interested in the voter protections and access. Of concerns.
• It has to be some kind of financial injury to the state, which is why so many of our lawsuits are related

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the director of the Idaho Department of Insurance.
• It's also interesting to note that in 2023 we had the highest number of... ...to note that in 2023, we
• of a group.
• owners in Idaho, these ordinances can make lawful use of property financially impossible.
• Just to, out of an abundance of caution, declare a potential conflict of interest under Rule 80 as an

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of things we're super proud of: over 27% go to women or people of color.
• More than half of them are women of color.
• of AB 685.
• It prioritizes administrative interests over the mental and physical well-being of children.
• It prioritizes administrative interest over the mental and physical well-being of children.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a little bit of lay of the land: we have a couple of amendments filed and a couple of testifiers
• Waite Park is an interesting example because that community has over 60% of its area dedicated to commercial
• The A4 amendment is interesting because it impacts all of Minnesota housing's programs.
• I don't have a great sense of this, and we don't have a lot of information.
• The bill in front of us today is going to accomplish all of that.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy