Transcript Highlights:

• c> piece<00:55:05.839> of<00:55:06.359> U<00:55:07.119> of<00:55:07.280>
• <00:55:08.680> so<00:55:09.680> but<00:55:09.799> I<00:55:09.880> will
• c> have<00:55:12.680> about<00:55:12.880> 350<00:55:13.559> volunteers<00:55
• <00:55:18.599> a<00:55:18.720> lot<00:55:18.799> of<00:55:18.920> board
• members so<00:55:20.839> um<00:55:21.160> we're<00:55:21.359> definitely<00:55:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So all this interstate travel, tourism, people coming through would probably be less affected by this
• , lost revenue when they do toll by plate, because for those of you who don't know, there is no interstate
• commerce, interstate agreement, interstate cooperation agreement for us to enforce tolls when they do
• or 50 in these marked work zones and be going 55 or 50 in these marked work zones and I think you know
• have to feel as though they may not make it home because somebody's going 70 miles an hour through a 55

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Infrastructure Committee first returned to engrossed House Bill 4419, which would require the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings and give notice before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would allow legislative auditing of related revenues and sinking funds. The committee debated two amendments related to E-ZPass transponders: one from the Senator from Jefferson to clarify that the Parkway Authority would not be required to read every plate failed on a 4-4 tie, and one from the Senator from Wetzel to codify a restriction on transferring single-fee transponders between vehicles was rejected after discussion with counsel and the Parkways Authority about current policy, convenience for users, and possible effects on the bill. The committee then approved a motion to send HB 4419 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance, and a separate motion to send it to Finance passed. The committee also considered engrossed House Bill 4563, on which Senator Randolph moved for a second reference to Finance because of fiscal concerns. After discussion of the newly filed fiscal note and the bill’s potential revenue impact, that motion failed by a 4-5 division vote. The committee then voted to report HB 4563 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for failing to obey traffic control instructions or speeding in construction and work zones, and also references penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Counsel noted the bill’s possible overlap with existing vehicular homicide penalties and that it had no fiscal note. Jason Pizzitella of the Contractors Association testified in support, emphasizing work-zone safety and recent fatalities, while senators from Fayette, Randolph, and Jefferson also supported the bill and discussed the need to protect workers and drivers. The committee adopted a motion to report HB 4538 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> also<00:55:00.559> a<00:55:00.800> great<00:55:00.960> question<
• <00:55:01.520> up<00:55:01.839> because<00:55:02.800> the<00:55:03.119> the
• c><00:55:03.359> way<00:55:03.440> the<00:55:03.599> bill's bring up because the
• > um,<00:55:05.119> and<00:55:05.359> if<00:55:05.520> you're<00:55:05.680
• their<00:55:07.680> undergraduate<00:55:08.240> degree,<00:55:08.559> then<00:55

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a commercial driver's license authorizing operation of a commercial vehicle in interstate
• Interstate 12 improvements? Yes.
• It's extremely important that we make sure that we prioritize Interstate 12 to get some improvements
• And then each exchange, as you proceed toward Hammond, with the Interstate 12, Interstate 55 interchange
• 55 interchange is insanely dangerous.

Bills: SCR58, SB309, SB514, HCR63, HCR69, HB401, HB487, HB722, HB730, HB745, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1218, HB1244

Keywords: SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlnC_I21QK0, 2026-07-02T01:23:36+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:19 - EDU-GVO 1:00 PM 01:20 - SCR 201 / SR 189 25:10 - SR 25 26:14 - DM EDU-GVO 1:00 PM 30:49 - EDU 1:03 PM 30:56 - SCR 140 / SR 132 39:42 - SCR 197 / SR 185 45:02 - SCR 78 / SR 82 01:03:50 - EDU-HWN 1:01 PM 01:04:09 - SCR 162 / SR 153 01:14:18 - SCR 202 / SR 190 01:22:03 - DM EDU-HWN 1:01 PM 01:26:44 - EDU-AEN 1:02 PM 01:27:00 - SCR 130 / SR 122 01:48:47 - DM EDU-AEN 1:02 PM 01:50:21 - EDU 1:03 PM 01:50:24 - SCR 154 / SR 145 01:55:16 - SCR 199 / SR 187 02:19:29 - DM EDU 1:03 PM Hearing Notices: EDU-GVO 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDU-GVO_04-08-26_.PDF EDU-HWN 1:01 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDU-HWN_04-08-26_.PDF EDU-AEN 1:02 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDU-AEN_04-08-26_.PDF EDU 1:03 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDU_04-08-26_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• interstate con contracts or interstate interstate con contracts or interstate school<00:22:07.840
• :15.680> than<00:55:15.839> 600<00:55:16.400> New<00:55:16.559> Hampshire
• children<00:55:18.319> every<00:55:18.559> year<00:55:18.800> from<00:55:19.200
• I am also a suicide prevention trainer<00:55:25.520> and<00:55:25.920> every<00:55:26.160
• > day<00:55:26.400> I<00:55:26.640> work<00:55:26.800> at<00:55:26.960>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :55:19.800> at<01:55:20.199> how<01:55:20.440> we<01:55:20.599> can<01:55
• <01:55:28.159> Country<01:55:29.159> um<01:55:29.320> we<01:55:29.480> do
• > payer<01:55:30.199> mixed<01:55:30.480> challenges<01:55:31.280> in<01:55:
• > the<01:55:32.880> state<01:55:33.360> and<01:55:33.560> so<01:55:34.239>
• 01:55:51.040> make<01:55:51.199> sure<01:55:51.480> that<01:55:52.079> um

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It regulates foreign and interstate importation and exportation and the interstate movement of plants
• It regulates uh foreign and interstate It regulates uh foreign and interstate importation<00:30:
• apply to interstate plant movement. apply to interstate plant movement.
• interstate. So, there's two sections. interstate. So, there's two sections.
• But,<00:55:58.960> it's<00:55:59.160> based<00:55:59.520> off<00:55:59.760>

Bills: HB389, HB1166, HB1510, HB1541, HB1605, HB1661, HB1663, HB1678, HB1769, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1840, HB1853, HB1860, HB1891, HB1952, HB1960, HB1969, HB1970, HB1972, HB1976, HB2050, HB2094, HB2104, HB2158, HB2165, HB2171, HB2208, HB2246, HB2271, HB2300, HB2310, HB2315, HB2319, HB2338, HB2339, HB2343, HB2443, HB2498, HB2551, HB2599, HB2606, SB17, SB83, SB99, SB148, SB411, SB709, SB847, SB874, SB888, SB1032, SB1166, SB2001, SB2014, SB2031, SB2041, SB2050, SB2057, SB2061, SB2074, SB2075, SB2089, SB2095, SB2101, SB2102, SB2108, SB2109, SB2110, SB2125, SB2135, SB2138, SB2140, SB2146, SB2151, SB2152, SB2175, SB2203, SB2239, SB2246, SB2247, SB2253, SB2261, SB2268, SB2271, SB2272, SB2320, SB2340, SB2347, SB2353, SB2363, SB2367, SB2372, SB2376, SB2386

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• That's<02:55:18.720> what<02:55:19.439> it's<02:55:19.840> that<02:55:20.160>
• :55:32.960> had<02:55:33.200> meat<02:55:33.680> and<02:55:34.000> chickens
• and but<02:55:36.000> the<02:55:36.240> milk<02:55:36.479> was<02:55:36.720>
• the<02:55:36.880> big<02:55:37.040> thing<02:55:37.200> in<02:55:37.439>
• <02:55:47.359> It's<02:55:47.520> sold<02:55:47.840> out<02:55:48.080> of

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now that it's 8:55. If we were in Atlanta, it'd say 9:55. How does it know?
• For me, that triggers interstate commerce. Why? Because every... ...interstate commerce. Why?
• a concern there; there's a constitutional concern that's not First Amendment, but that is about interstate
• And if there's... ...about interstate commerce.
• If there's a state law that unduly burdens interstate commerce or the ability for businesses in other

Bills: SB186, SB187

Keywords: internet filtering, child protection, obscene content, civil liability, manufacturers, app store, app store provider, app developer, mobile app, age verification, parental consent, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, age gating, digital privacy, data protection, in-app purchases, online consumer protection, deceptive trade practice

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:55:01.599> But<01:55:01.920> I'm<01:55:02.080> I<01:55:02.320> even
• <01:55:41.920> to<01:55:42.320> the<01:55:42.560> program<01:55:43.520> last<
• We<01:55:45.119> are<01:55:45.280> being<01:55:45.679> responsible<01:55:46.400>
• <01:55:48.800> Um<01:55:49.199> I'll<01:55:49.520> also<01:55:49.840> say
• It<01:55:55.360> is<01:55:55.599> just<01:55:55.840> to<01:55:56.080>

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:55:06.559> back<00:55:06.760> in<00:55:06.920> the<00:55:07.160> day
• of<00:55:08.599> it<00:55:09.240> was<00:55:09.440> a<00:55:09.680> way
• :55:18.079> the<00:55:18.280> risk<00:55:18.680> around<00:55:19.640> so<
• <00:55:21.359> done<00:55:21.760> that<00:55:22.599> but<00:55:23.079> now
• :55:33.720> thank<00:55:33.839> you<00:55:34.200> thank<00:55:34.319> you

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:00.560> and<00:55:00.960> I<00:55:01.040> know<00:55:01.240> that<
• some<00:55:26.000> states<00:55:26.400> out<00:55:26.600> there<00:55:26.800>
• <00:55:30.360> setting<00:55:30.800> and<00:55:30.920> I<00:55:30.960> would<
• > to<00:55:34.760> the<00:55:34.880> top<00:55:35.200> for<00:55:35.440><
• <00:55:45.840> some<00:55:46.000> reading<00:55:46.320> on<00:55:46.480>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• children<00:55:12.800> in<00:55:13.040> the<00:55:13.200> courtroom<00:55:13.520
• The<00:55:14.640> children<00:55:14.960> they<00:55:15.200> serve<00:55:15.599><
• :55:16.880> unsafe<00:55:17.280> homes<00:55:17.520> and<00:55:17.760> placed
• <00:55:18.800> And<00:55:18.880> at<00:55:19.040> a<00:55:19.119> time
• :55:29.040> in<00:55:29.280> this<00:55:29.440> fiscal<00:55:29.839> year.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.079> chair<00:55:04.720> so<00:55:05.520> on<00:55:05.720> that<00:55
• /c><00:55:09.599> group<00:55:09.920> two<00:55:10.640> okay<00:55:10.760> so
• it would<00:55:20.039> stop<00:55:21.039> okay<00:55:21.319> so<00:55:21.680>
• <00:55:28.200> based<00:55:28.440> on<00:55:28.680> the<00:55:28.880> new
• 00:55:42.960> no<00:55:43.079> it<00:55:43.200> has<00:55:43.359> to<00:55

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 retirement provisions, focusing on Group Two/Tier B changes in pages 25-39. Jan Goodwin of the New Hampshire Retirement System and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions, but it restores certain pre-2011 benefit rules for Tier B members, including changes to average final compensation and earnable compensation, and it also addresses the annuity multiplier for years of service. Members discussed the tier structure, with Tier A referring to vested members, Tier B to those hired before 11/1/12 who were not vested, and Tier C to later hires. Several members expressed concern that the bill’s purpose was to restore Tier B benefits, not to change Tier A rules or create broader changes affecting newer hires. The retirement system flagged two likely drafting problems. First, it said a provision appears to omit a special-duty/earnable-compensation limitation in the Group Two section, which they believed was a scrivener’s error caused by moving language out of the Group One definition without adding it back for Group Two. Second, they noted the bill’s multiplier language overlaps with changes already enacted in HB 1647, which increased the multiplier for service beyond 15 years for Group Two and carried an estimated $26 million cost. The committee discussed that HB 1647 was originally broader in the House, but the Senate narrowed it to Tier B only. The actuary’s comparison of the 2023 and 2025 HB 2 versions showed the bills are close, but the 2025 version differs in funding and timing. Staff said the 2025 bill appropriates $2.5 million more per year for 10 years, and that, together with updated actuarial assumptions and a larger share of the affected tier having already retired or otherwise left service, results in a larger reduction in unfunded liability than the 2023 bill: about $98.2 million versus $68.5 million. Employer contribution impacts were described as small overall, though the 2025 bill was said to be somewhat more favorable than the 2023 version. Members also questioned why House Bill 1 only funds $5 million in the first year, and staff said that was tied to the governor’s revenue estimate and that the full funding does not begin immediately. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received testimony, asked clarifying questions, and noted that some issues would be addressed in the fiscal note worksheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't look that great, so they tend not to get off the interstate.
• You know, I know you're looking at House Memorial 55.
• I-10 is one of the busiest interstates in the country.
• And there can be an interstate 10 when the dust storms are going on.
• These are the people we're dealing with on the interstate.

Transcript Highlights:

• John's Forest, and some of whom must traverse the walkway next to the 9B interstate ramp off I-95.
• The Interstate Compact is a multi-state agreement designed to ease school transitions for children of
• It continues to capture the lowest-income families first, below 55 percent of state median income.
• by families from 55 percent to 65 percent of state median income.
• that the technical amendment makes sure the first priority tier includes families both at and below 55

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met and considered a wide range of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved CS/SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funding, CS/SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School updates, and CS/SB 430 requiring public schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans, train students and staff in CPR/AED use, and maintain accessible AEDs. Testimony on the cardiac bill came from the American Heart Association and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology in support, and the chair noted a survey suggesting many districts already have AEDs in schools. The committee also approved CS/SB 1528 on educational opportunities for military children, which expands coordination and training under the interstate compact, and CS/SB 364, which would move the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys from the Department of Legal Affairs to Florida Memorial University for research and administrative support. The committee then adopted amendments and favorably reported CS/SB 1590 on educator preparation, which modernizes teacher standards and certification pathways, including updates to FEAPs, a revised teacher exam, and an alternative certification program. The SPLC testified in opposition to part of the bill, arguing that language on historical instruction and systemic racism was contradictory and could limit accurate teaching of history. The committee also approved CS/SB 1702 on education, incorporating a wireless-device-in-schools pilot and other education provisions, with support from the Florida Charter School Alliance and others. CS/SB 444 on human trafficking awareness was amended to require no-cost training for school employees and charter schools; FSU law students testified in support, emphasizing the need for school personnel to recognize trafficking indicators. The committee also approved CS/SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions, expanding transportation eligibility for students walking near limited-access facilities, though members noted the bill carried an indeterminate fiscal impact and no dedicated funding. Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1102 on school readiness, which expands how disabilities can be identified for early learning services and ties additional funding to training on early identification of delays. It also approved SB 1382 on access to school readiness programs for economically disadvantaged households, revising eligibility and priority tiers to use state median income rather than federal poverty level and refining the waitlist and forecasting process. Several members recorded votes on bills they had missed during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after reporting all of the above measures favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I<00:55:02.079> I<00:55:02.400> would<00:55:02.559> like<00:55:02.720><
• c> at<00:55:02.960> this<00:55:03.200> time,<00:55:03.680> if<00:55:04.240><
• > we<00:55:19.119> need<00:55:19.200> to<00:55:19.359> make<00:55:19.599>
• sure that um<00:55:22.400> there<00:55:22.559> is<00:55:22.800> emergency<00:55:
• :55:27.040> when<00:55:27.280> they're<00:55:27.599> faced<00:55:27.839> with

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions. The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially. The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Way back in the 70s and 80s, we used to have much lower speed limits on interstates in the U.S. of
• 55 miles an hour.
• States could set whatever speed limit they wanted to as their maximum speed limit on interstates and
• But of course, speeding is not just a problem on interstates. People speed on all types of roads.
• we do on those interstates and freeways.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on October 16, 2025, for a budget and revenue overview, a traffic safety presentation, and a discussion of potential transit and active transportation grant programs. Committee staff reviewed the adopted 2025-27 transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, the large share for WSDOT, and the mix of revenue sources including fuel tax, vehicle-related fees, federal funds, Climate Commitment Act revenue, and new 2025 revenues from SB 5801 and SB 5802. Staff said the 2025 session produced a balanced four-year plan, preserved major project schedules, maintained highway preservation funding, and added money for culverts, local preservation, and other priorities. They also described a September forecast showing lower motor fuel consumption than previously expected, but still enough revenue growth to keep the transportation plan balanced. For the 2026 supplemental, staff said agency requests were relatively modest overall, with most capital requests reflecting reappropriations and timing shifts rather than new projects, while WSDOT’s addendum identified much larger future needs for maintenance, preservation, paving, culverts, and safety work. Senators asked for more detail on how revenues are distributed by fund type and geography, how much of the maintenance and preservation request is actual maintenance versus equipment, whether paving needs could be supported through bonding, and how electric vehicle sales trends might affect forecasts. The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chikino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She said U.S. traffic fatalities have risen sharply over the past decade, with especially large increases for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and argued that the U.S. lags other high-income countries in roadway safety. Her presentation highlighted IIHS’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce fatalities 30% by 2030 through safer speeds, stronger impaired-driving countermeasures, better pedestrian protection, and safer commercial vehicles. She discussed research linking higher speed limits to higher fatality risk, the benefits of lower urban speed limits, speed safety cameras, traffic calming, lighting, pedestrian beacons, and safer intersection design. She also described ongoing work with Bellevue on smart signal technology and pedestrian safety pilots. Committee members thanked her for the presentation and said they would share the materials with others. In the final work session, the committee revisited transit and active transportation grant concepts that had been included in the Senate budget proposal but did not advance in 2025. Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division explained how grant programs need runway, staff capacity, applicant readiness, and clear criteria, and compared program design to getting a plane off the ground. She discussed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting that some projects could be structured as funding-first programs while others would work better as project-line or project-first models. She said regional trail projects are already eligible under existing programs but often score lower because current criteria emphasize safety and population served. Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association then reviewed transit grant programs and argued that transit safety and security needs remain underfunded, including operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health coordination, and non-uniformed security staff. He said many transit capital programs are oversubscribed, that operator barrier retrofits alone could cost $20 million to $30 million, and that agencies face uncertainty about how recent sales tax changes apply to security-related contracts. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so all this interstate travel, tourism, people coming through would probably be less affected by
• , lost revenue when they do toll-by-plate, because for those of you who don't know, there is no interstate
• commerce, interstate agreement, interstate cooperation agreement, for us to enforce tolls when they
• Virginians to work alongside traffic, oftentimes going 70, 75, 80 miles an hour when they should be going 55
• have to feel as though they may not make it home because somebody's going 70 miles an hour through a 55

Keywords: 994, senate, all