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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment & Energy Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Environment & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We represent over 600,000 workers and 650 local unions in Washington State.
  • I'm here on behalf of the Washington State Association of Counties.
  • I'm the policy director for the Washington State Dairy Federation.
  • I'm a toxicologist at the Washington State Department of Health, signed in other today on 5975.
  • Lead poisoning in Washington State is far too common, and it's preventable.
Keywords: 904, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Opening Ceremonies Jan 12th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The flags will be escorted to the rostrum by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard commanded by Corporal
  • We thank you for allowing the state of Washington to thrive through 2025.
  • Father, make this year, 2026, a victorious year for the state of Washington.
  • It's an honor to represent my district, my caucus, and the great state of Washington.
  • Washington was among the most expensive states in the country for those items.
Summary: The House convened for the opening day of the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature, with 96 members present. The session included the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a prayer, and a tribal welcome and blessing from Squaxin Island Tribe members, followed by the swearing-in of several representatives by retired Justice Mary Yu. The Speaker also recognized the deaths of Senator Bill Ramos, Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp, and Trooper Tara Marissa Gooding with a moment of silence. In opening remarks, the Speaker emphasized the impacts of federal actions on Washington, including tariffs, H.R. 1, health care costs, Medicaid and food assistance losses, climate and clean energy funding threats, immigration and civil rights concerns, and the need to protect food, health, shelter, and affordability. Representative Stokesbary responded for House Republicans, focusing on Washington’s high cost of living, opposing an income tax, and urging action on affordability, housing, and crime. Both sides framed the session as a difficult but important period for budget and policy decisions. The House adopted House Resolution 4665 to notify the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and adopted House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407 to receive the governor’s address and establish the session’s cutoff dates. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407, adopted permanent House rules, and approved several committee reassignments and appointments. A House delegation then reported back from a visit with Governor Ferguson, and the House adjourned until the next day, when it was scheduled to meet in pro forma session before the joint session for the governor’s State of the State address.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Transportation - 03/03/25

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • What is the risk to the state or the state taxpayers or safety, whatever?
  • And that's not only in the state, but it can be companies that come from outside of our state at times
  • And that's not only in the state, but it can be companies that come from outside of our state at times
  • And that's not only in the state, but it can be companies that come from outside of our state at times
  • </c> drive down hawaa Avenue Washington drive down hawaa Avenue Washington Avenue<01:31:32.679><c> University
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 4/10/2026 #2

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> bill makes several changes to the state bill makes several changes to the state law<00:32:50.200
  • ,</c> stations and owned by the state, stations and owned by the state, Baltimore<00:33:01.720><c> City
  • . states. states.
  • </c> and authorized use of the state and authorized use of the state apprenticeship<00:52:25.280><c>
  • </c> Is there any recourse that the state Is there any recourse that the state It's<01:29:27.960><c>
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Jan 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the president and CEO of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters.
  • Washington State. Our thanks to Senator Braun for his sponsorship.
  • Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Washington State.
  • Washington State is one of the worst when it comes to spending like $1 or $2 million a year.
  • We operate 57 convenience stores in the state of Washington. I'm here to oppose...
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several tax and retirement bills, beginning with Senate Bill 6073, which would move eligible Department of Natural Resources wildland and aviation firefighters from PERS into LEOFF 2 prospectively. Committee staff described the higher retirement age and benefit differences between the systems and noted a small implementation cost and a modest actuarial rate increase. DNR, the Washington Public Employees Association, and a committee member all raised support or questions, with DNR acknowledging additional review with the LEOFF board was still needed. The hearing then turned to Senate Bill 6113, a Department of Revenue request bill making technical and administrative changes to the tax code, including clarifications tied to last session’s ESSB 5814 service-tax changes, a six-month transition period for reclassified businesses, and a section affecting advertising-related exclusions. DOR said the bill was revenue neutral and intended to codify guidance and improve certainty, while school districts, arts groups, broadcasters, newspapers, and business groups testified both in support of the technical fixes and in opposition to provisions they said would continue or worsen unintended consequences from last year’s tax law. Senators also questioned how some definitions would apply, especially to school and higher-education-related services. Senate Bill 6116 would restore the vapor-products tax structure by moving nicotine-containing vapor products back under the per-milliliter vapor tax instead of the 95% other tobacco products tax, and would restore distributions to the Andy Hill Cancer Research account and Foundational Public Health Services account. Public health agencies, cancer research representatives, and some retailers supported the bill as a fix to funding disruptions, while tobacco-control groups opposed lowering the tax and argued it would weaken public health policy. The committee also heard that the current law creates a double-tax issue on pre-existing inventory because products held when the definition changed became subject to a new tax classification. Finally, Senate Bill 6129 proposed a broader nicotine-tax overhaul, including a 90% tax on nicotine products, a 10% tax on flavored nicotine products, higher cigarette taxes, and new revenue distributions and tribal compact provisions. Supporters, including public health organizations, pediatricians, and civil rights advocates, said higher taxes would reduce youth use and restore funding for cancer research and public health; opponents, including retailers, tobacco and vapor businesses, broadcasters, and some harm-reduction advocates, argued the bill was regressive, would fuel illicit markets, and would harm small businesses and adult consumers using lower-risk products. The committee then began a briefing on Senate Bill 6162, a property tax reform bill that would expand senior and disability property tax relief, adjust state property tax rates, and change property tax billing statements, but the hearing on that bill was not completed in the portion provided.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • House delegation in Washington State is eight Democrats and two Republicans.
  • Washington State redistricting is actually in need of reform.
  • the people of the state of Washington.
  • My name is Eric Lundberg, lifelong Washington State resident.
  • They are reserved for the people by the Washington State Constitution.
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2260, House Joint Resolution 4209, and House Bill 2259, with testimony and questions on each. HB 2260 would require petition signature gatherers to sign and date each petition sheet, provide their address and county, and require voters’ residence addresses for signature verification; supporters said this would improve accountability and help prevent fraud or duplicate signatures, while opponents argued it would burden volunteers, risk disenfranchising voters who move or use incomplete addresses, and add unnecessary penalties. The Secretary of State and former Secretary of State opposed the bill, saying existing verification methods are effective and that the measure could create costly, unintended barriers. HB 2259 would require 1,000 registered-voter signatures before filing an initiative or referendum and prohibit pay-per-signature compensation, with civil penalties and a private right of action; supporters said it would reduce frivolous filings, title shopping, and fraud incentives, while opponents said it would chill initiative activity, especially for rural communities and referenda with tight timelines. The Secretary of State and former Secretary of State also opposed HB 2259, saying the initiative process should remain accessible and that the bill would add barriers and workload. House Joint Resolution 4209 would amend the state constitution to allow the legislature to modify congressional districts mid-decade by simple majority if another state adopts a new congressional map absent a court order. The prime sponsor argued Washington should not unilaterally stay passive if other states engage in partisan mid-decade redistricting, while opponents said the proposal would weaken Washington’s bipartisan redistricting system, set a bad precedent, and invite retaliation. Testimony on the resolution was sharply divided, with supporters warning that partisan redistricting elsewhere threatens fair representation and opponents saying Washington should preserve its existing commission-based process rather than respond in kind. The hearing on HJR 4209 was concluded after testimony. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt. The chair suspended and reopened hearings as planned, and testimony was taken on all three measures, with HB 2260 and HB 2259 drawing extensive public comment and questions about fraud, access, and administrative burden.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Even blue states like Minnesota and Wisconsin...
  • state to tell me where I can't.
  • But I will state this. I do not.
  • Members, this bill, House Bill 3727, would require former state representatives and state senators to
  • our state and in our... ...litigation and how much it costs our state and our economic impact and also
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment & Energy Feb 23rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • We represent over 600,000 workers and 650 local unions in Washington State.
  • I'm here on behalf of the Washington State Association of Counties.
  • I'm a toxicologist at the Washington State Department of Health, signed in other today on 5975.
  • I'm a toxicologist at the Washington State Department of Health, signed in other today on 5975.
  • Lead poisoning in Washington State is far too common, and it's preventable.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on two main bills. ESSB 5975 dealt with lead limits in cookware and a proposed striker that would shift more of the standard-setting and testing process to the Department of Ecology under Safer Products for Washington. Supporters, including industry groups, Ecology, the Department of Health, and environmental advocates, said the striker would provide clearer, science-based, and more workable standards while still reducing lead exposure. Some witnesses, including environmental groups, argued the bill should remain stronger, while others said the striker was an acceptable compromise. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 5360, which would create tiered criminal penalties for violations of the Water Pollution Control Act, Clean Air Act, and Hazardous Waste Management Act, including felony penalties for knowing or negligent conduct in certain circumstances. The prime sponsor and Attorney General’s Office said the bill targets egregious polluters, adds whistleblower and worker protections, and responds to serious environmental harm cases. Tribal, environmental, and advocacy witnesses supported the bill as a way to hold repeat polluters accountable. Labor, business, industry, county, utility, and forestry representatives opposed it, warning that the language could expose workers and permit holders to criminal liability for mistakes or routine operations and that the bill needed more stakeholder work. At the end of the meeting, the committee took executive action on Substitute Senate Bill 6269, which updates the Motor Fuel Quality Act by modernizing the definition of motor fuel and folding alternative fuels into that definition. The bill passed the committee on a 19-0 vote, with two members excused, and was reported out with a do-pass recommendation.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 27th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm with SEIU 6, who represent more than 10,000 workers across the state of Washington, including 5,000
  • Just as a follow-up on that, there are multiple different types of security guard in Washington State
  • Madam Chair, we'll be hearing from Jason Hewitt from the Washington State Association of U.A.
  • I'm Jason Hewitt with the Washington State Association of the U.A.
  • Is that the case across the state of Washington or just what I'm seeing in eastern Washington where most
Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2524 would create a State Security Guards Industry Standards Board within L&I to set minimum standards for security guard pay, leave, benefits, and training, funded in part by a $25 transfer from security licensing fees. The bill’s sponsor and labor supporters said it would professionalize the industry, improve safety, and address high turnover and inadequate training. Security workers described unsafe conditions, retaliation, and being expected to handle crises without enough support. Opponents from business and security companies argued the bill duplicates existing licensing and training rules, would raise costs, and gives too much authority to an unelected board; L&I said it had administrative concerns about timing and fee handling. The hearing on HB 2524 was then closed. HB 2513 would change plumbing license suspension rules by keeping the current three-infractions-in-three-years standard for residential work, while creating a five-infractions-in-five-years standard for non-residential plumbing violations. The sponsor and supporters from mechanical contractors and labor said repeat violators undermine safety and fair competition, and that the bill gives L&I a stronger enforcement tool against bad actors in commercial work. Several plumbing contractor groups opposed the bill as written, focusing on a new subsection they said was vague and could create an undefined corrective process or overly broad discretion for L&I; they asked that the subsection be removed or the bill be delayed for more stakeholder work. L&I requested an effective date of January 1, 2027 to allow time for rulemaking. HB 2611 would reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours starting January 1, 2028, and would also change paid sick leave accrual from one hour per 40 hours worked to one hour per 32 hours worked. The sponsor and labor supporters said a shorter workweek would improve work-life balance, reduce burnout and turnover, and could increase productivity, citing examples from San Juan County and other places. Business, hospitality, grocery, construction, agriculture, and janitorial representatives opposed the bill, saying it would raise labor costs, reduce hours and flexibility, complicate scheduling, and hurt industries with thin margins or seasonal demands. The committee heard no votes or final action on HB 2611 before closing the hearing and ending business for the day.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • U.S. states use factor apportionment. Most states, like California, just use sales factor now.
  • All of those states rejected it.
  • In the United States, we of course, for state purposes, have formulary apportionment, where states can
  • for further state deliberation.
  • It's got an operation in State A. It's got half its sales in State A.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Washington state alone employs 150,000 people in Washington.
  • Washington state alone employs 150,000 people in Washington.
  • in Washington State of the vast Internet revolution.
  • Washington State is geo-blocked from another country.
  • Washington State is geo-blocked from another country.
Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1170, which would require disclosures when content is developed or modified by artificial intelligence and address provenance tools and enforcement. Staff described a proposed substitute and several amendments. The committee rejected amendments that would have applied the bill to public entities and tribal nations, added technical-and-commercial-feasibility language, and created a geo-blocking provision or a right to cure. It adopted amendments allowing comparable existing detection tools to satisfy the bill, protecting covered providers from liability when disclosures are unintentionally altered despite reasonable preservation measures, and setting a January 1, 2028 effective date. Members then debated whether the bill was ready for enactment, with supporters emphasizing transparency and consumer trust and opponents warning it was premature and could hinder innovation. The committee voted 7-4, with two excused, to report the bill out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 2186, which would expand state support for applicants seeking federal economic development funds, create a matching-funds account, and require a study of available federal grants. The prime sponsor said the bill would help Washington capture more federal dollars, especially for projects that require matching funds, and would expand the Fund Hub WA website beyond environmental grants. Testimony in support came from the Port of Seattle, the Washington Economic Development Association, the City of Pasco, a downtown Kennewick nonprofit, and the Department of Commerce, all saying the bill would improve competitiveness, help underserved communities, and leverage state dollars for larger federal returns. Commerce said it was still developing the fiscal note and technical edits. The hearing on HB 2186 was then closed. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 2351, which would protect emergency responders and emergency response operations. Staff explained that the bill would bar local governments and incident command systems from assisting enforcement actions targeting emergency responders based on protected status, create emergency operation zones with restrictions on law enforcement activity, and change the obstruction statute to cover obstruction of emergency responders. The prime sponsor and many local officials, firefighters, and advocates testified in support, citing incidents where federal enforcement actions disrupted wildfire response and other emergencies. Some witnesses raised concerns about administrative burden, ambiguity, and possible unintended consequences, including a proposed mental-health defense and clarification of responder identification. The Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Association of Washington Cities said they supported the goal but wanted changes to avoid conflicts and reduce burdens. The hearing concluded without a vote.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • They're critical manufacturing employers in Washington State.
  • We firmly believe that this is an outcome that the Legislature, the state of Washington, and the City
  • and in Washington. ...point that impacts our competitiveness in the United States and in Washington
  • We should be proud that Washington State has phased out coal energy in our state.
  • in Washington State that the allowance prices directly impact...
Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard three bills. SB 6246 would direct Ecology to develop recommendations for how no-cost allowances for emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) should work from 2035 to 2050, and would require EITEs to submit facility-specific emissions data and periodic decarbonization plans as a condition of receiving allowances. Supporters said the bill preserves the Climate Commitment Act’s goals while giving the Legislature and Ecology better information to prevent emissions and job leakage and to plan for industrial decarbonization. Opponents argued the bill adds costly reporting and planning burdens, could threaten competitiveness, and in some cases could lead to allowance withholding; Ecology said it generally supports the approach but wants some streamlining and noted implementation costs are not in the governor’s budget. SB 5932 would provide certainty for sustainable aviation fuel development by changing how Ecology applies electricity carbon intensity in the Clean Fuels Program and by setting an earlier trigger for aviation fuel tax incentives. The sponsor and 12, a Moses Lake SAF developer, said the bill would give investors and producers needed certainty for expansion and help Washington remain competitive. Ecology and Climate Solutions opposed parts of the bill, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable electricity generation, limit Ecology’s technical discretion, and reduce the Clean Fuels Program’s effectiveness, though Ecology said it supports decarbonizing aviation and is willing to work on the issue through rulemaking. Some testimony also supported the tax certainty portion while objecting to the Clean Fuels Program changes, and one witness asked for clarification on local participation in the incentive. SB 6172 would end remaining state tax and regulatory exemptions for the coal-fired TransAlta plant after its scheduled closure date. The sponsor said Washington should remove special treatment now that the state has phased out coal, while supporters said the bill reinforces the state’s clean energy transition and protects public health and climate goals. A few witnesses raised concerns about possible costs to utilities and ratepayers if the plant were ever required to run in an emergency, and asked for language to protect against that. The hearing concluded with the committee closing public testimony on all three bills; no votes were taken in the transcript.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/18/25

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> state this site is helping the state state this site is helping the state meet<00:24:11.960><c>
  • </c><00:29:40.120><c> of</c> you in partnership with the state of you in partnership with the state of
  • It is minutes away from Metro State University, Wings, Brooklyn Center, and Sunbeam Station, totaling
  • It is minutes away from Metro State University, Wings, Brooklyn Center, and Sunbeam Station, totaling
  • It is minutes away from Metro State University, Wings, Brooklyn Center, and Sunbeam Station, totaling
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Finance Feb 5th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So they're very, really vital to our towns and cities across Washington State.
  • I'm Steve Singhouse, testifying today on behalf of the Washington State Grange.
  • of Washington, and indeed those regional benefits to the state of Washington materialized.
  • Finally, we have a Washington State Wine Commission.
  • State as Washington State wines.
Summary: House Finance heard testimony on several tax and local government bills. HB 2278 would remove the July 1, 2027 expiration on the additional $3-per-room-night tourism promotion area lodging charge; supporters from destination marketing organizations said the revenue has produced strong returns for tourism and events, while questions were raised about how the local ordinances would continue. HB 2583 would lower the population threshold for cities to impose a higher lodging tax and expand authority for public facilities districts; the sponsor and Vancouver supporters said it would help fund a proposed performing arts center and other tourism investments, while hospitality, short-term rental, and some local advocates raised concerns about stakeholder input, equity, and whether the bill was too broad. HB 2224 would change how a city forming a single-city fire protection district handles levy reductions and would exempt part of one levy from the local tax limit; city and firefighter groups supported it as a needed tool for fire and EMS funding, while hospital districts and tax opponents warned about prorationing, governance, and higher taxes. HB 2325 would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program funded by participating tourism businesses; supporters from tourism, hospitality, wine, and brewing groups said it would provide a competitive, industry-driven statewide marketing program, while members questioned impacts on specific communities and the need for broader local benefits. HB 2431 would expand from 15 to 50 days the amount of fundraising activity allowed in nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places, and the Grange supported it as a practical way to keep community halls open. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session and advanced three bills. HB 2584, a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm equipment sold to eligible farmers, passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2610, which modifies the property tax exemption for nonprofit homeownership development, also passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2615, which codifies the voluntary disclosure tax program and authorizes temporary tax amnesty, likewise passed 14-0 with one excused. The chair also announced a deadline for amendments on items to be acted on the following day.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Jan 26th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have 1.2 million members in Washington State and Northern Idaho.
  • I'm Chief of the Washington State Patrol.
  • Washington State Patrol arrested that driver on suspicion of DUI.
  • The other impact and cost to Washington State is the liability that we bear.
  • I'm president of the Washington State Snowmobile Association. I'm Dean Meekin.
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session on impaired driving, beginning with data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and a discussion of a proposed reduction in the legal per se blood alcohol concentration limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Mark McKekney presented crash and fatality data showing that about half of traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver, that alcohol remains the most common substance involved, and that impairment is strongly associated with speeding and higher crash risk. He also summarized a Washington/AAA survey finding support for lowering the limit rose from 54% to 71% after respondents received information about safety impacts, and he said the most persuasive arguments were that the change would save lives and reduce impaired driving. Committee members asked about how much alcohol can produce a 0.05 BAC, enforcement practices, blood testing in fatal crashes, and whether other states or countries use lower limits. The committee then heard emotional testimony from Joshua Jackman, who described severe injuries and long-term consequences from being struck by a drunk driver in 2007, and said the proposed law could help prevent similar tragedies by encouraging people to plan ahead. A panel followed with testimony from AAA Washington, the Washington State Patrol, and the Department of Transportation. AAA supported a 0.05 standard and cited research and international experience showing fewer fatalities and serious injuries without major effects on arrests or the hospitality industry. The State Patrol said the bill is intended to prevent crashes rather than increase arrests and would not change stop standards or DUI investigative practices. WSDOT described the safety, work-zone, congestion, equipment-damage, and liability costs caused by impaired driving, including recent crashes involving snowplows and road crews. No vote was taken on the impaired-driving discussion. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5234, which would raise snowmobile registration fees from $50 to $75 and vintage snowmobile fees from $12 to $18, with additional revenue going to the snowmobile account for grooming, plowing, sanitation, and other State Parks snowmobile programs. State Parks said the program has seen declining registrations and reduced services, while supporters from the snowmobile community said the increase is needed to stabilize the program and keep trails open. Some testimony supported the need for more revenue but opposed the fee increase as the wrong solution, arguing the program needs broader reform and that many snowmobiles remain unregistered. The hearing record noted 3 people signed in pro and 105 con. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6110, which would clarify the definition of e-bikes, exclude vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph solely on motor power or easily modified to do so, and direct the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to develop recommendations for regulating electric motorcycles. Committee discussion focused on the distinction between legal e-bikes and faster e-motos, with questions about wattage, speed, youth use, and whether the bill should define e-motorcycles more directly. Students, local officials, city representatives, trail advocates, and bicycle groups testified in support, describing safety concerns, injuries, and confusion in enforcement, while also emphasizing that true e-bikes improve mobility and access. Several local government and advocacy witnesses asked for a clearer statutory definition of e-motorcycles and a civil enforcement path for juveniles. No final action was taken on the bills during the hearing.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Jan 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I know that Washington state is a state that does have kind of a constitutional lockbox for its gas
  • And for Washington, we had to estimate that because the state of Washington approves, as you know, a
  • And as you can see, Washington State has had twice as many of these as the next closest state, Utah.
  • Washington, meaning the state ferry program.
  • And then other in-state municipal districts with huge capital programs, that's true in Washington State
Summary: The committee first received a presentation from NCSL staff on national transportation funding trends and alternative user-fee options as gas tax revenue declines. The presentation covered declining fuel-tax purchasing power, the effects of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, and a range of state responses including indexed gas taxes, EV and hybrid registration fees, voluntary and mandatory road usage charges, transportation network company fees, retail delivery fees, and per-kilowatt-hour EV charging fees. Members asked about Virginia’s mileage-fee program, enrollment rates, and whether states had reduced gas taxes alongside new fees; the presenters said they would follow up with additional information. Committee staff then presented a comparison of Washington’s transportation budget with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, focusing on population, lane miles, road condition, fuel taxes, preservation spending, mega-projects, and governance structures. The discussion highlighted Washington’s unique transportation pressures, including ferries, fish-passage obligations, high debt service, and major capital projects. Members asked follow-up questions about debt service, interest costs, CCA impacts on fuel prices, and whether project costs differed by state. The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2109 would allow vehicles being towed on trailers to use coverings to contain mud, rocks, or debris instead of requiring prior cleaning; the bill’s sponsor and construction witnesses supported it as a practical solution, and the fiscal note showed modest costs to WSP and WSDOT. House Bill 2139 would raise snowmobile registration fees to support snow park and trail grooming; State Parks, DNR, and several snowmobile advocates supported it, while some snowmobile users opposed it, arguing that enforcement of unregistered sleds should be addressed first. House Bill 2192 would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority and allow it to collect certain health data; the sponsor and agency supported the bill as a public-health tool, while one attorney raised concerns about limiting civil discovery and evidentiary access in fatal crash litigation.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Apr 13th, 2026

Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • You, in passing AB 2019, set the standard across state government for all state agencies and departments
  • But the bill states that it can be used for administrative support and some of the bill states that it
  • at our state budget.
  • I spoke to four different universities.
  • I'm a graduate of the University of Angelica of El Salvador, one of the universities partnering with
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 088 Apr 11th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Colorado State University, Metropolitan State University, University of Colorado Denver, University
  • , University of Northern Colorado, Pikes Peak State College, Colorado Mesa University, College of Aurora
  • Colorado State University, Boulder, Colorado State University, Metropolitan<02:05:31.840><c> State</c
  • ><02:05:32.159><c> University,</c> Metropolitan State University, Metropolitan State University, University
  • , Colorado, Colorado State Springs, Colorado, Colorado State University,<02:05:38.800><c> Colorado</c
Keywords: 981, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislature also set an objective around estimated fuel savings by Washington State Ferries and other
  • We analyzed statutes from 17 comparison states and Washington, D.C.
  • And those comparison states either border Washington or have large convention centers that host trade
  • And all these states offer similar tax treatment to Washington.
  • And that it's on a, for Washington state, we're in about an 18- to 20-month lag between the national
Keywords: 904, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • It requires the University of Hawaii.
  • </c><00:18:28.320><c> of</c> defendants throughout the state of defendants throughout the state of Hawaii
  • One in three rampant in the state.
  • , and state construction projects.
  • </c> unless otherwise stated. unless otherwise stated.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.