Video & Transcript : 'residential pools' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 19th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I work at Citizen Access Residential Resources, Carr, for short, in Olympia, caring for adults with developmental
- hotels and motels, restaurants and clubs, taxi services, medical and dental offices, child care and residential
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords:
noncompete, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant, nonsolicitation, employment contract, worker mobility, labor law, wage suppression, trade secrets, confidentiality agreement, franchise, independent contractor, employee mobility, economic growth, entrepreneurship, job mobility, restraint of trade, customer solicitation, post-employment restrictions, FTC noncompete rule
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One of very few people in the state who works directly with residential tenants and small landlords through
- We would not oppose this bill if it only applied to residential properties.
Summary:
The Senate Local Government Committee heard briefings and public testimony on several bills. SB 6064 would let qualifying regional fire protection districts or authorities take over administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code within their boundaries, with notice to counties and equivalent jobs for displaced workers; supporters said it would improve consistency and local control, while counties, fire marshals, and builders opposed it as unnecessary and likely to add permitting complexity and delay. SB 6101 would require county coroners to be appointed rather than elected, while preserving appointed medical examiners in larger counties; the sponsor cited the Yakima County coroner controversy as the reason for the bill, and opponents argued it would reduce voter accountability and could increase costs, though some supporters said appointment would professionalize death investigations and improve consistency. SB 6077 would extend from 21 to 28 business days the deadline for assessors and taxpayers to exchange valuation evidence before property tax appeal hearings, with supporters saying the change would give taxpayers a fairer chance to respond and opponents saying the bill should also address long delays in scheduling hearings themselves.
The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County-specific Growth Management Act authority allowing freight rail-dependent uses on certain resource lands adjacent to a short-line railroad. The sponsor and supporters said the 2017 law was a poorly written special exemption that threatens agricultural and resource lands and should be repealed; opponents, including the railroad operator, business groups, and local officials, argued the rail overlay supports economic development, jobs, and low-emission freight movement and that the county should retain local control. Testimony on SB 5820 also raised concerns about safety, land-use conflicts, and the meaning of “adjacent,” with some witnesses saying the land is currently underused and others saying it is needed for future industrial and rail-served development.
Finally, the committee heard SB 6013, an agency-request bill updating ski-area terminology and safety provisions to include aerial tramways, toes, and conveyors in the state’s ski lift regulations. State Parks supported the measure as a technical update to align safety inspections, insurance requirements, and rider conduct rules with current equipment terminology. The transcript ended before any vote or executive action was taken on these bills, and the chair noted some previously scheduled executive session items were moved to a later date.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Jan 15th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- And by us funding the main arterials, that allows those agencies to fund-shift and work on their residential
- And by us funding the main arterials, that allows those agencies to fund shift and work on their residential
Bills:
SB5989
Committee:
Senate Transportation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And by us funding the main arterials, that allows those agencies to fund-shift and work on their residential
- And by us funding the main arterials, that allows those agencies to fund shift and work on their residential
Summary:
The committee first met in brief executive session and advanced Senate Bill 5989 without recommendation to the Ways and Means Committee. Staff explained the bill would redistribute sales tax on aircraft fuel, affecting general fund revenue, which was why it was better suited for Ways and Means. The motion passed by voice vote.
The committee then heard a presentation from Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith on WSDOT’s 2025 work and 2026 priorities. She highlighted agency reorganization, safety initiatives, preservation needs, bridge strikes and storm damage, ferry service improvements, major projects such as Revive I-5, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, fish passage work, and preparations for the World Cup. Members praised the department’s communication and work, and asked about additional paving and preservation funding; Meredith said WSDOT had prepared projects that could be advanced if more money were available.
Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary John Vizina and staffer Jenna Forty followed with a detailed briefing on vessel and terminal preservation. They described the aging fleet, the need for new hybrid-electric vessels, the governor’s proposed funding for three additional ferries and life-extension work on older vessels, and the importance of terminal upgrades such as Fauntleroy. Senators asked about service contingency planning, the cost and timing of hybrid versus diesel vessels, and whether additional vessels would require rebidding; staff said hybrid-electric construction is the fastest path and that any expansion would depend on statutory direction and legal review.
The committee then heard from local government representatives on preservation and storm recovery. The Association of Washington Cities and the Transportation Improvement Board described city road and bridge needs, limited local funding, and the importance of sustained preservation investment and programmatic grants. County representatives from the Washington State Association of County Engineers, Snohomish County, and the County Road Administration Board discussed the December flooding, road washouts, bridge damage, and recovery costs, emphasizing that counties face large preservation backlogs and need state and federal help for repairs and resiliency.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It's outpatient, inpatient, residential. There's a ton of options.
- It's outpatient, inpatient, residential. There's a ton of options.
Committee:
House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, structure, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition testimony, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years.
The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make trafficking more than three weapons or explosives ineligible for pardon or early release and remove the requirement that trafficking be for financial gain. Support came from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yavapai County Attorney, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and does not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns that the bill could limit judicial discretion, but the committee voted 7-0 with one present to recommend the bill do pass.
HB 2132, which lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams, drew strong support from law enforcement and county attorneys who said fentanyl trafficking is driving overdoses and homicide investigations, especially in rural counties. Opponents, including a criminal defense attorney and a recovery advocate, argued the bill could sweep in people with substance use disorders and push more people into prison instead of treatment. After debate about prevention, treatment, and mandatory minimums, the committee voted 7-2 to recommend the bill do pass.
The committee also approved HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct recklessly endangers others, causes serious injury, involves a child under 13, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the measure as a public safety tool, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions with police. The committee voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. The sponsor and county attorney said the bill closes a gap in cases involving mutilation or concealment of bodies; a defense attorney warned the language was too broad and could create ambiguity. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- San Jose was once more of a residential community.
- San Jose was once more of a residential community.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard SB 220, which would require the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to submit an earlier governance reform report to the Legislature in light of Measure G, including consideration of the new countywide executive and future board changes. Senator Allen argued the bill was only a vehicle to prompt a locally driven discussion before 2028, while Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and several committee members opposed it as premature and unnecessary because local task forces and an ad hoc Metro committee were already studying the issue. After debate over local control and timing, the committee voted 3-2 to send SB 220 to Senate Appropriations, with the bill left on call for absent members.
The committee then heard SB 667, the California Railway Safety Act, which would require wayside detector systems on freight rail lines at specified intervals, with exceptions for some short-line railroads, and would require railroad response plans to be submitted to the CPUC. Supporters, including rail unions and labor groups, said the bill was a needed response to the East Palestine derailment and other safety risks, while opponents from freight railroads, passenger rail operators, business groups, and agricultural interests warned it could raise costs, slow freight and passenger service, and create a disincentive to invest in faster track. Members questioned the cost, implementation timeline, preemption issues, and possible impacts on passenger rail and the supply chain. The committee approved SB 667 on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations, with the bill also left on call.
Finally, the committee considered ACR 71, which would designate a portion of State Route 101 in Santa Clara County as the Little Saigon Freeway. The Assembly Member author and community witnesses described the designation as a recognition of San Jose’s large Vietnamese American community and its history as refugees and contributors to the region. Numerous supporters from the community, local government, and the public testified in favor, and there was no opposition. Members praised the cultural significance and noted connections to other Vietnamese communities, including Westminster. The resolution was adopted unanimously, with 10 votes, and sent to Appropriations.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- someone else; they sold it to us to relocate a shipyard, which is being taken over for mixed-use residential
- country, you know, I don't know how much it would cost to remediate a fuel facility and turn it into residential
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework for counties and municipalities to allow utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain local roads with posted speed limits below 55 mph, subject to local safety determinations, licensing, insurance, and other restrictions. Supporters, including a retired sheriff and a Florida Sheriffs Association representative, argued the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and reflect the reality that UTVs are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are not designed for public roads and lack key safety features. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash risk, but the bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senators Martin, McClain, and Truenow expressing reservations.
The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port of Palm Beach, and Port Tampa Bay described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the importance of state and federal grants, private partnerships, and long-term planning. They also discussed challenges including limited land, bulkhead and berth maintenance, channel deepening, workforce needs, fuel access, resiliency, and intermodal connectivity. Senators asked about return on investment, trade patterns, financing, cruise-versus-cargo balance, and operational risks; the ports emphasized that they are largely enterprise-funded but still depend on public investment for major infrastructure.
The committee also approved a block of appointments to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority without objection. In addition, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, recommending a coordinated statewide aerial imagery and LiDAR program, shared procurement and cost-sharing arrangements, and statutory updates to improve interagency coordination and access to geospatial data. Senators briefly discussed potential uses for the data in insurance, emergency management, and property assessment, and the presentation concluded without further action.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Nov 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- mayor's office, you've got a graph in here that starts in 2019 and goes to 2025 and it says new residential
- mayor's office, you've got a graph in here that starts in 2019 and goes to 2025, and it says new residential
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee first heard a long-running audit finding involving Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit funds, which have exceeded the statutory limit for several years and were reported at $10.8 million in the most recent audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city has analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees over several periods, and used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation and a proposed City Hall expansion. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, raised concerns about the legality and necessity of proposed expenditures, and asked about interest earnings, truck purchases, and the lack of detailed tracking for training-facility use. The city said an Attorney General opinion allows construction of a new building for building-code functions but not purchase of an existing building, and that if the city cannot comply through permissible construction it would have to return the funds. No vote was taken, but members expressed strong frustration and urged the city to resolve the issue quickly and lawfully.
The committee then received the Auditor General’s presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings covered elections and quorum issues, conflicts of interest, late or missing financial disclosure forms, related-party transactions, poor meeting notices and minutes, council involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget and accounting deficiencies, weak bank reconciliations, improper utility billing and rates, grant compliance problems tied to a grocery store project, personnel and compensation issues involving the town manager, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control problems, public records issues, and IT/fraud-policy weaknesses. The auditor said the review focused mainly on October 2022 through February 2024 but went back further for some grant-related matters.
Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit reflected actions of a previous administration and that the current council and staff have already adopted seven new policies to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics. They said the town has a new manager and clerk, that the former manager was terminated, and that the town referred matters to FDLE, which is investigating. Committee members asked about the manager’s salary increase, severance, P-card use, and whether the town should consider consolidation or dissolution. The mayor said the town is on a better path, that most of the prior leadership has been voted out, and that the town is working with auditors and an outside accounting firm to correct the problems.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee Oct 28th, 2025
A&B Finance Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- that accompany that growth as the downtown has become an entertainment destination as well as the residential
- that accompany that growth as the downtown has become an entertainment destination as well as the residential
Committee:
House A&B Finance Subcommittee
Summary:
The committee heard an interim study on expanding or simplifying sales tax exemptions for Oklahoma nonprofits. Representatives Stark and Schreiber said the issue has been filed repeatedly over several sessions and framed it as a bipartisan effort to keep more charitable dollars in service of communities rather than paying sales tax. Schreiber also suggested broader tax reform or an omnibus approach rather than continuing to add individual exemptions.
Marnie Taylor of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits gave an overview of the sector, describing nonprofits as a major part of the state economy and safety net, and argued that many organizations are highly regulated, under-resourced, and facing declining donations and funding. She said the current patchwork of exemptions is uneven and that a blanket or broader exemption would help organizations serving public needs. Committee members asked for sources behind some of the poverty, education, and health rankings cited in her presentation.
Several nonprofit leaders testified about how sales tax affects their operations. RG Foods described the cost of opening neighborhood grocery markets in food deserts and said sales tax on a Tulsa project would divert about $85,000 from programming. Jubilee Partners, Skyline Urban Outreach, the Pencil Box, the Tulsa Police Foundation, Blue Rose Ranch, and Legacy Parenting Center each explained how exemption status or the lack of it affects food assistance, school supplies, public safety equipment, animal rescue, and diapers and family support. Members asked follow-up questions about food desert definitions, budgets, and how much sales tax savings would change operations. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the study concluded with closing remarks emphasizing that the exemption would keep more money in direct services and support the nonprofit sector statewide.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, then we had a residential level of care if kids couldn't stay in this partial level of care.
- Then you have residential level of care, where your kids who just need a little bit more long-term care
Committee:
House Common Education
Summary:
The committee held an interim study on how to educate and support students with severe violent or disruptive behavior while protecting classmates, teachers, and school staff. Members framed the issue as one involving students who have often experienced trauma and may be removed from class through suspension, expulsion, or juvenile placement, but who still need a meaningful path back to school. Several legislators shared personal experiences as former educators or administrators and emphasized that schools need clearer criteria for removal and return, along with stronger support for families and staff.
Dr. Michelle Butler, an alternative education director, testified that Oklahoma’s current alternative education system is not designed to serve students removed for major discipline issues because placement is generally voluntary and programs are built around students who need a different learning environment, not punitive removal. She argued for early intervention, stronger attendance enforcement, trauma screening, teacher training, and a regional or cooperative model that would combine credentialed educators, social workers, therapists, and family counselors. She also described existing programs such as Trace Academy, Rogers County Youth Services diversion programs, and the limitations of virtual-only models and current funding, saying the system lacks sufficient resources and staffing.
Representatives and senators asked about funding, staffing, credentials, and whether statutes should be changed to prevent alternative education dollars from going to programs that do not provide direct services. Other testimony came from Family and Children’s Services and Mid-Del Youth and Family Services, both of which described embedded school-based mental health, crisis response, intensive outpatient services, family engagement, and juvenile diversion programs. Witnesses stressed that wraparound services, school-community partnerships, and a bridge back to the home school are essential, and that many students and families need mandatory or strongly supported participation rather than purely voluntary help. The study concluded with members noting possible next steps, including expanding or supplementing alternative education, improving early intervention, and examining participation requirements and transition supports; no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Oct 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- These are businesses and residential properties, so we'll continue working on You know, we were at a
- We've gone through and sorted them from residential to commercial and prioritized them one to five, with
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It would also support our Family Pathways programs, which are supportive residential services where struggling
- The PVS was put in place when residential values were on the tax rolls at 40 cents on the dollar and
Bills:
HB249 , HB 1186 , HB2313 , HB2408 , HB2508 , HB2730 , HB2974 , HB3045 , HB3232 , HB3336 , HB3710 , HB4044 , HB4236 , HJR133 , HB249
Committee:
House Ways & Means
Keywords:
ad valorem taxes, property taxes, homestead exemption, disabled veterans, senior citizens, tax payments, installment payments, municipal tax revenue, hotel, convention center, tax code, economic development, local government, municipality, tax revenue, qualified projects, municipal taxation, hotel project, municipality funding, veteran
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM, WAM, WAM DEFER Public Hearings 04-03-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We serve approximately 70,000 residential and commercial customers across all six major Hawaiian islands
- Hawaii Gas serves approximately 70,000 residential and commercial customers across all six major Hawaiian
Summary:
The committee heard testimony and then took up House Bill 1369, which would repeal several tax credits and exemptions, including the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed: Hawaii Gas, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and the Tax Foundation all raised concerns, with opponents arguing the renewable fuels credit has supported major local investment, cleaner fuel production, and energy resilience, while Hawaii Gas warned repeal would raise costs for customers. The Department of Taxation said it did not take a position but provided revenue estimates, saying the bill would increase revenues by about $33.8 million in FY 2026 and $121.7 million in FY 2027; DBEDT said it would follow up on broader economic impacts. The chair proposed a series of amendments that removed some repeals, added five-year sunsets to certain exemptions, narrowed or conditioned others, and tied the renewable fuels exemption to a dollar-for-dollar match for renewable fuel production certified by the state energy officer. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted with multiple members voting with reservations.
The committee then moved through a series of other measures. HB 159, HB 244, HB 280, HB 316, HB 716, HB 1298, and HB 1295 were recommended for passage, with HB 1295 amended to change a date to 2050. HB 455 was amended to remove the Hawaii Startup Business Loan Program language and instead fund DBEDT contracting for startup financing and support, excluding businesses already eligible for the community-based economic development loan program. HB 504 was amended to add non-recurring appropriations for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditioned on formal commitments to purchase local products under the HRS 27-8 timeline; members discussed the cruise passenger tax and where the revenue would go, and the bill was passed with amendments.
HB 606 was amended to recognize DHHL authority over mercantile projects licenses, remove some reporting requirements, and replace the appropriation with $25 million for mercantile projects and $25 million for repair and maintenance. HB 1378 was amended to allow the foundation to enter public-private partnerships, adjust appropriation language, and cap a proposed limit at $15 million, with the committee noting the changes addressed concerns raised in testimony from BNF and the attorney general. HB 974 was deferred indefinitely because the House had already passed SB 1501. Finally, HB 1007 was amended to rename the transit-oriented development infrastructure district program as the transit-oriented community improvement program, consolidate the boards into one, expand board membership, add conflict-of-interest provisions, and allow legislative designation of areas; after discussion about HCDA’s role and the stadium district, the measure was adopted with one reservation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Outlining Impact of the Human Services Budget Proposal on County Budgets - 2/19/25
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Apr 14th, 2026
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- It was something to the effect of vacation, classification of certain residential real property.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Mar 16th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Riser, Title 6, powers and functions of state banks, price thresholds for certain residential
Bills:
HR19 , HR20 , HR21 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR34 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HCR15 , HCR16 , HCR17 , HCR18 , HB115 , HB208 , HB465 , HB832 , HB964 , HB965 , HB966 , HB967 , HB968 , HB969 , HB970 , HB971 , HB972 , HB973 , HB974 , HB975 , HR14 , HR15 , HR16 , HR17 , HR18 , HCR14 , SCR4 , SCR7 , SCR8 , HB362 , HB963 , HB207 , HB300 , HB331 , HB428 , HB464 , HB587 , HB618 , HB629 , HB801 , HB853 , HB891 , HB78 , HB112 , HB148 , HB149 , HB190 , HB221 , HB346 , HB354 , HB355 , HB356 , HB358 , HB384 , HB427 , HB657 , HB675 , HB716 , HB901
Keywords:
HR19, House Resolution 19, Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association Day, LNLA, nursery industry, landscape industry, horticulture, green industry, environmental stewardship, beautification, sustainability, state capitol, special day resolution, commemoration, trade association, wholesale growers, landscape architects, grounds maintenance, interiorscapers, Louisiana agriculture
Summary:
The House convened with 97 members present, heard an invocation by Pastor Morris St. Angelo, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then received Senate messages noting concurrence in HCR 8, HCR 9, and HCR 12, and the adoption of SCR 10, which expressed condolences on the death of Dr. Norman Christopher Francis. The House also received an enrollment report confirming several resolutions as properly enrolled.
A series of personal privilege recognitions highlighted local and civic observances, including Amite Oyster Festival Day, Opportunity in Action Day at the Capitol, and a visit from international policy fellows. The House introduced numerous resolutions and bills, including measures to designate special days and highways, express condolences, commend individuals and organizations, create or modify local districts, address bail, parole, rural health clinic Medicaid reimbursement, and establish a Department of Public Service. Several committee reports were also received, including transportation and ways and means reports on multiple bills.
The House adopted, without objection, several resolutions already lying over, including HR 14, HR 16, HR 18, SCR 4, SCR 7, and SCR 8, while other resolutions and bills were referred or left to lie over. Members also moved to discharge and withdraw certain bills from committee files without objection. The chamber was reminded of upcoming committee meetings, an interim emergency board ballot deadline, and adjourned until 1:00 p.m. the following day.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 26, 2026 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires online listing platforms like Zillow to include an estimate of property taxes for residential
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- be a pretty prolific wildfire market for insurance, particularly at the homeowner level or the residential
Bills:
HB1977
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business
Keywords:
indemnification, liquor, commercial servers, liquor liability, business protection, 904, all
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- The exemption is only available for home hardening products installed in homestead residential properties
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Jan 20th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- unanimously off the, maybe not unanimously, but from Representative Klicker allowing corner stores in residential
Summary:
Legislative leaders from the Washington Senate and House discussed the start of session, emphasizing efforts to respond to Trump administration policies while advancing state priorities. They said floor action had begun with bipartisan bills and identified several measures moving through committees, including a law enforcement masking bill, a bill regulating flock cameras, a bill on preserving access to preventive health services, land banking for housing, regulation of large energy-use facilities, and bills related to survivor protections and blood alcohol standards. They also said the Senate’s masking bill would likely be the mover and expected committee action on the camera bill within the next week or two.
A major topic was tax and budget policy. Leaders said there was not yet a complete draft of the proposed income tax on high earners, but technical work was underway to ensure the tax mechanics were correct and to avoid double taxation of pass-through business owners. They said offsets were still being negotiated, with ideas including the working families tax credit, small business tax credit, sales tax changes, and property tax reductions. They also discussed other revenue ideas, including tobacco tax increases and ending certain tax exemptions, while saying broad-based increases to major taxes were unlikely.
Other issues included affordability, child welfare, and public accountability. Leaders argued Democrats were focused on affordability through housing, health care, and child care measures, and cited bills on medical debt interest rates and public hospital support. On the Keeping Families Together Act, they said they shared concerns about child safety and were reviewing related proposals and DCYF data showing a decline in critical incidents. They also said they were open to bills improving accountability for public funds and fraud prevention, and noted that Washington’s systems had generally identified fraud early. No formal votes were taken in the exchange, but leaders said several bills were expected to move out of committee or come to floor votes soon.