Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I would welcome any questions and reserve the right to close. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• OK, we'll reserve your right to close. This time Chair calls up Mr. Joe Morris.
• Happy to answer any questions and reserve the right to close. Thank you Mr. Chairman of the suit.
• Um, happy to answer any questions to the extent I'm able to reserve the right to.
• All right, there are, we're gonna reserve your right to close, Chairman suit, and we're gonna move into

Transcript Highlights:

• A fast-growing industry of financing companies and brokers selling what the Federal Reserve calls higher-cost
• A fast-growing industry of financing companies and brokers is selling what the Federal Reserve calls
• From a business coach: a recycling company located in Lake Forest took out a $35,000 MCA loan with that
• A recycling company located in Lake Forest took out a $35,000 MCA loan with a 238% rate and a monthly

Summary: The committee heard AB 801, which would require the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct fair lending examinations of lenders on a regular schedule. The author and supporters, including the Greenlining Institute and several housing and consumer groups, argued the bill was needed because federal fair lending enforcement has weakened and California borrowers of color continue to face lending disparities. Banking and credit union representatives opposed the bill as duplicative and costly, though they acknowledged the author’s amendments and continued negotiations. The bill was approved on a vote and re-referred to Judiciary, with some members voting no or not voting at first and later the measure passing on a fuller roll call. The committee then heard AB 871, which would strengthen elder fraud protections by requiring financial institutions to report suspected financial abuse to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and notify customers of the report. The author and county and adult protective services supporters said the bill would improve pattern detection and help stop or reverse scams more quickly. Bankers opposed the customer-notification requirement, warning it could alarm seniors and that the reporting process would add operational burden, but the author and supporters said victim information is important for investigations. The bill passed with committee support and was re-referred to Judiciary. AB 1842 and AB 1847, both related to mortgage forbearance after major disasters and the Eaton and Palisades fires, were also heard. AB 1842 would create a statewide framework for forbearance after federally declared major disasters, and AB 1847 would extend relief for wildfire survivors; both bills were amended to narrow triggers, clarify repayment and documentation issues, and remove some reporting requirements. Supporters included local officials, consumer groups, and housing advocates, while mortgage and banking groups remained in opposition on some implementation points but said they were working toward compromise. Both bills were approved and re-referred to Judiciary. Finally, AB 2116, dealing with merchant cash advances and small business financing transparency, was heard with broad support from small business and consumer advocates and partial support from some industry representatives after amendments; opponents still raised concerns about disclosure authority and unconscionability standards. The bill was also approved and sent to Judiciary. The committee additionally adopted a consent calendar of unrelated bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Shannon Cooper, today on behalf of Missouri Forest Products, we like this bill.
• planning, comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and clear safeguards to protect our fish, our forests
• Shaw Nature The other is, if you're familiar with the area, right across the street from Shaw Nature Reserve
• , which is a really spectacular nature reserve that's part of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 953, which would address a projected funding shortfall in the Department of Natural Resources’ air pollution control program. Senator Jason Bean and supporters from Associated Industries of Missouri, quarry and sand producers, engineering firms, the Missouri Chamber, forest products, and municipal utilities said the bill would stop sweeping unused program funds into general revenue and dedicate a portion of existing sales and use tax revenue from utility companies to keep the program solvent without raising permit fees on businesses that have reduced emissions. A witness from DNR said the fee fund is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028. One informational witness argued the bill could reduce general revenue and create broader tax burdens. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing on SB 953 was concluded. The committee then took up House Bills 3362 and 3364, identical measures sponsored by Representatives Wellenkamp and Koslow to regulate large AI/data center buildouts. The bills would require separate utility treatment for very large electric loads so costs are not shifted to residential or ordinary commercial customers, and would create water-use permitting and related safeguards for large users, including review by DNR and emergency “kill switch” provisions. The sponsors and many witnesses described the bills as consumer-protection and resource-protection measures rather than anti-development bills, citing concerns about grid strain, water withdrawals, transparency, and local impacts. Support came from environmental groups, conservation organizations, the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, Renew Missouri, and residents affected by proposed data centers; several witnesses urged stronger water thresholds, more frequent reporting, and broader protections. Utility and municipal representatives offered informational testimony. The Missouri Municipal League said it is educating local officials and will work with municipal utilities on the bill’s effects. Missouri Electric Cooperatives said it supports fair cost allocation but is concerned some terms are undefined and could create ambiguity or legal disputes. Ameren Missouri said its current load-shedding policies already prioritize critical services and that large-load customers are subject to emergency conservation plans. Missouri American Water noted the bills would require PSC approval for arrangements with regulated water utilities, but that PSC oversight would not cover all Missouri water systems. The committee adjourned after the hearing, with members encouraging further written testimony and sponsor follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Shannon Cooper, today on behalf of Missouri Forest Products, we like this bill.
• planning, comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and clear safeguards to protect our fish, our forests
• The other is, if you're familiar with the area, right across the street from Shaw Nature Reserve, which
• is a really spectacular nature reserve that's part of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Summary: The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee heard Senate Bill 953, sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean, which would address a projected shortfall in the Department of Natural Resources’ air pollution control program. Bean and supporters from Associated Industries of Missouri, quarry and sand producers, engineering firms, the Missouri Chamber, forest products, and municipal utilities said the bill would stop sweeping unused program funds into general revenue and dedicate a portion of existing sales and use tax revenue from utilities to keep the program solvent without raising permit fees on businesses that have reduced emissions. One informational witness from Armour Vine warned that moving funds out of general revenue could affect broader state revenue and tax triggers. DNR also testified that the fee fund is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028 if current trends continue. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill hearing was closed. The committee then heard House Bills 3362 and 3364, sponsored by Reps. Colin Wellenkamp and Mike Koslow, which would create guardrails for AI/data center buildout around electricity and water use. The sponsors said the bills are intended to protect ratepayers and local water systems by requiring large-load customers to bear their own infrastructure costs, extending consumer protections to co-ops and municipal utilities, and requiring permits and review for major water withdrawals, with emergency shutoff provisions in water shortages. Support came from environmental groups, conservation organizations, rural advocates, Renew Missouri, the Sierra Club, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Ameren Missouri, and Missouri American Water, though some witnesses urged tighter thresholds, more frequent reporting, stronger water-quality protections, and clearer definitions to avoid legal ambiguity. Several witnesses also raised concerns about transparency, local impacts, and whether current thresholds are high enough to protect aquifers, springs, and utility customers. The chair closed testimony after noting time limits and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes coordination on sea level rise and coastal adaptation planning and projects, kelp forest
• protect, restore, and increase the resilience of beaches, bays, coastal dunes, wetlands, coastal forests
• We have lost our kelp forest ecosystem at that similar scale, in almost large degree, because of a 2014
• , one is in Monterey, and one is in northern Los Angeles County, actually in the Angeles National Forest
• We really want to stress the point of being able to help the kelp and the kelp forest, and as Director

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on water and coastal resilience heard an overview of the governor’s Proposition 4 spending plan, with presentations from the Department of Finance, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and later coastal agencies. Members discussed the water chapter’s major allocations for drinking water and wastewater, recycled water, tribal water infrastructure, groundwater recharge and SGMA implementation, dam safety, flood protection, integrated regional water management, Salton Sea projects, and water data/stream gauges. The LAO noted that many programs are established and have clear funding processes, but some newer or less-defined programs may warrant more detailed future budget requests and reporting. No votes were taken on the agenda items. Members raised concerns about groundwater subsidence, water deliveries from the Delta, the pace of water storage investments, instream flows, and whether bond dollars were being used to backfill General Fund reductions. Administration witnesses said groundwater recharge spending is being paced because prior years already funded substantial SGMA work, that Delta operations are governed by water quality, salinity, and species requirements, and that Proposition 1 storage projects have moved slowly because they are locally led and require permitting and financing. The Water Board and DWR said they use public needs assessments, annual plans, and existing grant processes to prioritize projects, and Finance said some General Fund programs were shifted to Proposition 4 to help balance the budget. Members also asked for clearer public tracking of bond spending and more concise future reporting. In the coastal resilience portion, the Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Conservancy described Proposition 4 funding for sea level rise adaptation, coastal flood management, habitat restoration, public access, and San Francisco Bay projects, with a multi-year rollout based on project readiness and recent large state investments. The Conservancy said it would use its existing rolling grant process, while OPC said its sea level rise grants would build on existing programs and new technical assistance. The Department of Fish and Wildlife explained its proposed use of bond funds for climate-ready fisheries, hatchery modernization, salmon monitoring, whale- and turtle-safe fishing gear, and a specific hatchery operations request tied to the Friant settlement. The LAO said the coastal chapter’s proposed first-year spending is relatively modest but generally reasonable given staffing and project readiness, while members emphasized oversight, transparency, and coordination across agencies and jurisdictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The mismanagement of our forests and state lands were not...
• The root problem is we have all this timber, and there's so much field loading in these forests.
• It's an area where we think there's opportunity, not only in Lincoln National Forest and in state lands
• When I saw the Legacy Fund and I looked at the purpose—the conservation and improvement of our forests
• We are still holding in reserve some money for the 60 or so people who are doing reclamation. OK.

Transcript Highlights:

• wildfire risk. to steward over 2 million forested acres per year to reduce wildfire risk.
• California is facing a wood waste crisis where millions of tons of forest and agricultural biomass are
• being piled and burned or left to decay every year, causing... ...of forests and agricultural biomass
• Third, by supporting AB 1666, we can leverage federal matching funds and private investments in forest
• The scope of these qualifying projects... ...older, larger, decaying trees have for forest health.

Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for recharge projects, codify long-standing CEQA exemptions for flood diversions to recharge, and add tribal consultation and other guardrails. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure as a way to capture high-flow water and reduce groundwater subsidence, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it, warning that the bill’s exemptions and broader diversion authority could harm rivers, Delta resources, and public trust values. The bill was discussed but not voted on because the committee lacked a quorum at that point. The committee then took up AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy-use data and permit-related estimates of energy and water demand. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and give regulators better information for grid planning. Data center industry representatives opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while local governments, environmental groups, and some utilities supported it or supported it if amended. The bill was later reported out with a due pass recommendation once a quorum was established. Members also heard AB 2245 on a producer responsibility program for lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental review protections for overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation and VMT mitigation, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, and AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects. Testimony was mixed on most of these bills: supporters emphasized affordability, local control, environmental justice, or project urgency, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA scope, regulatory duplication, costs, and environmental impacts. Several measures received due pass recommendations and roll-call votes, including AB 2170, AB 2059, AB 1808, AB 2182, and AB 2231, with some members voting no or not voting and some bills left open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what foresters do.
• </c><02:08:46.680><c> do,</c><02:08:46.840><c> foresters</c> doing what what foresters do, foresters
• doing what what foresters do, foresters don't<02:08:47.480><c> want</c><02:08:47.640><c> to</c><02:08
• </c> when they're not harvesting the forest. when they're not harvesting the forest.
• Thank you. forest healthy. forest healthy.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nestled in the East Texas timberland region, Hardin County is renowned for its lush pine and hardwood forests
• Alabama Coushatta Tribe, uh, their day at the state Capitol, as the oldest native tribe with a reservation
• Located on roughly 10,000 acres in the big thicket of deep East Texas, the reservation is visited every

Transcript Highlights:

• Hardin County is renowned for its lush pine and hardwood forests. with Koontz becoming a central hub
• Their day at the state capitol as the oldest native tribe with a reservation in our.
• The reservation is visited every year by thousands of people who enjoy... the wonderful opportunities

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was reserved by Hawaii decades<00:59:11.359><c> ago.
• So, you know, I think the concern is that the report is missing the forest for the trees.
• </c> forest for the trees. forest for the trees.
• Are there any reservations? amendments. Are there any reservations? Any<01:39:00.080><c> nos?
• Any reservations? amendments. Any reservations? Any<01:42:30.320><c> notes?</c> Any notes?

Bills: SB1166, SB888, SB2387, SB2471

Keywords: insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things

Summary: The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment. Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims. The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and you'll see new reserve account.
• account and was um is in that reserve account and was you<00:10:11.760><c> know</c><00:10:11.839><c>
• ><c> uh</c> you know taken from our reserve uh you know taken from our reserve uh restricted<00:10:14.320
• Um we we've got uh that reserve account.
• </c> first forest slab um already underway. first forest slab um already underway.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Shelley Kloba from the First Legislative District, which is Lake Forest Park, Kenmore,
• Representative Shelley Kloba from the First Legislative District, which is Lake Forest Park, Kenmore
• everything for free, part of it we would retain, sell the allowances at auction, take the money, and reserve
• change your funding priorities for adaptation projects following the summers where the northern boreal forests
• had extensive... ...projects following the summers where the northern boreal forests had extensive wildfires

Bills: HB2272, HB2285, HB2296

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes, carbon capture, clean energy, environmental regulation, sustainability, green technology, distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, energy policy, 904, all

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then held a work session on emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) facilities under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Ecology staff reviewed how cap-and-invest works, explained that EITEs receive most allowances at no cost through 2034, and summarized a recent report recommending that future EITE allocation be adjusted to fit within the cap, with possible consignment of some allowance value into decarbonization projects. Quebec officials described their cap-and-trade system, including a consignment approach that withholds part of free allocations, holds the value for facilities to use on approved mitigation projects, and has been used to encourage investment without plant closures. Members asked about facility closures, leakage, safety, and how Quebec’s program works; Ecology said it was not aware of EITE closures and noted the report’s policy options were intended to balance competitiveness, emissions reductions, and revenue needs. The committee then heard House Bill 2296, which would expand distributed energy resources by creating rules for portable plug-in solar devices and meter-mounted devices. The sponsor said the bill is meant to lower upfront costs and barriers for renters and homeowners who want to electrify or add small solar systems. Supporters from Bright Saver and Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility said the bill would make small solar more accessible and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Opponents and others with concerns, including Avista, Puget Sound Energy, the Association of Washington Business, the Certified Electrical Workers of Washington, the Department of Labor and Industries, and the Washington Public Utility District Association, raised safety, interconnection, worker-protection, and utility-oversight concerns, noting the lack of established standards for some of the devices and the need for utilities to know what is connected to their systems. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2285, which would allow natural gas generation paired with carbon capture, utilization, mineralization, or storage to count as compliant under the Clean Energy Transformation Act. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would provide a firm, dispatchable power option to address reliability, transmission constraints, and rising demand while reducing emissions compared with conventional gas. Support came from industry and labor groups, including Carbon Quest, Puget Sound Energy, the Northwest Gas Association, the Association of Washington Business, and the IBEW. Opponents, including Northwest Energy Coalition, Renewable Northwest, and Climate Solutions, argued the bill would weaken CETA’s 100% clean electricity goal by allowing resources that still emit carbon to qualify, and said renewables and storage are the better path. The Alliance of Western Energy Consumers also raised cost concerns, saying carbon capture projects could increase rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Reserve. &gt;&gt; Reserve. &gt;&gt; Reserve. &gt;&gt; Gentleman<03:32:00.239><c> reserves.
• &gt;&gt; Reserve. &gt;&gt; Reserve. &gt;&gt; Reserve.
• I reserve. >> Gentleman reserves.
• &gt;&gt; reserves. &gt;&gt; reserves.
• I'll reserve. reserve. reserve. &gt;&gt; Gentleman<05:10:55.520><c> reserves.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• includes $2.5 billion for water infrastructure and... and supply projects, including over $500 million reserved
• centers around the state, $257 million for wildfire suppression areas, crafted through the Texas A&M Forest
• Service, and $192 million to ensure the backlog of requests to the Texas A&M Forest Service Volunteer

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Political policy matter reserved to the legislative and executive judgment and control.
• It encourages planning through capital reserve funds and honest pay-as-you-go budgeting.
• Then would I protect our forest products industry by pushing the green button to table HB 1752.
• We didn't fight for 250 years of independence just to lease our forests back to bad actors.
• </c> independence just to lease our forests independence just to lease our forests back<05:23:43.680>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this was the forest health grants.
• </c><00:22:43.800><c> Excited</c><00:22:44.320><c> to</c> the forest health grants.
• Excited to the forest health grants.
• One if I may add on a forest health grant, they took applications, they closed that.
• </c> whatever, um, that we've had to reserve whatever, um, that we've had to reserve those<02:17:50.840

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reserve her time? reserve her time? &gt;&gt; I<03:52:57.600><c> reserve.
• &gt;&gt; Reserves. &gt;&gt; Reserves. &gt;&gt; Reserves.
• &gt;&gt; Reserves. &gt;&gt; Reserves. &gt;&gt; Reserves.
• Gentleman reserves. &gt;&gt; Gentleman reserves. Gentleman reserves.
• Speaker, I reserve. >> Gentleman reserves. >> Gentle lady from Ohio. >> I reserve. >> Reserves. >> Mr

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When forest health declines or wildfires occur, counties face increased costs.
• , smoke-related public health impacts, and lost forest-related revenues.
• Vice Chair, members of the committee, I'm Matt Domit with the Washington Forest Protection Association
• First, our major concern for forest landowners is wildfire, and we appreciate the governor including
• We thank the legislature for providing $60 million for the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and

Bills: SB5998

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Ways and Means Committee heard an overview of Governor Ferguson’s 2026 supplemental budget from OFM Director Katie Chapman See. She said the budget was built in response to higher caseloads and inflation, a $390 million revenue decline, federal changes tied to H.R. 1, and a relatively small ending fund balance. The proposal prioritizes core services, affordability, and limited targeted responses to federal policy impacts. It includes about $1.1 billion in new near-general-fund spending, about $800 million in reductions, revenue shifts and tax preference changes, use of other funds, and about $1 billion from the budget stabilization account. She also noted the budget is balanced over two years but not fully over four years. Chapman See highlighted major reductions in child care, long-term care, developmental disabilities, higher education, K-12 support programs, and administrative costs, alongside increases for wildfire preparedness and suppression, health care subsidies, housing-related work, energy assistance, One Washington IT replacement, and some education and public safety items. She also described about $155 million in costs tied to H.R. 1, including SNAP and Medicaid system changes and food assistance impacts, and said the budget would close or modify several tax preferences, including data center and prescription drug wholesaler preferences. In response to questions, she said some spending was classified as “non-mandatory but necessary” based on the governor’s judgment, that Working Connections Child Care reductions would rely on attrition rather than cutting current families, and that the budget assumes future changes to developmental disability eligibility and maintains services for some clients affected by federal immigration-related eligibility losses. Statewide officials and advocates then testified. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged full wildfire-prevention funding, saying the governor’s proposal falls short of the legislature’s prior commitment. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to fund sweeps from his office, warning they would hinder cybersecurity and election-related needs. Public testimony on K-12 education was overwhelmingly opposed to the budget’s cuts to transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and other programs, while some witnesses supported restoring funding for Ninth Grade Success, Graduation Success for foster youth, and homeless student supports. Higher education witnesses from community colleges and universities opposed across-the-board cuts and higher self-insurance costs, warning of reduced course offerings, staffing cuts, and harm to access and workforce training. Several speakers also criticized the proposed shift of Climate Commitment Act funds and urged new progressive revenue, including a millionaire’s tax, to avoid deeper cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• there's $30 million into what I often refer to as the HB 1168 account for wildfire preparedness and forest
• When forest health declines or wildfires occur, counties face increased costs.
• , smoke-related public health impacts, and lost forest-related revenues.
• Vice Chair, members of the committee, I'm Matt Domit with the Washington Forest Protection Association
• First, our major concern for forest landowners is wildfire, and we appreciate the governor including

Summary: The Senate Ways and Means Committee heard an overview from OFM Director Katie Chapman See on Governor Ferguson’s 2026 supplemental budget proposal. She said the budget was built in response to higher caseloads and inflation, a roughly $390 million revenue forecast drop, new federal costs tied to H.R. 1, and a relatively small ending fund balance. The proposal would increase near general fund spending by about $1.1 billion and solve an estimated $2.3 billion two-year gap through about $800 million in reductions, revenue shifts and tax preference changes, use of other funds, and about $1 billion from the budget stabilization account. She also noted the budget is balanced over two years but not fully over four years under the state’s outlook rules. Chapman See highlighted reductions in Working Connections Child Care, including a soft cap on enrollment and holding subsidy rates at the 75th percentile, delays to long-term care and developmental disability-related changes, and across-the-board reductions to higher education and administrative spending. She also described investments in wildfire suppression and preparedness, affordability programs like utility rebates and home energy assistance, housing-related planning and permitting support, One Washington IT replacement, behavioral health workforce programs, and continued support for some K-12 initiatives such as ninth grade success and homeless student stability. In response to questions, she said some proposed cuts were based on the governor’s subjective judgment about what was critically necessary, that current child care enrollees would not be cut off immediately, and that the budget would maintain services for about 500 highest-acuity Medicaid clients who lost eligibility under federal changes. Public testimony was largely critical of the proposed cuts in K-12, early learning, and higher education. School officials, educators, nurses, and advocacy groups opposed reductions to Transition to Kindergarten, Local Effort Assistance, Running Start, MSOC, school leadership and support grants, and higher education funding, arguing the cuts would worsen existing funding gaps and harm student outcomes. Several witnesses supported restoring or maintaining funding for ninth grade success, Treehouse’s foster youth graduation program, homeless student stability, and Science on Wheels. In early learning, child care providers and advocates opposed the Working Connections cap and subsidy-rate reduction, warning it would reduce access and destabilize providers. In higher education, campus leaders and labor representatives opposed across-the-board cuts and fund shifts, while some institutions and advocates supported targeted investments such as behavioral health workforce programs and DigiPen aid restoration. In human services, Planned Parenthood advocates praised restored abortion access funding and Medicaid reimbursements. The committee took no votes or final action in the transcript provided.