Transcript Highlights:

• communities, as we continue to train our warfighters to carry out the most demanding task with evolving technology
• We recognize that even the most cutting-edge technology is ineffective without the proper processes,
• we are equipping our airmen with the skills, structures, and processes needed to integrate new technologies
• Our ability... ...new technologies and future concepts across all domains.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• acknowledges the shared economic prosperity from integrated supply chains and thriving maritime technology
• shared efforts toward marine habitat restoration, natural disaster mitigation, advancing clean technologies
• Vancouver, but also in Ottawa as well, and learning about the important and those deep relationships on technology
• Vancouver, but also in Ottawa as well, and learning about the important and those deep relationships on technology

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate convened on February 24 with no roll call, approved the prior day’s Journal, and referred committee reports and listed measures as designated. One exception was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, which was sent to the Committee on Rules. The chamber then moved to the eighth order for resolutions. Senate Resolution 8696, recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada, was read and adopted. Supportive remarks emphasized cross-border economic ties, family and community connections, shared environmental and scientific work, trade, border communities such as Point Roberts and Blaine, and cooperation with Canadian and Quebec officials. The Senate also formally recognized visiting Canadian and Washington guests in the gallery, including the Canadian Consul General, a Quebec delegate, the mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. After a brief at-ease, the Senate returned to business and received supplemental standing committee reports, including Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget, and House Bill 2664, both referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then agreed to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• technical aspects that need to be dealt with there because you don't want to pass a law that takes the technology
• technical aspects that need to be dealt with there because you don't want to pass a law that takes the technology
• technical aspects that need to be dealt with there because you don't want to pass a law that takes the technology
• technical aspects that need to be dealt with there because you don't want to pass a law that takes the technology

Bills: HB351 , SB109 , HB351 , SB109

Committee: House Commerce and Small Business

Keywords: ad valorem tax, road funding, local government, referendum, Choctaw County, Tuskegee University, education funding, Alabama Education Trust Fund, appropriation, agricultural research, data privacy, consumer rights, personal data, data protection, Alabama Personal Data Protection Act, peer-to-peer car sharing, vehicle insurance, liability, shared vehicles, taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• REGARDING THE OVERVIEW OF STATE AGENCY PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING PRACTICES INCLUDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• PURCHASE ORDERS SPENT IS SPENT ON IT SERVICES MEANING ONE IN $5 IS SPENT IN THE AREA OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• IMPORTANT TO NOTE UNDER THE CURRENT FLORIDA LAW THERE IS LITTLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• WE HAVE EXECUTED MORE CONTRACTS WITH PREQUALIFIED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFF AUGMENTATION VENDORS AND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did contract with a company called CTC Technology and Energy, not to be confused with CTC, one of
• And then the technology feasibility: again, looking at the technologies, understanding the dollars we
• </c> with a company called CTC uh technology with a company called CTC uh technology and<00:40:53.960
• c> then the technology feasibility so again then the technology feasibility so again looking<00:41:14.720
• ><c> at</c><00:41:14.920><c> the</c><00:41:15.520><c> Technologies</c> looking at the Technologies looking

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> supplies have increased technology supplies have increased technology minute<00:15:05.600><c> concerns
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor had proposed, including one for upgrading technology and especially utilizing AI technology
• And then we should move on. spent and technology is uh improving at spent and technology is uh improving
• And again, technology like a bank does.
• </c><01:34:52.560><c> education</c> funding for the technology education funding for the technology education
• Um, assisted technology and grants.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• intelligence and technology and how the University of Phoenix is really embracing the technologies to
• intelligence and technology and how the University of Phoenix is really embracing the technologies to
• That’s why I feel so passionate about this type of technology.
• This is about technology. This is about technology that would enhance safety. With that, Mr.
• Also, with regard to the type of technology, it doesn’t prescribe what that technology is.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• vendors uh in the last week technology vendors uh in the last week uh<00:19:01.919><c> one</c><00:19
• Um, the size of the site to some extent depends on the technology.
• Um, the size of the site to some extent depends on the technology.
• We are expanding in the United States as far as recycling of fuel, which and there are technologies that
• We are expanding in the United States as far as recycling of fuel, which and there are technologies that

Committee: Senate Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 03:09 SB 57 Discussion 04:03 SB 57 Roll Call Vote 38:37 SB 172 Discussion 41:27 SB 172 Roll Call Vote 50:23, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Combined with wind energy, these renewable technologies provide 17% of the United States' electricity
• I'm a technology policy analyst.
• Eric Reed, representing the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, waves in support.
• and technology, waves in support.
• Tab 43, SB 7008, an OGSR, financial technology sandbox by Banking and Insurance.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know the Department of Technology, which our agency oversees, is also implementing their piece of the
• I know the Department of Technology, which our agency oversees, is also implementing their piece of the
• legislation, because that's... ...of the Department of Technology, which our agency oversees, is also
• Okay, that wraps up Government Operations Agency and moving on to the Department of Technology and the
• I'm the Chief Administrative Officer for the California Department of Technology.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current discussion is that technology and travel have changed, so that restriction may no longer
• now and and travel is much technology now and and travel is much more<00:23:26.960><c> convenient,</
• Um with the new technology and come in.
• Um with the new technology and everything<00:23:39.039><c> available,</c><00:23:40.159><c> uh</c><00:
• now and and our ability to uh technology now and and our ability to uh through<00:27:42.320><c> the<

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: Consideration of HB 10 -- 00:03:22 Consideration of HB 456 -- 00:20:47 Consideration of HB 480 -- 00:31:24, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Modern technologies such as drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles present a new challenge for public
• that, to be clear, our concern is to ensure that we don't inadvertently limit the use of a growing technology
• Our concern is to ensure that we don't inadvertently limit the use of a growing technology in valid commercial
• And finally, one of the challenges that we have to overcome is that there is an evolving technology with
• regulations that we have that don't allow us to completely mitigate drone operations because of the technology

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• While technology can improve underwriting, To address insurers' use of aerial imagery.
• Some will argue that legislation bans a useful technology. This does not.
• Technology should serve people, not surprise them.
• I think I, at least in NCOIL, we've steered away from eliminating the technology because using this also
• Aerial imagery is an emerging technology that allows insurers to more safely and efficiently inspect

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on a wide range of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on affordable housing insurance, homeowners insurance practices, climate resilience, and consumer protections after property losses. Senators and representatives testified in support of a resolve to create a commission on affordable housing insurance (S. 768/H. 1279), arguing that rising premiums and deductibles are threatening the viability of affordable housing properties and new development. Supporters also backed bills to establish private flood insurance standards (S. 719), create climate-resilient home retrofit grants (S. 720), expand the MVP climate resilience program (H. 1310/S. 686), and protect urban trees and limit insurer-driven tree removals (H. 1316). Several lawmakers and advocates said these measures would help reduce risk, preserve insurability, and address the effects of increasingly severe storms and flooding. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing insurer use of aerial imagery (H. 1242/H. 2142) and notice periods for nonrenewals or repairs (H. 4042 and related measures). Supporters said insurers should be allowed to use drones and satellite images but with stronger guardrails, including current photos, disclosure of risk factors, an appeals process, and time to cure defects. They argued that homeowners are sometimes blindsided by nonrenewals based on inaccurate aerial photos or given too little time to make repairs. Opponents from the insurance industry said aerial imagery is already regulated by the Division of Insurance, that additional statutory requirements could create confusion and litigation, and that existing notice rules already provide 45 days for nonrenewals and 60-day limits on cancellations. Industry witnesses also warned that some proposed timelines conflict with current law and could restrict useful underwriting tools. Another major topic was H. 1077, which would restrict solicitation by restoration companies and public adjusters at fire scenes. A homeowner described being approached immediately after a house fire by restoration and public-adjuster representatives and said the experience was intrusive and overwhelming; supporters said homeowners need time and space to make informed decisions after a disaster. Public adjusters and restoration contractors opposed the bill, saying they provide needed guidance, emergency mitigation, and claims assistance when homeowners are under stress, and that some existing protections already allow consumers to cancel contracts. The hearing ended after all listed witnesses testified, and the committee voted to close the hearing; no bill dispositions were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our industry has a long... ...successful track record of implementing new technologies in a way that
• And when you think about cryptocurrencies and the integration of new technologies, a couple of points
• So we are working hard to expand technologies, and it's important to encourage that innovation going
• So we are working hard to expand technologies, and it's important to encourage that innovation going
• But I will tell you, we spend billions on technology, on analytics, on talent to actually manage the

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, payment industry groups, and a credit card issuer. Much of the discussion focused on proposed state laws that would limit interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions, especially Illinois’s Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and similar efforts in other states. Witnesses opposing the proposals argued that interchange helps fund fraud protection, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit, and warned that state-by-state rules would create a patchwork that could harm state-chartered banks and credit unions, raise compliance costs, and reduce consumer access to credit. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a significant burden on merchants, especially small businesses, and that current pricing is opaque and often bundled with other processor charges. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides major benefits to merchants and consumers, including security, convenience, faster settlement, online commerce, and broader access to credit. One witness from Capital One said the industry’s losses from fraud and default are substantial and that interchange helps offset those risks; he also noted that merchants already have some tools, such as surcharging where allowed and negotiating clearer processor contracts. Retail representatives and the National Retail Federation countered that small businesses are under pressure from many costs and that interchange and related fees remain a real pain point, with some urging the commission to consider reforms that would return more money to businesses without disrupting the system. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as a significant merchant win that includes temporary rate reductions, more surcharge flexibility, and the ability to decline certain card tiers. No votes were taken. The meeting concluded after all scheduled testimony was heard, with the commission chair saying the session had been productive and that the committee would continue gathering testimony and written comments before making recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fraud has evolved into organized, technology-driven schemes that target seniors, small businesses, and
• They are constantly deploying new technology. They spend a lot of that money in technology.
• Paul, you muted yourself or some kind of technological mess-up? Mess up.
• Paul, you muted yourself or some kind of technological mess-up? mess up.
• protocols to ensure that their customers... ...of dollars on technology and cybersecurity protocols

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members and witnesses describing scams targeting seniors, small businesses, and working families. The committee first approved the November 3, 2025 minutes, then heard from the Arkansas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, banks, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association, the State Bank and Securities Department, the Insurance Department, and AARP. Witnesses described common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, government imposter scams, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, fake job postings, gift card scams, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, identity theft, and insurance fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that cryptocurrency kiosks and crypto transfers make recovery difficult or impossible, and that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and scalable. Witnesses repeatedly stressed education, verification, and coordination among banks, law enforcement, regulators, and consumers. Bank and mortgage representatives urged consumers to slow down, independently verify wire instructions, avoid clicking unexpected links, use tap-to-pay rather than chip or swipe when possible, and never share account credentials or one-time codes. The Attorney General’s office said it investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes, works with social media platforms to remove scam ads, and recently created a Financial Fraud Task Force with bankers and other stakeholders. The State Bank and Securities Commissioner highlighted the Safe AR Act, the state’s crypto kiosk framework, and fraud education efforts such as “fraud bingo,” while the Insurance Department described its law-enforcement role and a range of insurance-related fraud schemes it prosecutes. AARP said fraud is widespread and underreported, especially among older adults. Members asked about reporting scams, how losses are handled, whether tap is safer than chip, how crypto fraud works, whether Arkansas has model legislation to address telecom and social media impersonation, and how local law enforcement and state agencies coordinate investigations. Witnesses said banks generally absorb much of the financial loss under federal rules, while consumers bear the inconvenience and account changes. Several witnesses said Arkansas should consider additional legislation to hold telecom companies and social media platforms accountable for spoofed caller IDs and impersonation ads, and one witness said a federal Scam Act is moving in Congress. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes, but witnesses agreed to share consumer education materials and model legislation with committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, under tab 4, we have CS for SB 480 by Senator Harrell, Information Technology.
• We have CS for SB 480 by Senator Harrell, Information Technology. Good morning, Senator.
• The state's been on that since 2001, when we first started the State Technology Office.
• Since 2001, when we first started the State Technology Office, we've had many, many iterations from the
• Agency for Enterprise Information Technology to the Division of State Technology and now to Florida

Summary: The committee first took up SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for the wrongful convictions, incarceration, and death tied to the 1949 case. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step after prior state apologies, pardons, and exonerations. The committee adopted a $4 million amendment that divided compensation equally among the four families and updated the recipient for Ernest Thomas’s share. Multiple family members and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the decades of trauma and the need for full justice. Senators in debate largely supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 330, which clarifies disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers by refining the definition of heart disease and allowing certain officers who transfer agencies to rely on a prior physical under specified conditions. SB 474 also passed, expanding military leave protections to include public officials and employees who serve in the Coast Guard or Florida State Guard, adjusting pay eligibility for federal service, and updating related retirement and assistance provisions. SB 96, the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program bill, was amended to expand eligibility to veterans with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level and to move funding into the General Appropriations Act; members debated whether the broader eligibility could increase demand, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 7018 on child welfare, making the Step Into Success pilot program permanent statewide, adjusting visitor/background-check rules for out-of-home placements, and creating a best-practices program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. CS/SB 480 on state IT governance was reported favorably after amendments that strengthened vendor performance metrics and restored state data center security provisions; it creates a new central IT governance structure under the Governor’s office and aims to improve oversight of procurement, spending, and technical debt. SB 1066, addressing partial restoration of the Ocklawaha River and Kirkpatrick Dam, passed after a late-file amendment and extensive testimony from environmental, recreation, and local economic interests. SB 1216, which gives school districts more flexibility in educator compensation, and SB 1120, which increases oversight and reporting for water management district spending, were also reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 1366 on claims against the government, which raises sovereign immunity caps, ties future adjustments to CPI, shortens claim deadlines, and changes attorney-fee provisions. The bill drew support from local government and public-hospital groups as a compromise, but also significant concern from some senators about the impact on self-insured agencies and whether the fee changes would discourage attorneys from taking cases. The discussion remained ongoing, and the bill was still moving forward as the meeting continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• The insurance fraud is sort of supercharged now by technology.
• The insurance fraud is sort of supercharged now by technology, all sorts of technology-driven schemes
• The insurance fraud is sort of supercharged now by technology, all sorts of technology-driven schemes
• My name is Robert Thoms with Lumen Technologies, home of your Super Bowl-hating Seahawks.
• I want my generation to enter labs that use the best technology possible, not just methods that have

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2542 would require drug developers to use validated non-animal testing methods when available, unless federal regulators request animal testing. The sponsor said the bill builds on prior Washington action on cosmetics testing and is intended to move toward more humane and modern science. Supporters, including students, animal welfare advocates, and biotech-related witnesses, argued that animal tests often fail to predict human outcomes and that alternatives are more accurate. A biotech industry representative said animal testing is still necessary for some research and warned the bill could deter local innovation, but said the industry was open to amendments. The sponsor said she was open to discussing changes to the enforcement mechanism. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. House Bill 2629 would address theft and vandalism of critical communications infrastructure, including copper and fiber lines. The bill would ban cash payments for nonferrous metal transactions, require electronic or stored-value payment methods, impose civil penalties for stolen copper used in telecommunications cable, and create a new Class C felony for destruction of critical communications infrastructure. The sponsor and industry witnesses described repeated outages affecting 911, hospitals, schools, and first responders, and said Washington has a high rate of these incidents. Recycling industry representatives supported the bill after negotiations, but a prosecutor and some others said the bill should focus more on law enforcement tools such as searchable transaction databases and holding periods rather than new penalties. No final action was taken in the hearing. House Bill 2394 would expand the Insurance Commissioner’s insurance fraud program and create a Class B felony for insurance fraud, including fraudulent billing, misrepresentation of repair costs, and misuse of coding systems. The bill also broadens who can be considered a victim for restitution and gives the commissioner additional investigative tools, while the substitute removed a reporting duty for certified public accountants. The sponsor and the Insurance Commissioner’s office said the measure responds to more sophisticated, technology-driven fraud schemes that harm both insurers and consumers. Insurance industry and fraud bureau witnesses supported the bill as a consumer protection measure. No vote was taken. House Bill 2361 would raise the maximum principal amount for small loans from $700 to $1,200, with annual inflation adjustments, while keeping the existing 30% of monthly income cap and other safeguards. The sponsor said the change would better reflect emergency costs and help borrowers avoid illegal lenders. DFI raised implementation questions about inflation adjustments and publication requirements, and opponents from AARP, SEIU 775, poverty advocates, and consumer attorneys argued the bill would increase debt traps and fees for low-income borrowers and older adults. MoneyTree supported the bill, saying the current cap is outdated and that the product remains a flat-fee, regulated credit option with existing consumer protections. The hearing also included testimony on House Bill 2294, which would prohibit negative use restrictions on real property that block grocery stores or pharmacies; staff described a proposed amendment adding notice and changing enforcement, and the committee then moved the bill out with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• that any earlier testing was inadequate, that the testing was just unavailable completely, that technology
• Due to advancements in technology, the evidence in my case was finally tested, and it showed conclusively
• Establish that the DNA testing is now easier because the technology has improved.
• I mean, how does this integrate and actually work, or is it problematic as it seems, or is technology
• On the technology side, certainly technology is much better today than it was 10, 20, 30 years ago.

Summary: The committee heard several public hearings on criminal justice and victim-related bills. SB 6087 would expand existing liability protections for donations of children’s items to include religious organizations and add strollers and car seats to the definition of children’s items; the sponsor said it would make it easier to donate usable baby equipment, and the Washington State Board of Health said it supported the goal but noted rulemaking and funding concerns under the original version. SB 5934 would change the standard for post-conviction DNA testing so courts must grant testing unless the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the results could not demonstrate a likelihood of innocence; the Innocence Project and a DNA exoneree supported it as a way to reduce years of litigation, while prosecutors and sheriffs/police chiefs opposed it as a burden shift that could increase frivolous motions and strain lab and attorney resources. SB 5520 would revise Washington’s wrongful-conviction compensation law by broadening definitions, extending filing deadlines, removing the waiver requirement, and making other process changes; the sponsor and Innocence Project said it would reduce barriers and better fulfill the state’s promise to exonerees, and a DNA exoneree described years of litigation just to access compensation. The committee also heard SB 6017, which would expand victim-centered and trauma-informed protections. The bill would allow a court to appoint a representative to ask questions of victims when a defendant represents themself, extend forensic exam consent to minors 13 and older in non-fatal strangulation cases, add female genital mutilation survivors to protections similar to the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights, and reauthorize and broaden the Safe Advisory Group’s mandate. Survivors, advocates, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy strongly supported the bill, describing courtroom questioning by self-represented defendants as retraumatizing and urging broader access to services for FGM survivors; defense advocates raised constitutional concerns about limiting a pro se defendant’s right to personally question witnesses and said the bill could be vulnerable to challenge without narrower guardrails. The hearing drew extensive survivor testimony, and the chair noted 108 people signed in support and one opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 5890, which would create an alternative reckless-driving offense for driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. The sponsor, a former firefighter, framed the bill as an accountability measure aimed at preventing severe crashes caused by extreme speeding. A committee member asked about officer discretion in emergencies, and the sponsor said the bill targets excessive speed while acknowledging that some situations may still be problematic. A preliminary fiscal note had been received.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this gives us and them an opportunity to wind down the technology, maybe to get people licensed
• They have their rules, but they needed to implement the technology, and They had gone out for an RFP
• As someone who's built licensure technology in the past, it can take months to do that.
• bridge from our licensing technology.
• To their licensing technology, they have to be able to talk.

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce