Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm curious if you can provide us some feedback from folks on the ground relative to their experience

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on the December 2025 flooding in Washington and its impacts on agriculture, with no public testimony. Emergency Management Division Director Robert Azel described the storm sequence, record rainfall, widespread river flooding, landslides, power outages, evacuations, rescues, and damage to homes, roads, flood control infrastructure, and agricultural land. He said the state was preparing a major disaster declaration request and noted that mitigation investments and interagency coordination helped reduce losses, while debris removal and federal reimbursement remain important next steps. Snohomish County Emergency Management Director Lucia Schmidt focused on farm impacts in Snohomish County, where tens of thousands of acres were underwater. She described damage to equipment, fences, hoop houses, feed, hay, nurseries, and perennial crops, and said many small farms face losses not well covered by existing federal disaster programs. She urged funding for the Washington State Conservation Commission’s disaster assistance program and emphasized the importance of helping small-scale farms recover to preserve the local agricultural community. WSDA Assistant Director Kelly McLean outlined the department’s disaster response role, including food and feed safety, animal health, livestock sheltering, and coordination of resources. She described efforts to keep feed and dairy products moving, support dairies and livestock producers, connect farmers to relief and mental health resources, and distribute food assistance. She also said WSDA is working on a report due in July with recommendations for small and mid-sized farms and noted interest in developing a broader agricultural disaster assessment tool. Washington State Dairy Federation policy director Jay Gordon described repeated flooding in the Chehalis Basin and other areas, praised state and local partnerships, and argued that continued flood mitigation, storage, levee adjustments, and basin-specific planning are needed because these events are becoming more frequent and severe. Committee members asked about debris removal, federal disaster assistance, insurance challenges, farmworker impacts, and future mitigation projects, and the chair adjourned the meeting after thanking the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• This advisory structure creates a consistent, formal feedback loop between the OSE and the field, ensuring

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This advisory structure creates consistent, formal feedback between the OSE and the field, ensuring guidance

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 124, which would create a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions. The sponsor and supporters said the office would help immigrant and refugee workers access training, licensing, language support, and other workforce resources, while also helping employers fill labor shortages in industries such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas, health care, and child care. Support came from advocates, business groups, faith organizations, and immigrant-rights groups; there was no opposition. Members asked about data protection, the number of other states with similar offices, and whether the office could help recruit and credential foreign-trained medical professionals. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with several yes votes and some no votes recorded, and the sponsor explained the vote as a way to support families and workforce integration. The committee then considered House Bill 314, which would authorize zero-interest loans through the Local Government Division for political subdivisions to repair flood- and debris-damaged public infrastructure and remove debris from the October 19, 2024 storm event. There was no public testimony in support or opposition. Members briefly asked about the $150 million appropriation and whether it was already in the budget, and the sponsor said it was. The bill received a do-pass motion, a second, and was approved without opposition. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 64, as amended, to codify the Office of Special Education and a deputy secretary position within the Public Education Department. The sponsor and department officials said the bill would formalize an office already created by executive order, improve statewide coordination, support compliance with IDEA and the Yazzie-Martinez case, and develop a statewide IEP template to reduce inconsistency across districts. They emphasized that gifted education would remain in Curriculum and Instruction and that the bill would not add new paperwork or mandates for districts. Supporters included education leaders, disability advocates, vocational rehabilitation, and special education professionals; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about parent understanding of IEPs, monitoring and enforcement, funding, charter school coverage, and the treatment of gifted and twice-exceptional students. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with unanimous support from those present.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've also incorporated a good amount of stakeholder feedback in the clarifications that we have

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Jimmy Sade as Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation honoring law enforcement officers involved in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation, with several members praising interagency cooperation and the officers’ actions. The chamber then handled routine business, including committee substitutions, referral of HB 2245 to Appropriations, and first and second readings of numerous bills covering topics such as energy, taxes, education, health, public safety, commerce, and elections. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered HB 2096, HB 2173, HB 2451, and HCR 2001. HB 2096, HB 2173, and HB 2451 were all recommended do pass. HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election requirements, drew extensive debate over voter ID, citizenship verification, foreign funding restrictions, and changes affecting early voting and mail ballots. A sub-floor amendment to HCR 2001 passed 32-26, and the resolution then received a do-pass recommendation in Committee of the Whole. HB 2121 was retained on the calendar. On third reading, HB 2010 passed 59-0 on digital consumer licensing disclosures; HB 2132 passed 59-0 on drug offenses; HB 2155 passed 57-2 on continuing the Arizona Beef Council; HB 2178 passed 51-9 on state agency medical credential requirements; HB 2310 passed 59-0 on employment relationships; and HB 2395 passed 59-0 on a Department of Education-related fitness/PE reporting measure. HCR 2001 then passed the House 32-27 and was sent to the Senate. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, referred the passed measures to engrossing, and later adjourned until Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• want to thank you for your time and coming before us today and share that we do hope to, given the feedback

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held confirmation hearings for Ryan Moran to lead the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham to serve as Secretary of Health. Moran emphasized his personal background, experience in Maryland Medicaid, and priorities of protecting coverage amid federal changes, addressing health disparities, strengthening tribal partnerships, and improving agency operations. Worsham described his long public health career in Washington, his statewide listening tour, and his focus on collaboration, science-based decision-making, accountability, workforce support, and rebuilding public trust. Senators raised questions about behavioral health, social determinants of health, communication, misinformation, and the impact of federal policy changes; both nominees said Washington should continue leading on coverage, prevention, and public health resilience. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed SB 5899, allowing qualified chiropractors to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on animals; SB 6292, creating a joint legislative-executive committee on health care financing with a substitute; SB 6182, establishing an abortion savings program, after rejecting several Christian-sponsored amendments and adopting a Bateman amendment limiting eligible organizations to DOH-contracted abortion providers or funds; SB 5947, creating the Washington Health Care Board; SJR 8206, proposing a constitutional right to affordable health care; and SB 5933, on overdose mapping information sharing, with a substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of both gubernatorial appointments. In a second group of bills, the committee passed SB 5823 on patient advocates with a substitute requiring at least one person physically present daily in acute care settings and expanding exemptions for certain hospitals; SB 6210 on the health plan certification process with a substitute; SB 5921 on psilocybin; SB 6226 protecting audiologists’ clinical autonomy with a substitute; and SB 5924 expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority with a substitute. Members discussed access, affordability, rural workforce shortages, and patient safety, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• know that we've worked very closely with many stakeholders and interested parties and adopted their feedback

Bills: SB5831 , SB6031 , SB6178 , SB5928 , SB5919

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime prevention, penalties, SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured

Transcript Highlights:

• know that we've worked very closely with many stakeholders and interested parties and adopted their feedback

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on an amended and restated tribal-state gaming compact with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact amendment process and said the restatement consolidates six prior amendments, updates several appendices, and adds new provisions including high-limit room options and electronic table games. Squaxin Island representatives said the changes clarify the existing compact, improve casino regulation and management, and support tribal economic development and community services. Committee members expressed support, and the compact will next go through additional commission and legislative review before possible governor approval. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5831, which enacts the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure creates safe harbors for common mortgage modifications, clarifies when modifications must be recorded, and preserves the priority of modified mortgages in foreclosure without preempting other mortgage or lending laws. A Uniform Law Commission representative testified that the bill would advance protections by reducing uncertainty and costly attorney opinion requirements. There was no opposition testimony, and the public hearing closed without a vote. Senate Bill 6178, requested by the Insurance Commissioner, would prohibit contractors and others from soliciting or requiring post-loss assignments of property insurance benefits from insureds, making such agreements void and enforceable by the commissioner with civil penalties. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner, and several supporters said the bill would protect homeowners after disasters from losing control of their claims and help prevent contractor abuse; a consumer attorney, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also supported it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6031, which expands and modernizes the state’s insurance fraud laws, classifies insurance fraud as a Class B felony, broadens reporting and investigative authority, and extends the fraud program to related crimes affecting insurers and consumers. The Insurance Commissioner, anti-fraud groups, and industry representatives supported the bill, while the Washington Society of CPAs said concerns about CPA language would be addressed by amendment. After public hearings, the committee moved to executive session, adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5928, and voted do-pass recommendations for SB 5928 as amended and SB 5919, sending both to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really just an example of how we can dive into the data, provide feedback to whoever needs it

Transcript Highlights:

• We took feedback from charter schools and districts and they said we want to hire them.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE FEEDBACK TO CONSERVATION MANAGERS.

Transcript Highlights:

• UNE committee, which I did watch, because this is a bill that I have gotten a tremendous amount of feedback

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 21, 2025, with 86 bills on the agenda. The committee first approved two consent motions covering a group of bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. Several bills were then heard individually, with authors and supporters emphasizing that many had no or minimal state costs and were aimed at climate, health, or regulatory improvements. Among the bills discussed were AB 39 on local planning for electrification and EV charging infrastructure; AB 1129 allowing local health jurisdictions to opt into reporting birth defects and early-life health conditions; AB 1332 to allow narrow direct shipment of medicinal cannabis to seriously ill patients; AB 1056 phasing out transfer of certain gillnet permits except for a one-time family transfer; AB 408 creating a new Medical Board health and wellness program for physicians; AB 546 requiring health plans to cover portable HEPA air purifiers for vulnerable people during wildfire emergencies; AB 942 revising rooftop solar subsidy rules to reduce costs for non-solar ratepayers; and AB 967 expediting licensure for out-of-state physicians. Supporters generally framed these bills as improving access, equity, public health, or affordability, while opponents on AB 942 and AB 967 raised concerns about implementation, workload, contract issues, and impacts on existing programs. The committee took action on each bill after testimony and questions. AB 39, AB 1129, AB 1332, AB 1056, AB 408, AB 546, AB 942, and AB 967 were all moved out of committee on roll call votes, with some members voting no or not voting on certain measures. The suspense calendar was then read and deemed approved, and the committee opened general public comment, where speakers voiced support for bills including AB 715, AB 1138, AB 782, AB 98, AB 53, AB 258, AB 330, AB 650, AB 649, AB 1048, and AB 425. The meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• To their credit, after our feedback, Collin County officials have begun implementing password changes

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• To their credit, after our feedback, Collin County officials have begun implementing password changes

Bills: HB3097 , HB3691 , SB108 , SB827 , SB1541 , SB1862 , SB2166 , SB2216

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: Texas elections, Election Code, uniform election date, November election, local elections, political subdivisions, general election date, election administration, municipal utility district, county elections, local government, ballot scheduling, candidate filing, voter turnout, election calendar, HB 3097, early voting, electronic application, mail-in ballot, voting accessibility

Transcript Highlights:

• THE FEEDBACK HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about what is said and done here, and may they have a clear conscience before you that they need feedback

Bills: HCR21 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR31 , HCR41 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR45 , HCR52 , HCR53 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR73 , HR8 , HR10 , HR13 , HR20 , HR21 , HR50 , HR59 , HR61 , HR71 , HR74 , HR79 , HR84 , HR86 , HR90 , HR91 , HR102 , HR103 , HR107 , HR113 , HR125 , HR126 , HR132 , HR142 , HR145 , HR149 , HR150 , HR152 , HR167 , HR179 , HR181 , HR183 , HR186 , HR192 , HR196 , HR199 , HR207 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR216 , HR249 , HR256 , HR259 , HR261 , HR263 , HR272 , HR281 , HR285 , HR294 , HR295 , HR300 , HR305 , HR311 , HR313 , HR315 , HR316 , HR323 , HR331 , HR339 , HR340 , HR346 , HR349 , HR352 , HR357 , HR358 , HR360 , HR363 , HR374 , HR377 , HCR20 , HCR28 , HCR30 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HR14 , HR15 , HR19 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR29 , HR47 , HR48 , HR55 , HR56 , HR66 , HR85 , HR92 , HR93 , HR95 , HR96 , HR140 , HR155 , HR164 , HR204 , HR241 , HR242 , HR250 , HR253 , HR260 , HR262 , HR265 , HR279 , HR310 , HR312 , HR328 , HR332 , HR359 , HR362 , HR367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• BEGUN TO USE AN AI TOOL TO MAKE MORE EFFICIENT THE PROCESSES OF GETTING THEM TIMELY PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the lack of any funding mechanism in this bill proves it is not serious legislation.
• Again, with no funding mechanism specified.
• Again, with no funding<03:58:37.760><c> mechanism</c><03:58:38.640><c> specified.
• </c><04:52:12.958><c> Um</c> mechanical defects within the bill.
• Um mechanical defects within the bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• their officers, really trying to get the word out there about what we understand about the brain mechanisms
• 00:30:06.440><c> brain</c> what we understand about the brain what we understand about the brain mechanisms
• ><c> addiction</c><00:30:08.360><c> which</c><00:30:08.519><c> we</c><00:30:08.640><c> feel</c> mechanisms
• for addiction which we feel mechanisms for addiction which we feel will<00:30:09.120><c> break</c><00
• was created called the second mechanism was created called the NCI<01:10:07.000><c> Community</c><01

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we don't activities and mechanisms that we don't want<00:18:44.840><c> the</c><00:18:45.080><c>
• He said there are already enforcement mechanisms, and he is concerned that the amendments are trying
• He said there are already enforcement mechanisms, and he is concerned that the amendments are trying
• for that we also enforcement mechanisms for that we also have<00:26:21.520><c> the</c><00:26:21.640>
• so I'm concerned enforcement mechanisms so I'm concerned with<00:26:53.799><c> uh</c><00:26:54.799><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• had I personally witnessed the volume of proactive activity within the agricultural sector as a mechanism
• had I personally witnessed the volume of proactive activity within the agricultural sector as a mechanism
• had I personally witnessed the volume of proactive activity within the agricultural sector as a mechanism
• had I personally witnessed the volume of proactive activity within the agricultural sector as a mechanism
• had I personally witnessed the volume of proactive activity within the agricultural sector as a mechanism

Bills: HB1602 , HB2246 , HB1707 , HB2216 , HB2594 , HB2595 , HB2155 , HB2113 , HB2207 , HB1832 , HB2015 , HB2152 , HB2548

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: agriculture, grant specialist, financial support, farmers, Hawaii, federal grants, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, transportation, reimbursement, food security, local production, sustainability, agricultural loans, financing, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii agriculture, loan portfolio