Transcript Highlights:

• When Governor Ferguson asked agencies to find ways to improve administration and find efficiencies and
• The cheapest energy source is the energy we don't use through efficiency.
• The SBCC has obviously done a lot of energy efficiency in the maintenance and operations of buildings
• This bill, I think, for us, we find it to be a really good efficiencies bill.
• this bill it will also increase some efficiencies for our state agencies utilizing these small works

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held public hearings on several bills. On Substitute House Bill 2236, staff explained changes to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including allowing direct mortgage loans for multifamily housing, clarifying it is not a retail mortgage lender, extending bond counsel terms, removing a notice requirement before bond issuance, and repealing outdated statutory provisions. Representative Zahn and commission staff said the bill modernizes the agency and would help finance affordable housing without using state general funds. Testimony was generally supportive, with questions focused on higher interest rates, down payment assistance, and equity for borrowers of color; the commission said it works with banks, administers programs such as Covenant Home Ownership, and aims to support both homebuyers and developers. The chair then closed the hearing on SHB 2236. The committee next heard House Bill 2273 on reducing embodied carbon emissions in buildings and building materials. Staff described requirements for the State Building Code Council to adopt phased embodied-carbon standards for large projects, with reporting, a public database, and Commerce educational resources; the fiscal note showed operating and capital costs. Representative Duerr said the bill responds to rising energy demand and could help lower building costs while supporting innovation, including Washington wood products. Supportive testimony came from environmental justice advocates and an architect, who said embodied carbon reductions are already feasible and often cost-neutral. Opponents, including the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill could raise costs, create sourcing and delay problems, and should not exempt schools. The hearing on HB 2273 was then closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5188, which would let the Public Works Board issue loans for broadband infrastructure repair and replacement. Staff said the bill expands the existing broadband service expansion program to cover repair and replacement of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure, with Commerce fiscal impacts noted. The Association of Washington Cities testified with concerns that the bill could signal further use of the Public Works Assistance Account, which has already seen sweeps and could affect future water, sewer, wastewater, and solid waste funding. A question from Representative Dye raised whether the program should instead be tied to the Curb Board; staff and the witness agreed to continue that discussion. The hearing was then closed. In executive session, the committee took up House Bill 2353, House Bill 2420, and House Bill 2470. HB 2353, which raises the predesign threshold for capital construction projects from $10 million to $15 million and indexes it to inflation, was reported out of committee 18-0 with one excused. The committee then adopted and reported out the proposed substitute for HB 2420, which increases the small works roster contract limit and changes the effective date to January 1, 2027, also by an 18-0 vote with one excused. Staff also briefed members on a proposed substitute for HB 2470 concerning school construction assistance for on-base schools, but no vote was taken in the transcript. The chair announced another hearing and executive session for Friday and asked members to submit amendments by the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• exercises, and there have been two major efficiency exercises authorized by recent budgets.
• The second efficiency effort was authorized in June with the 2025-26 Budget Act.
• Moving to our comments on the contract to achieve operational efficiencies with the Boston Consulting
• The answer to an aging prison population is to stop incarcerating people. efficiency reductions, the
• And you said some other things, but we're really around kind of like purely operational efficiencies.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and lastly, but certainly not least, is energy efficiency.
• I mean, I don't think there's any mysteries in energy efficiency, what all the techniques are and the
• Um, but I hope the policy includes a plan that says on energy efficiency, this is what the Department
• </c><00:19:55.120><c> Um,</c> is energy efficiency. Um, is energy efficiency.
• ,</c> plan that says on energy efficiency, plan that says on energy efficiency, this<00:20:44.000><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's just some kind of efficiency.
• So, that's the main crux of it: can we review it and look for efficiencies.
• So, that's the main crux of it: can we review it and look for efficiencies.
• So, that's the main crux of it: can we review it and look for efficiencies.
• </c><00:26:13.120><c> and</c> it the most efficient and it the most efficient and the<00:26:14.880><c

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee heard from Superintendent Megan Degenfelder on several interim topics centered on student-centered learning. She highlighted work-based learning and dual/concurrent enrollment, saying the state is updating accountability measures and should examine whether these programs are helping students progress, avoid duplicative costs, and reduce the need for remedial college coursework. She also discussed broader life-skills education, including financial literacy and soft skills, and said districts vary widely in what they offer. On gifted and talented programs, she noted that districts are statutorily required to provide them but the state does not have a clear picture of how consistently they are implemented, and she suggested the committee may want to study that area further. Members asked follow-up questions about whether dual enrollment should be evaluated only by time-to-degree, and Degenfelder said the analysis should also consider additional credentials and remedial coursework. Senator Schuler and others raised the idea of making financial literacy or other life-skills content more common, though Degenfelder said she did not favor a statewide mandate and instead preferred incentives and district-level implementation. The committee also discussed artificial intelligence in schools as an information-sharing topic, with Degenfelder saying the department is beginning a landscape analysis with districts and teachers. She then reviewed NAEP results, noting Wyoming performs strongly in fourth grade but drops sharply by eighth grade, and said the state wants to understand where students are falling off. Members also raised concerns about international comparisons and the need to improve literacy and math outcomes. The committee then moved to member-submitted topics. Representative Strock proposed reviewing the governance structure of state education, arguing that the current split among the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and other boards creates inefficiency and confusion, especially for licensure and programs like CTE. Senator Scott noted that turnover in the superintendent’s office could be a practical issue in any restructuring, and Strock responded that administrative staff could handle day-to-day operations. Representative Williams then introduced a discussion of common core standards and literacy, arguing that standards may be too broad and not specific enough, especially in early grades, and that Wyoming should emphasize phonics, basic reading, math, and civics more directly. Representative Guggenmos agreed that narrowing early-grade focus to math and literacy could improve outcomes. Finally, Representative Williams raised virtual education, saying it is growing quickly and the committee should study funding, accountability, and student support more closely; the chair opened that topic for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mobility management is all about efficiencies and taking advantage of technology to make sure we can
• What the reason I'm asking these questions is trying to look at the efficiency of one over the other.
• Is there a more efficient process? Is there more overhead on one side or the other?
• I'm just trying to say what is the best way, what is the most efficient way as we're looking at fuel
• Also, but when you look at the Turnpike Authority, they're very efficient, right?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move on then to HB 1051 HD1, relating to energy efficient portfolio standards.
• Let's move on then to HB 1051 HD1, relating to energy efficient portfolio standards.
• Let's move on then to HB 1051 HD1, relating to energy efficient portfolio standards.
• </c><00:45:11.359><c> portfolio</c> relating to energy efficient portfolio relating to energy efficient
• </c><00:48:43.119><c> uh</c> to make sure that the most efficient uh to make sure that the most efficient

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Case managers have proved indispensable to the efficient adjudication of cases.
• We were really focusing on lower people, but more efficient.
• It's not as efficient as well for some of the lights and sirens and technology that is in use.
• It's not as efficient as well for some of the like.
• So I'm trying to understand, to be efficient. You know, we talk about DOGE all the time.

Summary: The committee met to hear fiscal year 2026-2027 legislative budget requests from several justice-related agencies. The Florida Commission on Offender Review requested funding for investigator and revocation staff salary increases to address turnover, plus nonrecurring funds for Wi-Fi, seven vehicles, technology support, and commissioner salary adjustments. The State Courts Administrator presented a broad judicial branch request focused on trial court case-management technology, additional case managers, trust fund authority for child support hearing officers, courthouse furnishings, district court flexibility in staffing, a future courthouse for the Sixth District Court of Appeal, Supreme Court elevator replacement, POM accounting implementation support, judicial security liaison positions tied to the Florida Fusion Center, expanded senior management service authority, and judicial salary adjustments. The Office of the Attorney General outlined pay and operating requests for consumer protection, citizen services, ethics, crime compensation, victim services, vehicle replacement, IT and cybersecurity, lease and operating costs, and PALM-related expenses, while several senators questioned the office about outside counsel contracts, contingency-fee arrangements, transparency, and the use of private law firms. The Department of Corrections made the largest presentation, describing severe staffing shortages, high turnover, rising inmate populations, increased assaults, and heavy overtime use. Secretary Ricky Dixon said the agency’s request was driven by constitutional and public safety needs and included funding for operations, security equipment, inflationary costs, vehicle replacement, offender information system modernization, technology restoration, inmate health services, drug and food cost increases, staffing pilots, maintenance, security infrastructure, Florida PALM, recruitment and retention, and $56 million for new correctional housing units. Members asked about inmate labor, prison safety, overtime, vehicle breakdowns, and whether more National Guard support was needed; Dixon said the agency needed more staffing and pay competitiveness rather than a long-term military presence. A correctional officers’ union representative also urged support for pay raises, citing low pay and staffing concerns. No votes were taken on the budget requests. The chair allowed extended questioning, especially for the Department of Corrections, but noted time constraints and asked agencies to return in a later committee meeting, including FDLE, which was deferred because of a House site visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe there is some efficiency that you all see from the inside.
• Maybe there is some efficiency that you all see from the inside.
• Maybe there is some efficiency that you all see from the inside.
• Maybe there is some efficiency that you all see from the inside.
• </c> programs maybe there is some efficiency programs maybe there is some efficiency that<00:43:04.200

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we're talking about curbing the cost, we're talking about being more efficient.
• And when we're talking about curbing the cost, we're talking about being more efficient.
• "We're talking about being more efficient.
• "Last year, I don't think we're getting all of the efficiencies.
• "You know, idea that we should try and be as efficient as we possibly can.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For investor-owned electric utilities that elect to calculate the benefit of... ...efficiency resources
• I represent the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project. My name is Alex Eubanks.
• I represent the Southwest Synergy Efficiency Project.
• Energy efficiency is one of the most dependable ways to lower... ...and to support this bill.
• But when our utilities can provide families with energy efficiency benefits, helping us get more efficient

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are, as a way of improving efficiency. We're not expanding government.
• So again, we're able to be more efficient without expanding government.
• I think we're working on that efficiency.
• I think we're working on that efficiency.
• I think we're working on that efficiency.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced four Senate bills. Senate Bill 1242 would allow courts to conduct mental health evaluation and treatment hearings, or testimony within those hearings, virtually by phone, video, or other audiovisual technology when the court finds no unfair prejudice; supporters said it reflects current practice and helps avoid dismissals due to technical issues. It passed on an 11-0 vote with one member absent. Senate Bill 1145 would transfer licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to the existing Behavior Analyst Committee, effective January 1, 2027, and make the committee’s decisions final rather than requiring board ratification. Supporters described it as an efficiency measure that reduces delay in licensing and complaint resolution. The committee recommended the bill 11-0, with one absent. Senate Bill 1247 would allow individuals who do not receive assisted-living services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if the facility authorizes it, and it was described as a clarification of a recent statutory interpretation affecting independent residents. Members discussed possible safety concerns and facility discretion, and one member voted present while the rest voted aye; the bill received a due pass recommendation 10-0 with one present and one absent. Senate Bill 1023 would set optometry eye-exam standards based on community standards of care, recommend a one-year exam interval, and allow optometrists to extend eyeglass prescription validity up to two years, with adjustments based on patient risk factors; supporters said it codifies best practices and does not affect contact lens prescriptions. It passed 11-0 with one absent, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two, permitting efficiency.
• Making the MPCA issue its permitting efficiency report two times per year instead of one time per year
• uh this section deals with efficiency uh this section deals with permitting<00:03:39.519><c> efficiency
• We're just really focused on permitting efficiency and streamlining.
• Not a blue state thing, not a red state thing, just an efficiency thing, really.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• take a stronger and similar approach to how we look at the private sector, ensuring innovation, efficiency
• </c><00:03:38.200><c> while</c> agencies use AI effect efficiently while agencies use AI effect efficiently
• </c><00:03:52.040><c> and</c><00:03:52.159><c> most</c> Innovation efficiency and most Innovation efficiency
• </c> while also maintaining human efficiency while also maintaining human efficiency and<00:04:41.560
• in government um form some efficiencies in government um and<00:07:40.520><c> and</c><00:07:40.639><

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:36 SB 4 Discussion 01:16 SB 4 Vote 28:30 SB 130 Discussion 31:18 SB 130 Discussion 36:02, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 4, as amended by a committee substitute, which would create a state artificial intelligence governance framework for Kentucky government agencies and address AI-generated misinformation in campaigns and elections. The bill’s sponsors said it is intended to regulate only state government use of AI, not the private sector, and would require oversight by the Office of Technology, agency reporting, and annual reporting to the General Assembly. They also said the elections provisions were narrowed to focus on AI-generated audio and video, remove image disclosures, eliminate prior restraint and monetary damages, and rely on disclosure requirements modeled on laws they said had survived constitutional review in Texas. Testimony on SB 4 was mixed. Supporters emphasized transparency, human accountability, and the need to prepare state government for rapidly changing AI tools, citing possible uses such as fraud detection, inmate classification, and transportation planning. An opponent from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression argued the bill would burden core political speech, create First Amendment problems, and invite litigation and abuse, especially in the election context. Members asked about litigation, constitutional concerns, costs, and whether the bill should be expanded later to cover ordinary citizens harmed by AI-generated content. Several members expressed support but noted reservations about the election sections or the need for future amendments. After discussion, the committee voted on SB 4 and reported it favorably. The roll call showed the measure passing with favorable expression, with some members explaining votes as supportive but cautious, and one member initially passing before later recording a yes vote. The chair then moved to Senate Bill 130, and Senator Scott Maiden and Kentucky Retail Federation representative Shannon Stiglets began presenting it as a response to gift card scams and theft of redemption information, describing recent large-scale supermarket fraud cases in Kentucky and saying the problem is tied to broader organized retail crime.

Transcript Highlights:

• May decisions be shaped by conscience as much as calculation, by compassion as much as efficiency.
• May leadership here be measured... ...by compassion as much as efficiency.
• A bill to be entitled, an act relating to administrative efficiency in public schools.
• Senate Bill 320, a bill to be entitled and act relating to administrative efficiency in public schools
• A bill to be entitled and act relating to administrative efficiency in public schools.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and recognitions of guests, including YMCA youth and government participants and the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Thomas Clem. Senators also made introductory remarks honoring the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and its community service, and the chamber noted the president’s birthday. The body then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Senate Bill 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 regular session laws; Senate Bill 102 and Senate Bill 104 were reviser bills updating and cleaning up the Florida Statutes. Senate Bill 320, on administrative efficiency in public schools, would reduce district reporting and procedural requirements, expand teacher apprenticeship and certification options, adjust assessment and accountability rules, increase district flexibility in funding and facility planning, and shift some VPK oversight to school districts. Senate Bill 7010 would allow Roth post-tax contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Sponsors described each bill as improving efficiency, flexibility, or statutory clarity. All four bills passed unanimously, 36-0, after brief debate or no debate. The Senate also withdrew Senate Bill 1720 from further consideration. At the end of the session, the chamber adopted a motion to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the bill simply removes that obligation in order to create efficiencies in their banking relationship
• This bill helps our emergency service districts respond in a more efficient and effective way.
• Some key points of support, it improves operational efficiency.
• Has kind of tied our hands on efficiency for the same reasons that the fire chief was saying.
• That's not real efficient, but, uh, most, most of these situations we address on an annual basis, um.

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply gives Arizona workers an additional, more efficient pathway for justice.
• Have you done any technology enhancements that help you do your job more efficiently?
• We've done everything we can to improve efficiencies within our labor department.
• We've done everything we can to improve efficiencies within our labor department.
• We'll make it efficient again. And with that, we are adjourned.

Summary: The Commerce Committee considered several bills and advanced all of them. House Bill 2174, as a strike-everything amendment, would redefine “advisory organization” as a modeling and data organization and allow insurers to file models with DIFI, with DIFI able to request supporting data to verify compliance. Representative Livingston said the measure was the product of extensive stakeholder negotiations and was technical in nature. The committee adopted the strike-everything and returned the bill with a due-pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote. House Bill 2496 would require construction contracts entered into by revitalization districts to include payment protections allowing contractors to pause or terminate work if the district fails to pay. Supporters said the bill was a fairness measure to prevent contractors and subcontractors from being forced to continue working without payment. Opponents, including bond counsel and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, argued existing public prompt-pay laws already protect contractors and warned the bill could disrupt financing and delay public infrastructure. After debate, the committee passed the bill 9-1 with one present vote. House Bill 2910 would extend from 10 to 20 days the time a contractor has to contest an ROC recovery fund claim after notice. The sponsor described it as a minor procedural change, and the committee approved it 10-1 with one present vote. House Bill 2938, the “penny bill,” would require Swedish rounding of cash transactions to the nearest five cents when pennies are unavailable, with an amendment clarifying tax calculation and compliance protections. Representative Martinez said the bill was prompted by inconsistent business practices and the need for statewide uniformity; business groups supported it. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill with broad support. Finally, House Bill 2744 would authorize the Industrial Commission of Arizona to investigate and adjudicate overtime wage violations at the state level. Supporters from the carpenters’ unions said the bill would provide a faster path for workers to recover unpaid overtime than the backlogged federal process. The Industrial Commission testified it would need additional FTE authority and funding to handle the workload, but not general fund money. Despite some concern about expanding administrative authority, the committee passed the bill 10-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• So one of the committees, Representative, is delivery of government efficiency.
• So everybody knows it will be given jurisdiction over government efficiency waste.
• But I just think it's more efficient.
• This is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency within the House. Mr. Hunter: Yes, they do.
• This is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency within the House.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 18 was originally, uh, the Senate originally had some general fund money for permitting efficiency
• Line 37 is the new money for permitting efficiency.
• This uh 700,000 per year is efficiency.
• reporting requirements in various ways, including by requiring the annual PCA permitting efficiency
• Mueller: The permitting efficiency in the PCA is four FTEs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• efficiency.
• efficiency.
• So what we've included, because I think in supportive efficiency, you know, we have something before
• So what we've included, because I think in supportive efficiency, you know, we have something before
• I mean, we talk about efficiencies. Absolutely.

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for Senate Bills 631 and 5046. It then held public hearings on several measures. Senate Bill 6215 would require the state auditor to compile an inventory of audited state programs and an annual statewide high-risk list focused on fraud prevention; the sponsor said it would improve transparency, while the State Auditor’s office raised concerns about cost, scope, record retention limits, and the bill’s timeline. Senate Bill 6160 would eliminate or modify dozens of agency reporting requirements across state government; OFM and the sponsor described it as a government-efficiency measure, while some senators noted they wanted to preserve certain reports. Senate Bill 6313 would create a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account to support repairs, remodeling, interpretive facilities, and public engagement at the Capitol ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2028. Senate Bill 6049 would exempt certain employee engagement survey responses and Healthy Youth Survey records from public disclosure; OFM, students, and other supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and encourage honest participation, while the record showed substantial opposition sign-ins. Senate Bill 6164 would exempt information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for digital experience platform services from disclosure; WOTEC and some media representatives supported it as a narrow privacy measure, while one coalition opposed it as overly broad. Senate Bill 5046 would designate November 22 as Kimchi Day, which the sponsor framed as a cultural recognition bill, with little opposition noted in testimony. In executive session, the committee considered Senate Bills 6035, 5853, and 5888. It adopted a proposed substitute for SB 6035, which concerns an electronic ballot portal and tribal voting access, and sent it to Rules. It also adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5853, which shifts administration of a statewide emergency notification system for elected officials from the Secretary of State to the Military Department, and sent it to Ways and Means. Finally, it passed SB 5888, which removes Senate confirmation for members of the Washington State Women’s Commission, and sent it to Rules. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is efficiencies, innovation, collaboration.
• And our vehicles are getting more efficient.
• That helps manage those rides, and we think it can really help with efficiencies.
• You know, the CAFE standard, the fuel efficiency standard, was an afterthought.
• In our mission, we focus on correctness, impartiality, and efficiency.

Keywords: 914, all