Transcript Highlights:

• interfering with the place of worship or disrupting the normal functioning of religious services and provides
• Finally, the striking amendment provides that completion of a state and national criminal history record
• This amendment provides an exception to the prohibition on law enforcement agency volunteers carrying
• Third, Lange-198, sponsored by Representative Davis, provides that a specially commissioned Washington
• Washington Peace Officer is not a volunteer, provides that a specially commissioned Washington Peace

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on February 24, 2026, for executive action on several bills, with no public hearings. The chair announced that action on Substitute Senate Bill 5067 would be deferred. The committee then considered bills dealing with fabricated depictions of minors and sexual exploitation (SSB 5105), worship-place protections and related civil remedies (SSB 5436), toxicology testing by certified laboratories (SSB 5880), reckless driving and speeding in construction zones (ESB 5890), human trafficking prevention and remedies (SSB 5936), law enforcement leadership and sheriff eligibility/background checks, volunteers, and specially commissioned officers (SSB 5974), and missing persons alerts and law-enforcement search tools (ESSB 6070). Several bills had amendments, including a striking amendment to SSB 5436 and a striking amendment plus multiple amendments to SSB 5974; ESB 5890 also received an amendment lowering the construction-zone threshold to 20 mph over the limit when workers are present. Members generally supported the bills but raised concerns on several measures. On SSB 5436, members discussed balancing protection of worshippers with constitutional protections for peaceful protest and concerns about law enforcement access in emergencies; the committee adopted the striking amendment and then advanced the bill. On SSB 5974, members debated background-check timing, due process, vacancy triggers, and whether election-related requirements for sheriffs were constitutional; some amendments were adopted and others rejected before the bill advanced. On ESSB 6070, members discussed the new Ebony and Purple Alerts, existing alert systems, and concerns about surveillance tools and privacy, with some members supporting the bill “with concerns.” Human trafficking testimony and comments emphasized holding accountable businesses that knowingly facilitate trafficking. Final actions taken included reporting out SSB 5105, SSB 5436 as amended, SSB 5880, ESB 5890 as amended, SSB 5936, SSB 5974 as amended, and ESSB 6070, all with due pass recommendations. The committee also adopted amendments to SSB 5436 and several amendments to SSB 5974, while rejecting others. The chair thanked members and staff, canceled the committee’s next scheduled meeting, and announced this was the committee’s last meeting of 2026 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• or to have possessed a firearm on public elementary or secondary school premises, public school-provided
• I will—can I provide you some written materials?” “Absolutely. It's just the question.”
• School districts are still required to provide the constitutional requirement.”
• First of all, some of the alternative education being provided isn't adequate.
• I have to provide that medication to the school nurse to be able to do that.

Summary: The House Education Committee first heard House Bill 2246, which would update school discipline rules for firearm-related violations. Committee staff explained that the bill extends existing firearm expulsion and readmission provisions to charter schools, state tribal education compact schools, the School for the Blind, the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, and educational service districts, and would allow governing boards to deny readmission or limit participation in activities after a firearm-related incident. Representative Lowe said the bill was prompted by a local incident and was intended to give districts more flexibility and clarity while still ensuring students continue receiving educational services. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with constitutional rights to public education, whether it applies to imitation firearms or social media threats, and whether the school board or administration should make the initial discipline decision. OSPI testified “other,” noting concern about limiting appeals to one reconsideration and citing 48 firearm-related expulsions and 198 suspensions in 2023-24. Team Child testified in opposition, arguing the bill would make reentry harder and could unnecessarily exclude students from extracurriculars after they had served their discipline period. The public hearing on HB 2246 closed with 246 pro, 7 con, and 1 other signed in. The committee then heard House Bill 2360, which would allow public and private schools to maintain stock albuterol under a statewide standing order for use in asthma or other respiratory emergencies. Staff described the bill as authorizing trained school personnel or nurses to administer school-supplied albuterol in certain circumstances, including on school property, buses, and sanctioned excursions, with limited liability protections and a refusal option for employees not wishing to administer it. Representative Donaghy said the bill was meant to address life-threatening asthma attacks, especially when a student’s own inhaler is unavailable or when emergency response times are long. OSPI and the Washington State Nurses Association/School Nurse Organization of Washington testified in support, emphasizing the prevalence of asthma, the bill’s permissive nature, and the need for a standing order. The Department of Health had sent a letter asking to strike one section, and some witnesses raised concerns about administering albuterol to students without a prior prescription or diagnosis. Opponents, including a school nurse, argued the bill should wait until the state has clearer protocols, more training, and better staffing, and said nurses should not be asked to diagnose or medicate without physician orders. Supporters, including a pediatric pulmonologist and school nurses, said stock albuterol is safe, can prevent emergency room visits and deaths, and should be paired with parent notification and follow-up care. The public hearing on HB 2360 closed with 113 pro, 2 con, and 1 other signed in.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then this afternoon we're going to be doing some listening to what we can do to provide additional
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here today to provide an update on where we're at and assisting you
• is devoted to providing oversight.
• So this provides a little more flexibility. Exactly. Yeah.
• There was the 24 hours and then the 72 hours just wasn't providing a realistic timeline.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard an update from Garty Consulting on the interim study of legislative term limits. The consultants outlined their research plan and preliminary themes, including loss of institutional knowledge, shifts in power toward executive agencies and lobbyists, reduced long-term policy capacity, faster leadership turnover, and recruitment/support challenges. They also described possible recommendation categories ranging from constitutional and statutory changes to procedural and cultural adjustments. Committee members asked about how other states repealed term limits, how the public survey would address perceptions of term limits, and how stakeholder focus groups would be selected. The committee also heard a presentation from NCSL on term limits in other states, including examples from Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, with discussion of training programs, staffing changes, annual-session debates, bill limits, and impacts on decorum and leadership continuity. Several members requested follow-up data on part-time versus full-time legislatures, taxpayer costs, and nonpartisan staff devoted to oversight. The committee then considered revisions to the legislature’s workplace harassment policy and related forms. Legislative Council explained changes that clarified the definition of harassment, added captions for readability, extended several deadlines, allowed informal resolution before a review panel is appointed, clarified the role of Legislative Council in intake and documentation, and updated confidentiality/open-records language. Members, especially Senator Hogan, said the revisions better formalize the role of counsel and provide a less intimidating path for resolving complaints. The committee adopted the revised policy and forms by roll call vote. Finally, the committee approved a motion to enter executive session at 1:00 p.m. to review the results of a capital threat assessment and discuss legislator security, citing the applicable open-meetings exemptions. Members were instructed to limit discussion to the stated purpose and not take final action until returning to open session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we really seek to provide districts with what they need.
• It sounded to me like it was a stand-alone service providing like he provided the tutors.
• You provided the computers and the log in and the software.
• They're going to I still have to, you know, provide space.
• We also provide in the tool kit.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can certainly provide that to the committee so you have it on paper.
• As the Commissioner said, we can provide the full table to the committee.
• We need to provide more information.
• There is no alternative that can provide even close comparisons.
• We have provided the department with some public...

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• They provided some good feedback for this bill.
• Second, providing stability.
• In providing the necessary tools to strengthen oversight and protect program integrity.
• that there are some areas where we can provide support and resources.
• So, striking that from this statute just again provides some statutory integrity.

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• C are two attorney positions for contracting employment and providing legal guidance.
• There are currently 22 FTEs providing team oversight to the counties.
• That is according to the information provided by the agency. Let me ask a question.
• that are incurred by counties to provide that representation.
• So we did ask the agency to provide what would you need to not turn away cases and they have provided

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:46.880><c> comments</c> its written testimony providing comments its written testimony providing
• You opportunity to provide testimony.
• </c> on our written testimony providing on our written testimony providing comments.<00:35:42.400><c>
• </c><00:57:26.240><c> me</c> I mean, you haven't even provided me I mean, you haven't even provided me
• ><c> worksheets</c><01:03:12.480><c> you</c> providing you with the worksheets you providing you with

Bills: HB1559 , HB2012 , HB2297 , HB2122 , HB2345 , HB2398 , HB2534 , HB2621

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: telecommunication devices, student use, public schools, student engagement, educational outcomes, confiscation policy, mental health, statewide policy, community literacy, education, Title I funding, reading proficiency, underserved communities, family engagement, tutoring, literacy support, adult education, community education, literacy programs, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• Even the provider couldn't show us.
• </c> has happened um and now we're providing has happened um and now we're providing that<00:21:24.880
• </c><00:54:09.799><c> critical</c> the state of Minnesota provides critical the state of Minnesota provides
• </c> team is also available to provide team is also available to provide consultation<01:03:43.000><c
• </c><01:36:32.360><c> the</c> that that better provides the that that better provides the legislature

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:14.399><c> more</c> and the opportunity to provide more and the opportunity to provide more
• </c><00:16:40.480><c> direct</c> Purpose one is um providing direct Purpose one is um providing direct
• </c> in healthcare savings while providing in healthcare savings while providing over<00:18:52.720><c
• Without provide coordinated services.
• </c><00:30:57.760><c> for</c> youth homelessness service provider for youth homelessness service provider

Bills: HB1877 , HB2006 , HB2167 , HB2224 , HB1626 , HB1690 , HB2012

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: LGBTQ+ rights, commission membership, representation, youth involvement, Hawaii legislation, child well-being, financial support, expectant mothers, Hawaii Rx kids program, economic stability, youth homelessness, financial assistance, housing instability, emergency services, transitioning youth, Medicaid, pharmaceutical benefits, human services, healthcare access, public funds

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition. The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals. The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in addition to that, they're providing key services.
• So we want to continue to provide that support.
• And certainly redact documents that we need to provide, but not.
• We use our own money to provide for our neediest students.
• And each speaker will have two minutes to provide comments.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're here to support and provide as much information as we can.
• So we will be providing support.
• We will be providing support.
• We'll also be providing comms work.
• The agenda provides a great overview of the project, and I'm happy to be able to provide an update today

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to be providing a high-level overview today.
• We are going to be providing a high level overview today.
• To providing loans and grants to housing developers and setting housing policy, to providing first-time
• HDIS also provides us with the data we've used to develop...
• There was an extensive presentation that was provided to the Senate, happy to provide the PowerPoint

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I did include the email address to provide those comments on your slide.
• I'm going to thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today.
• Could you provide that?
• But we will provide the engineering and resources to accelerate and provide a tremendous win-win at our
• But first, I want to provide a little bit of context.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and digital asset service provider and digital asset service provider activities.<00:14:57.920><
• </c> does a digital asset service provider does a digital asset service provider activity<00:16:32.639
• </c> pay profits to the white label provider pay profits to the white label provider even<00:18:10.640
• or provides other services.
• </c> provides or provides other services. provides or provides other services.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call and introductions of commission members and guests, followed by approval of the agenda and a motion to approve the February 10 minutes with a correction clarifying that one quoted statement was misattributed. The commission then moved into presentations. The main presentation came from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors on implementation of the federal GENIUS Act for stablecoins. The speaker reviewed the OCC’s recent 367-page proposed rule, noting it raises many open questions and design choices for states, and discussed expected upcoming rulemaking from the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and Treasury. The presentation focused on six areas: permissible issuer activities, reserve assets and redemption, risk management and supervision, treatment of state-qualified issuers, capital/operational backstops, and foreign issuers. It also flagged unresolved issues around Bank Secrecy Act/AML requirements and the meaning of “digital asset service provider” activities. A substantial portion of the discussion addressed yield restrictions, with the presenter explaining the OCC’s broad definition of yield and its rebuttable presumption against issuer-affiliated or related third-party yield arrangements. The speaker said this likely forecloses many existing white-label structures but leaves some room for third-party payments depending on distance from the issuer, and noted ongoing Senate debate over similar provisions. The presentation also covered reserve valuation, liquidity and diversification requirements, redemption timing, and supervisory expectations such as third-party oversight, IT security, exam cycles, and reporting. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're providing unclear how it works.
• We use it it's providing some clarity.
• </c><00:42:35.119><c> some</c> and this just creates and provides some and this just creates and provides
• I just wanted to provide a little it.
• </c><01:05:52.640><c> a</c> because again not only do we provide a because again not only do we provide

Bills: SF0021 , SF0022 , SF0054 , SF0055

Committee: Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:54.000><c> Central</c> judicial Council we provide Central judicial Council we provide Central
• </c> last year the legislature provided last year the legislature provided temporary<00:24:18.600><c>
• </c> in the 28 and 29 bym to provide in the 28 and 29 bym to provide long-term long-term long-term solution
• We provide nothing but mandated services, and we provide those services in every courthouse in Minnesota
• </c> on that list uh we also also provide on that list uh we also also provide statutorily<00:52:27.960

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A bill enacting the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, providing for the appointment of New Mexico
• Commission bonds, laws, rules, and minutes, enacting new sections of the Medical Practice Act, and providing
• session submission of a bill bearing Legislative Council Service Drafting Number 232625, a bill providing
• An act relating to the financing of highway projects, providing additional bonding authority to the State
• An act relating to commitment procedures, providing a definition for harm to self and harm to others

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A bill enacting the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, providing for the appointment of New Mexico
• An act relating to the financing of highway projects, providing additional bonding authority to the State
• An act relating to commitment procedures, providing a definition for harm to self and harm to others
• Providing powers and duties, establishing selection criteria and eligibility requirements, providing
• Providing powers and duties. Providing additional award criteria. Adding definitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the purpose for today's presentation is to provide a brief snapshot of some of the activity during
• Substitute Senate Bill 5862 provides a one-time 3% COLA for PERS and TERS Plan 1 retirees.
• Again, that mandate was provided in the LEOFF 1 termination bill, and this That mandate was provided
• 3% COLA provided short-term relief to our members as they face rising inflation once again.
• To finally provide a pathway to retirement security for our oldest public servants.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Keywords: 904, all