Transcript Highlights:

• [applause] [laughter] As you and I have discussed, when a bill is good policy, it's good policy irrespective
• And Senate Bill 50 is good policy.
• ,</c><00:13:50.560><c> it's</c><00:13:50.880><c> good</c><00:13:51.279><c> policy</c> is good policy,
• it's good policy is good policy, it's good policy irrespective<00:13:53.040><c> of</c><00:13:53.200>
• Uh our intestate laws, our laws policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• specifically for uncertainty around Medi-Cal coverage for non-emergency dental services, upcoming policy
• And then, obviously, sharing the stories for any bigger, broader policy changes. Great. Thank you.
• Good afternoon, Chair, Carmen Nicole Cox, the Cox firm for Law and Policy on behalf of the California
• Thank you. ...to refund the $300 million for the distressed hospital loan program. Thank you.
• Health care claims are regularly used in health services research and policy analysis.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will we be refunding these things in some meaningful way, noting the unknown nature of some...
• But strong policy alone is not enough.
• But I have to follow up with more specific information about tax policy.
• I'm the policy director at the Mass Food System Collaborative.
• I'm the board chair for the Policy Committee of the Northeast Organic Farming Association.

Bills: S2542

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Keywords: climate resilience, resilience bond bill, environmental bond, infrastructure spending, flood control, coastal resilience, PFAS, clean water, wetlands, nature-based solutions, housing permitting, flood disclosure, land conservation, biodiversity, forest reserves, municipal vulnerability preparedness, MVP grant program, food security, agricultural resilience, solid waste

Transcript Highlights:

• She hopes to combine her agricultural background with her interest in law and public policy to advocate
• hospitals, creating the Staffing Advisory Committee, requiring hospitals to develop and implement policies
• by taxpayers who have an ownership interest in certain business entities, and making the credits refundable
• by taxpayers who have an ownership interest in certain business entities, and making the credits refundable
• Article 8 of the Constitution of New Mexico to add a new section requiring a municipality or county to refund

Bills: HM19

Keywords: New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• These tax credits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• And not-for-profits can participate in this program because their tax credits will be refunded because
• I'm Director of Policy and Advocacy for Kids Win Missouri.
• Jim Malley with Align, I'm the Director of Policy for Missouri.
• And United WE is a nonpartisan nonprofit think tank in Kansas City..." policy of Missouri.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 2409 from Rep. Brenda Shields, which would create three child care-related tax credit programs to help address Missouri’s workforce and child care shortages. Shields said the bill is aimed at expanding affordable, reliable child care through community partnerships involving businesses, nonprofits, and providers, with credits for contributions to child care facilities, employer-provided child care assistance, and provider facility improvements. She and supporters cited child care deserts, high costs, and lost economic output, arguing the bill would help parents work and businesses recruit and retain employees. Witnesses in support included the Missouri Chamber, Kids Win Missouri, Associated Industries of Missouri, local chambers, economic development groups, and child care-related organizations; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then moved into executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2508 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2517, both by unanimous 12-0 roll call votes and both sent do pass on consent. The 2508 substitute dealt with series LLC language, including searchable records and stand-alone certificates of good standing. The 2517 substitute addressed wholesaling, adding a 14-day disclosure period and changing Attorney General enforcement language from “shall” to “may.” Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2654 from Rep. Knight, which would create a Missouri Works capital investment track for projects with at least $50 million in investment, offering a 2.5% tax credit without requiring new job creation. The sponsor and Department of Economic Development said the proposal is modeled on programs in other states and is intended to help Missouri compete for large investments, especially in manufacturing and automation. Many business and economic development groups testified in support, emphasizing retention, expansion, and regional competition; several members asked whether the $50 million threshold could be lowered, and the sponsor said he was open to discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, members, I’ll get into the first substantive policy change in the budget proposal, and you’ll see
• Then, members, in terms of some additions moving forward with our prospective policy changes, you will
• How would that work, conflict with the policy?
• We have a much larger non-refundable R&D credit that applies to larger employers.
• This refundable credit is only for employers that have under 150 employees.

Summary: The meeting began with a JLBC presentation on the state budget proposal. Staff reviewed revenue changes from the April forecast, which lowered expected growth slightly, and then walked through major tax policy provisions. Those included full conformity with HR1 for the current tax year, a shift to the provisions of SB 1106 for future tax years, new deductions for retirement/pension distributions and Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent credit, and a child and dependent care subtraction. Staff said the tax changes had an overall fiscal impact of about $1.4 billion over four years. They also described offsets from repealing several tax credits and exemptions, including solar-related tax breaks, a renewable energy production credit, a new employment tax credit, a refundable R&D credit for smaller employers, and a pollution-control device credit, totaling about $75 million in added revenue. Another budget item would redirect Arizona Commerce Authority Competes Fund lottery distributions to the general fund. Members asked questions about the budget’s effect on ACCESS eligibility checks, state employee health insurance funding, and cuts to one-time funding for area agencies on aging and Alzheimer’s programs. The committee then moved to caucus items on several bills. HB 2249, as amended by the Senate, would expand the parents’ bill of rights to include access to a child’s complete educational record and notice if school staff facilitate social transitioning, and would require investigation of prior violations; the sponsor concurred with the amendment. HB 2035 would require DCS and courts to identify and consider extended family for kinship foster care placement, with Senate changes shortening a reporting deadline and adding adopted family members to the definition. HB 2170 would bar state contracts for electronic or IT goods with PRC-controlled companies, with a certification requirement added in the Senate. HB 2573 would remove a waiting period for ignition interlock restricted licenses after DUI revocation and adjust psychotherapy language. HB 2415 on kratom would classify synthetic kratom as a narcotic drug and add advertising, packaging, and retail restrictions, but the sponsor intended to refuse the Senate changes. HB 2873 would let local petition sponsors withdraw municipal referendum petitions retroactively, which members noted could affect the Marana data center petition effort. The final bill discussed, SB 1798, would create a Financial Aid Awareness Program in the Department of Education to recognize schools that support FAFSA completion. Members questioned whether the department would need additional staff or resources, but no fiscal note had been provided. The meeting ended with recognition of interns and a brief photo opportunity before the caucus moved into closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• In that case, the buyer pays the sales tax and applies to DOR for a refund.
• I'm a senior policy analyst. I support the Clark County Council.
• It says the California Policy Lab. That should be the one that's up. Great.
• I'm the executive director of the California Policy Lab.
• I think we operate our policy goals based on principles of direct cash.

Summary: House Finance heard testimony on two affordable housing bills. House Bill 1859 would expand an existing density bonus for housing on religious organization property by lowering the affordability threshold from 100% to at least 50% affordable units, requiring local policies to implement the bonus upon request, and creating a new state and local sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects with at least 50% affordable units maintained for 10 years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help projects on church-owned land pencil out amid high construction and financing costs, while a county association raised concern that the bill would create an unfunded mandate for local planning departments. Several witnesses also asked that homeownership projects be explicitly included, and staff confirmed the exemption would be administered through an exemption certificate. The committee then moved to House Bill 1717, which would authorize cities and counties to create a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing developments. Staff said the remittance would cover 100% of local taxes paid after project completion, with a 50% affordable housing threshold and 40-year affordability requirement, and the sponsor and local government and housing advocates supported it as a flexible tool to reduce development costs. Testifiers generally backed both bills, with some asking for more flexibility on income targeting and clarification on county-city interactions under HB 1717. No votes were taken; both public hearings were closed and the committee adjourned after a separate work session on the Working Families Tax Credit, where advocates urged broader eligibility, higher benefit amounts, and easier access, and a California researcher described data-linking methods used to improve tax credit take-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• All policies are done at the federal level. Asking for no vote.
• Oregon has a very similar policy.
• This closes a change in policy that occurred in 2021.
• My concern is that this policy and this policy change is a way to try to offset some of those cuts here
• Opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• Briefly, to get us going, we'll review our policies for testimony.
• Briefly, to get us going, we'll review our policies for testimony in today's hearing, which are as follows
• Also, it's unclear whether the legislation allows for refunds, repairs, or replacement as allowed by
• Whether the legislation allows for refunds, repairs, or replacement as allowed by federal law is another
• Yeah, because during the reimbursement process, and as it was mentioned, the refund, repair, replacement

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard five bills, with testimony focused on farmworker climate equity, product recall responsibility, diaper ingredient disclosure, agricultural commissioner fee authority, and vape disposal and youth protection. Members also took up one consent item. The chair reviewed testimony rules, and the committee established a quorum before proceeding. AB 1600 by Assembly Member Arambula would treat farmworker housing as disadvantaged communities for purposes of climate and environmental funding. Supporters said farmworkers face severe climate, housing, water, and pollution burdens but are often excluded from existing DAC mapping tools. The bill passed 4-1 to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 2462 by Assembly Member Pellerin would require manufacturers to take back recalled products at no cost from consumers and additional collection points such as recycling centers, waste facilities, and thrift stores, while strengthening CalRecycle enforcement. It drew support from counties, cities, and waste stewardship groups, and opposition from manufacturers and juvenile product interests concerned about implementation, coordination, and penalties. The bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1901 by Assembly Member Berman would require children’s diaper manufacturers to disclose ingredients online and on packaging. Supporters framed it as a parents’ right-to-know measure, while industry witnesses sought amendments to align it with other California disclosure laws and protect confidential business information. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. AB 2380 by Assembly Member Papin would raise the maximum fee counties may charge to support agricultural commissioner operations and pesticide enforcement; it received support from county agricultural officials and passed unanimously to the Assembly Floor. AB 2667 by Assembly Member Hadwick would ban deceptively marketed disposable vapes, allow household hazardous waste facilities to disassemble them, and direct DTSC to address school-confiscated vapes. School and local government witnesses described widespread youth vaping and disposal challenges, and the bill passed unanimously to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2086, the consent item, also passed unanimously. Later add-on votes confirmed the earlier actions, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those who are winnable to persuasion when issues like this come up for funding or refunding, we’ve
• So those who are winnable to persuasion when issues like this come up for funding or refunding, we’ve
• So those who are winnable to persuasion when issues like this come up for funding or refunding, we’ve
• So those who are winnable to persuasion when issues like this come up for funding or refunding, we’ve
• ,</c> this come up for funding or refunding, this come up for funding or refunding, we've<00:36:59.599

Summary: The committee first handled roll call and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members discussed attendance and substitutions, then moved to the DHS commissioner’s update, which focused on New Hampshire’s Medicaid 1115 waiver and the new community re-entry initiative for people leaving correctional facilities. The presenter explained that the waiver lets the state cover certain services not normally covered under Medicaid, including substance use disorder treatment, serious mental illness services, adult dental benefits, and the new community re-entry component. She also noted that a separate youth re-entry component is federally required, with youth defined up to age 21 and foster-care-related coverage extending to age 26. The update described how the adult re-entry program works for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs, providing up to 45 days of pre-release services, care coordination with managed care organizations and DOC staff, telemedicine assessments, discharge prescriptions, insurance cards, and connections to community mental health, primary care, and substance use providers. For youth, the program includes more intensive case management, 30 days of pre-release services, and 30 days of post-release care coordination, with a stronger emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and holistic assessment. The presenter said New Hampshire received the adult waiver in July 2024, has implemented the program in state correctional facilities, and is beginning work at the youth center. Members and the presenter discussed why the program is structured as a waiver rather than a standard Medicaid benefit, with the explanation that CMS is allowing this as a newer policy area and that states generally pursue waivers for certain services. The chair and others emphasized the need for real cost and outcome data, and the presenter said an independent evaluator and evaluation plan are required under the 1115 waiver. Early results cited included 30 adults enrolled so far, 10 released, five youth enrolled with one released, and anecdotal early successes such as housing, employment, and better continuity of medication and treatment. The committee did not take any additional votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members, you have in front of you House File 1833, and this is a refundable sales and use tax
• </c><00:03:06.640><c> uh</c> fou 1833 and this is a refundable uh fou 1833 and this is a refundable uh
• By providing a refundable sales tax, sales and use tax exemption on construction materials, this bill
• sales tax sales and use tax a refundable sales tax sales and use tax exemption<00:04:53.240><c> on</
• Williams, could explain the kind of federal policy this is interacting with.

Bills: HF1833 , HF148 , HF1127 , HF1227 , HF1681 , HF1974 , HF1106 , HF1016 , HF2197

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: sales tax, education funding, construction, Aitkin Public Schools, tax exemption, refundable credit, HF148, use of force training, deadly force, peace officer training, police training, law enforcement, POST Board, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, scenario-based training, de-escalation, defensive tactics, force-on-force training, stress management, officer wellness

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the policy advocate with the Coalition for Clean Air.
• It simply ensures that economic ...authority or underlying policy decisions.
• We have completely, through policy, exposed ourselves to global shocks.
• They're paying for the policy that we've implemented right here in this body.
• But to be clear, the demand is there, but the added state policies and regional and local policies have

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental, climate, transparency, water affordability, recycling, and refinery transition issues. SB 1087 would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time spent on modeling and CEQA-related work; it drew strong support from MPOs and environmental groups with some opposition from clean air, housing, and industry advocates concerned about VMT, housing impacts, and agency authority. SB 1239 would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when major regulations are materially changed; manufacturers and business groups supported the transparency measure, while the chair opposed it as adding delay and inefficiency to rulemaking. SB 1125 would create the framework for a statewide low-income water rate assistance program; it received broad support from utilities, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members, and the committee advanced it on a 3-1 vote. SB 1180 would set rules for spending from the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, with broad support from environmental justice and conservation groups and opposed-unless-amended positions from industry groups seeking tighter limits and more oversight; it advanced on a 3-0 vote. SB 1161 would require CARB to present household-level cost impacts of regulations in plain language, and it advanced on a 4-0 vote despite late opposition from environmental groups. SB 955, updating beverage container recycling and redemption requirements, passed 5-0, and SB 1259, requiring refineries to disclose cleanup liabilities and decommissioning information to aid long-term planning, drew strong support from environmental and local government witnesses but firm opposition from petroleum, labor, and business groups; the committee began discussion but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this was a substantial improvement in the state's reserve policy.
• So that our policy will fail because we'll be on the downside than we'd be on the upside.
• Up and down the state around good fiscal policy, economic policy, housing and education policy.
• So it ended up resulting in a refund to taxpayers.
• What was the total amount of that refund that was provided?

Transcript Highlights:

• And get a refund for it.
• </c> system where we could offer refundable system where we could offer refundable credits<00:26:12.400
• Uh, I mentioned the refundability, and this is maybe a little hard to see, but you know, prior to the
• Uh, the I<00:34:32.000><c> mentioned</c><00:34:32.240><c> the</c><00:34:32.399><c> refundability,</c>
• <00:34:33.280><c> and</c><00:34:33.599><c> this</c> I mentioned the refundability, and this I mentioned

Summary: The subcommittee met with Secretary Jeff Null and General Counsel Matt Wing of the Cabinet for Economic Development for an overview of the cabinet’s main economic development tools, strategy, and compliance practices. Null said the cabinet uses a data-driven approach focused on competitiveness, site readiness, wages, workforce training, and long-term assets such as roads, rail spurs, water, and sewer improvements. He emphasized that the cabinet tries to balance attracting new employers with supporting existing businesses, and said compliance is a core value of the agency. Null walked members through several programs, including the closing fund, Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI), Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training support, and the KIA sales-tax refund tool for construction materials and equipment. He said the closing fund has received $80 million over two years for projects generally involving at least $10 million in investment, though some flexibility exists. He also explained that Bluegrass State Skills funding is typically about $2,000 to $3,000 per job and can be used flexibly for training, including sending Kentucky workers to be trained elsewhere or paying trainers to come to Kentucky. He described KBI as a pay-as-you-go, incremental tax credit tied to actual jobs and investment, and said the legislature’s tiered refundable credit structure allows more targeted use of incentives in heritage and non-heritage counties. A substantial portion of the presentation focused on compliance and monitoring. Null said incentive agreements are written with commercial terms and spell out jobs, investment, wages, and training commitments. The cabinet requires regular reporting, invoices, and sampling, and can use clawbacks or suspend benefits if companies fail to meet obligations or lose required environmental permits. He said the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority reviews incentive applications in public meetings and often requires company representatives to answer questions before preliminary approval is granted. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our division supports agency operations in accordance with policies and procedures, generally accepted
• Refund checks are also deposited by TD Bank remote capture.
• She ensures policies and procedures comply with federal vocational rehabilitation regulations.
• They complete caseload management and ensure compliance with policy.
• And they assist in ensuring compliance with VR policy, Department of Labor, and OSHA policies.

Summary: The committee met to receive a detailed financial operations presentation from the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, with staff walking members through funding sources, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and grants management. Sabrina Walker explained VR’s blended funding structure, including federal grants, state appropriations, program income, and interagency contracts, and emphasized that state funds are essential to meeting the federal match and maintenance-of-effort requirements. Members asked repeatedly about transparency, audit controls, and the risk that state cuts could reduce federal drawdowns; staff responded that all reports reconcile back to the SCEIS accounting system, are subject to state audits and internal reviews, and that even modest state reductions could significantly reduce total available funding. The committee also discussed pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, with staff confirming services are offered through school districts, charters, and private schools, and that contracts are monitored for performance and compliance. The presentation then shifted to budgeting and internal controls. Walker described a zero-based departmental budgeting process, monthly monitoring reports, contingency reserves for unexpected expenses, and a formal annual cycle that culminates in board approval. Members asked about facilities tracking, culture, and how the agency maintains accountability; staff said facilities staff inspect buildings and equipment, supervisors justify line-item requests, and the process has become smoother over time as departments learned the system. Cynthia Johnson followed with an accounts receivable overview, describing invoicing, receipting, aging, customer verification, year-end reporting, and the use of cross-training, shared email inboxes, and spreadsheets as checks and balances. She also explained work training center billing, interdepartmental transfers, and the revolving fund used to issue consumer checks more quickly than standard vendor payments. Olivia Perez presented accounts payable operations, including invoice processing through SCEIS and OnBase, the three-way match, travel reimbursements, revolving fund checks, State Treasury Office interactions, and handling of reversals, rejections, and levy notices. She reported that AP processed 67,723 SCEIS payments, 13,670 case management system invoices, 3,379 travel reimbursements, and 15,693 revolving fund checks in fiscal year 2025, with only 70 payment rejections. The final portion of the meeting covered Grants and Funds Management, where Walker explained federal reporting, drawdowns, payroll allocation, asset tracking, lease and IT contract reviews, cost allocation, and closing packages. She noted upcoming system changes such as S/4HANA, Workiva, and SC Pro, but said the agency is receiving training and feedback opportunities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the presentation portion beyond approval of the prior minutes and a brief recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:30.760><c> carry</c> year of the non-refundable carry year of the non-refundable carry forwards
• </c><01:10:03.560><c> to</c><01:10:03.760><c> achieve</c><01:10:04.280><c> 100%</c> State energy policy
• to achieve 100% State energy policy to achieve 100% renewable<01:10:05.239><c> energy</c><01:10:05.960
• Aviation is a cornerstone of our economy here, and maintaining these tax policies is critical to keeping
• Aviation is a cornerstone of our economy here, and maintaining these tax policies is critical to keeping

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• cities that charge an applicant a permit review fee for the review of a project permit application to refund
• not collect a fee for its review of a project permit application would not be required to provide a refund
• language to clarify that at any time an applicant can say, you know what, I waive my right to a fee refund
• And it's clarifying that if they don't charge a fee, we're not going to force them to refund.
• That if they don't charge a fee, we're not going to force them to refund.

Summary: The committee met in executive session on a series of local government and building-related bills, with HB 2267 and HB 2388 removed from consideration and HB 1529 later pulled due to a technical issue. Staff briefed measures on scissor stairs in the building code (HB 2228), embodied carbon emissions in buildings (HB 2273), performance-based code pathways for low-rise residential buildings (HB 2381), permit review processes (HB 2418), county extreme heat response plans (HB 2183), fire protection districts (HB 2224), crash prevention zones (HB 2174), and city use of county road resources (HB 1529). The discussion focused on code modernization, housing production, permitting timelines, climate and emergency preparedness, fire district financing, and traffic safety. HB 2228 was advanced as Substitute HB 3079.2 after members supported creating a technical advisory group to recommend code changes allowing scissors stairs, with language clarifying fire-resistance separation; it passed 7-0. HB 2273, which would direct the State Building Code Council and Commerce to adopt embodied-carbon reduction rules and reporting, was reported out 4-3 after supporters emphasized emissions reductions and opponents said industry was not yet ready. HB 2381 advanced as amended Substitute HB 3125.1 after the committee adopted an amendment making the appendix optional and another clarifying performance-based compliance options; it passed 4-3. HB 2418 advanced as amended Substitute HB 3143.1 after the committee removed vesting provisions, clarified completeness standards, and allowed applicants to waive deadlines or refunds; it passed 7-0. HB 2183, requiring county extreme heat response plans, was amended to reference L&I rules, address grid reliability, remove some subsidy language, and shift plan adoption to county legislative authorities; it passed 4-3. HB 2224, concerning fire protection districts and levy adjustments, was advanced as amended Substitute HB 3142.1 after stakeholder-driven changes; it passed 6-1. HB 2174 was advanced as amended Substitute HB 3144.1, changing the concept from accident risk zones to crash prevention zones and setting a $73 penalty structure; it passed 6-1. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills out with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that why it was not reauthorized and asked for being refunded? Can you explain that to us?
• Is that why it was not reauthorized and asked for being refunded? Can you explain that to us?
• And at the same time, with that refund, how do we continue to make sure that this aid is effectively
• And at the same time, with that refund, how do we continue to make sure that this administration will
• And at the same time, with that refund, how do we continue to make sure that this administration will

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Bryce works as Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs and
• Committee from 2015 until 2022. ...as the Senior Policy Advisor to the United States Senate Health,
• We have a right, in fact, an obligation to fight for policy we care about.
• It just says if it's less, they get a refund. I urge your support.
• Just says if it's less, they get a refund. I urge your support. There are no further remarks.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2340 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• It's interesting to have this very technical bill come out of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee
• the clerk will read House File 2757: A bill for an act creating a sales and use tax exemption and refunds
• The clerk will read House File 2757: A bill for an act creating a sales and use tax exemption and refunds
• The clerk will read House File 2757: A bill for an act creating a sales and use tax exemption and refunds

Summary: The House took up a series of bills on a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence safeguards, health and human services district realignment, motor vehicle salvage titles, driver citizenship verification, nuclear energy tax incentives, commercial driver English proficiency, Gold Star status on licenses, mining regulation, workforce and apprenticeship programs, and judicial review of agency action. Members also introduced several appropriations and Ways and Means bills, and one introduction recognized an 11-year-old guest visiting the chamber for her birthday. Several measures were amended before passage. Senate File 2417, dealing with conversational AI services, was amended to conform to the Senate version and passed 95-0. House File 2707, which renames behavioral health districts and realigns aging services, passed 94-1 after an amendment extending review intervals and adding implementation safeguards. House File 777 on salvage titles passed 95-0 after concurrence with a Senate amendment, and Senate File 2187 on citizenship verification for driver’s licenses passed 86-7 after an effective-date amendment and debate over REAL ID-related impacts. The chamber also passed House File 2757 creating a sales tax exemption for nuclear facility commissioning or recommissioning, House File 2761 adding Gold Star status to driver’s licenses and IDs, House File 2765 regulating mining and subsidence repair, Senate File 2168 on workforce development and apprenticeship funding, and Senate File 2039 on intervention in judicial review of agency action. Senate File 2426, requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers, passed 73-22. On Senate File 2218, the House insisted on its amended position, sending the bill to conference committee. The House then transmitted several bills to the Senate, withdrew House File 2507 after SF 2417 passed, and adjourned until the next day.