Transcript Highlights:

• weapons flowing into dangerous weapons weapons flowing into our<00:35:14.960><c> communities.
• </c> Get weapons of war off our streets. Get weapons of war off our streets.
• </c> and for technology. and for technology.
• They want our technology. our people. They want our technology.
• </c> is because they have nuclear weapons. is because they have nuclear weapons.

Bills: HB2913 , HR518 , HB8646 , HR1336 , HCR84

Keywords: Ukraine, support, foreign affairs, military aid, international relations, agriculture, funding, food safety, nutrition, pest management, House resolution, procedural resolution, Rules Committee, Rule XIII, clause 6(a), waiver, supermajority, same-day consideration, reconciliation, budget reconciliation

Transcript Highlights:

• clean energy technology.
• radiation, nuclear waste, and nuclear weapons proliferation.
• It's not all that new technology. The U.S.
• That's what this technology does.
• Appropriations, Transportation, Technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• These college students are required to use technology in order to get their degrees.
• And it uses—it did not use AI then or now, but it was, at the time, more advanced technology.
• And when it gets to the other committee, we're more focused on the technological and the...
• that we have, the amazing technology that we have, thank you. ...technology that we have, the amazing
• Technology is changing fast, and unfortunately so are the ways people can misuse it.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• They can live anywhere in the world and still work because of technology that's available to us today
• They can live anywhere in the world and still work because of technology that's available to us today
• The last thing I want to mention is the anti-weaponization fund.
• Chris Rose on behalf of the Information Technology Industry Council.
• Sarah Bridges on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review subcommittee heard four budget trailer bills: AB 110, AB 122, AB 125, and AB 177. AB 110 was described as a budget bill junior identifying budget-related legislation. AB 122 would extend sales tax to electronically delivered or remotely accessed prewritten software, extend and later limit business tax credits, reduce the annual LLC/LLP/LP tax for first-year businesses for three years, and impose a 100% tax on certain federal anti-weaponization fund settlements. AB 125 would renew the managed care organization (MCO) tax for three years beginning in 2027 to support Medi-Cal and targeted provider rate increases. AB 177 would require the Department of Finance to return by March 1, 2027 with options for assessing large employers for the Medi-Cal costs of employees enrolled in the program, including at least one employer-paid premium option for firms with 250 or more employees, and would appropriate $1,000 General Fund for implementation. Administration witnesses said AB 122 modernizes the tax system and helps create general fund revenue, while AB 125 is needed to preserve Medi-Cal financing and targeted rate increases under new federal constraints from H.R. 1 and to avoid a budget hole if the MCO tax expires. On AB 177, Finance said the bill is only a study and does not itself impose a tax, but would direct the administration to develop options for future consideration. Supportive members argued the package is part of a balanced approach to address the structural deficit, protect health care and other safety-net programs, and ensure large corporations pay more of their share. They also said AB 177 is a necessary step toward asking large employers to help cover public health care costs for workers who rely on Medi-Cal. Opponents, led by Vice Chair Niello and several other Republicans, argued the state does not have a revenue shortage but a spending problem, warning that the proposals would raise costs on consumers and businesses, discourage innovation, and expand taxes beyond their intended scope. They criticized AB 122 as potentially taxing labor-like services and limiting research and development credits, and said AB 125 would increase premiums for commercial enrollees and employers. On AB 177, they questioned the lack of definitions and specifics, saying the bill is too vague and could eventually burden employers, including hospitals and part-time workers, without clear standards. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the committee heard testimony and questions before public comment and later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• weapon in self-defense not to have the weapon?
• </c> disposed of the weapon. disposed of the weapon.
• </c> gotten rid of the weapon. gotten rid of the weapon.
• </c> weapon. Correct. weapon. Correct.
• a weapon and I used the that I did have a weapon and I used the weapon.<04:07:37.199><c> Correct.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our teachers not be used to target or weaponize against teaching and learning in the classroom.
• We don't want this to be weaponized against them.
• We don't want anything in this bill to be weaponized against teachers.
• As a technology trade association, we strongly believe in the power of technology to expand opportunity
• This approach is not about limiting technology. It's about using it thoughtfully.

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 2189, AB 2615, AB 2496, AB 1750, and AB 1644. AB 2189 would create an $800,000 grant program through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to support a statewide parent network for special education advocacy and training. Supporters said families need stronger coordination and information to navigate special education, while an opponent argued the bill could duplicate existing family-led organizations. The bill passed 6-0 and was sent to Appropriations, held on call for add-on votes. AB 2615, a cleanup bill to AB 715 on antisemitism and instructional materials, drew the most controversy. The authors said it was intended to clarify prior commitments by removing references to professional responsibility standards, refining the “factually accurate” language, and clarifying how discriminatory materials are handled. Supporters said it would help protect students from discrimination, while many educators, civil rights groups, and other organizations opposed it unless amended, warning that the factual-accuracy language could chill teaching and be applied too broadly. The committee chair and members raised concerns about implementation but ultimately supported moving the bill forward; it passed 5-0 and was held on call. AB 2496 would streamline school accountability reporting by making the California School Dashboard the primary transparency tool, phasing out the School Accountability Report Card over time, and making mid-year LCAP reporting optional. Supporters said this would reduce duplication and administrative burden while preserving access to key data; opponents worried families could lose the simplicity and accessibility of the current SARC and that the mid-year update still serves an important purpose. The bill was approved 3-0 and held on call. AB 1750, which would extend full salary for an additional five months for school employees who exhaust sick leave due to illness or injury, was supported as a dignity and retention measure but opposed by administrators over staffing and cost concerns; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. AB 1644 would require a bell-to-bell smartphone ban in TK-8 and recommend it for high school, with exceptions for instructional and safety needs; supporters said phones are harming attention and learning, while opponents argued districts had just adopted local policies and needed more flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Elizabeth Escobal at the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, also in
• input, the city certified an environmental impact report under CEQA and adopted the Concord Naval Weapons
• And although redevelopment on the Concord Naval Weapons Station has undergone nearly two...
• So SB 328 does not exempt qualifying Concord Naval Weapons Station projects from review and oversight
• It simply leverages review... ...review and oversight already completed for Concord Naval Weapons Station

Bills: AB40 , AB2674 , SB328 , SB344

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: AB 2674, financial abuse, financial deception, elder financial abuse, bank fraud, scam prevention, consumer protection, depository institution, bank, credit union, suspicious transaction, fraud hotline, trusted third party, power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, elder abuse, senior citizen, treble damages, civil action

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard several measures, led by AB 40, which would require a full CEQA environmental impact report before approval of any new or expanded large coal terminal and require updated review if the project changes significantly. The author and supporters, including West Oakland community advocates and environmental groups, argued the bill was needed because an outdated environmental review did not analyze coal at the scale now proposed for the Oakland terminal and because West Oakland already bears heavy pollution burdens. Opponents, including business and terminal representatives, argued the project had already undergone extensive review and litigation and warned the bill would set a precedent for reopening settled approvals. Members questioned whether the air district had already approved the project and whether the bill was targeting a single facility. The author responded that the air district still had to issue a discretionary permit and that the bill was narrowly tailored to large coal terminals. The committee ultimately concurred in the Senate amendments to AB 40 on a recorded vote, with the bill passing out of committee. The committee also heard SB 344, which creates a project-specific pathway for San Diego’s Midway Rising redevelopment, a large mixed-use project with thousands of housing units, including affordable housing, parks, and a new arena. Support came from labor, the city, and business groups, while members raised questions about whether the bill was effectively insulating the project from CEQA litigation. The author said the bill does not exempt the project from CEQA but confirms the final EIR’s sufficiency once certified. SB 344 received a due pass recommendation and passed the committee. Finally, the committee heard SB 328 for the Concord Reuse Project Area, which would streamline implementation of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse plan by creating an exemption within the Surplus Land Act and related disposition process for qualifying projects. The author and supporters emphasized decades of planning, extensive environmental review, a project labor agreement, and commitments to 25% affordable housing and open space. After questions about enforcement of affordability and tribal consultation, the bill received a due pass recommendation and passed. The committee also adopted a consent resolution and passed AB 2674, a transparency measure requiring CARB to post landfill temperature and monitoring data it already receives.

Transcript Highlights:

• This shows our dedication to implement technology and the human part of what I've been doing to ensure
• This shows our dedication to implement technology and the human part of what I've been doing to ensure
• The outlined offenses include aggravated assault that includes a dangerous weapon or results in physical
• The outlined offenses include aggravated assault that includes a dangerous weapon or results in physical
• is to prohibit ...the students participating in these sports: aggravated assault with the use of a weapon

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne on school safety, academic improvement, career and technical education, ESA oversight, and teacher pay. Horne argued that students cannot learn if schools are unsafe and urged more funding for school police officers, described efforts to expand Project Momentum and tutoring, supported keeping cell phones out of classrooms, promoted the Student Industry Partnership, and called for renewing Proposition 123 with more money directed to teacher raises. In response to a question, he said the department is using AI tools, residency checks, and investigators to monitor ESA fraud and abuse. The committee then considered SB 1074, which would require written certification from a principal or administrator before a student removed for discipline could return to class. Horne and the sponsor said the bill would support teachers and improve accountability, while the Arizona Education Association opposed it as unnecessary, punitive, and potentially inconsistent with existing practice and FERPA concerns. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1074 a do pass recommendation. Members also heard SB 1327, as amended, requiring public universities to adopt and post research security policies and report on foreign grants and security practices. ABOR and a national security advocate supported the measure as a way to strengthen protections against foreign adversary influence, and the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced the bill 5-2. The committee then approved SB 1475, which bars students convicted of certain serious offenses from participating in school-sponsored interscholastic activities, 4-3 after discussion about second chances, counseling, and whether the bill was too punitive. Finally, the committee advanced SB 1582 and SB 1583, both related to school safety interoperability funding and fund administration, with technical discussion about correcting bill language and returning unspent monies to the fund. It also approved SB 1598, which appropriates $500,000 for grants to school districts and charter schools to create community gardens; supporters described the gardens as hands-on learning spaces that teach science, nutrition, and teamwork and can also serve as calming spaces for students. The committee adjourned after the last vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This shows our dedication to implement technology and the human part of what I’ve been doing to ensure
• delegations with ties to hacking organizations and universities that collaborate with China's nuclear weapons
• The outlined offenses include aggravated assault that includes a dangerous weapon or results in physical
• The outlined offenses include aggravated assault that includes a dangerous weapon or results in physical
• prohibit... ...students from participating in these sports for aggravated assault with the use of a weapon

Bills: SB1074 , SB1327 , SB1475 , SB1582 , SB1583 , SB1598

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Keywords: foreign relations, university governance, research security, international agreements, Arizona Board of Regents, interscholastic activities, student eligibility, criminal offenses, school district, youth sports, academic participation, conduct, planned communities, homeowners association, HOA, community documents, pet restrictions, dog breed restrictions, breed-specific ban, size limits

Transcript Highlights:

• technology and the improvements.
• Advanced screening technologies using millimeter-wave technology similar to what you see in the airport
• Advanced screening technologies using millimeter wave technology similar to what you see in the airport
• But there is technology that is forthcoming, and they’ll be asked for forthcoming for that technology
• But technology continues to advance.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• And may we not weaponize words or wield influence without conscience.
• Clerk: HB 658 by Tupper, relating to carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department
• officers, and certain Clerk: retired law enforcement officers into the criminal liability for taking a weapon

Bills: HB 118 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1618 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB1338 , HB787 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB718 , HB1536 , HB1445 , HB1640 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3272 , HB3276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2989 , HB2558 , HB3014 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB29 , HB 125 , HB145 , HB171 , HB255 , HB50 , HB363 , HB 116 , HB491 , HB1495 , HB368 , HB 1285 , HB1905 , HB2002 , HB917 , HB2723 , HB2067 , HB 1238 , HB745 , HB 1188 , HB1606 , HB2003 , HB2147 , HB2355 , HB2546 , HB2495 , HB2818 , HB2249 , HB3228 , HB3240 , HB1507 , HB658 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2798 , HB 107 , HB1587 , HB3684 , HB 118 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1618 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB1338 , HB787 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB718 , HB1536 , HB1445 , HB1640 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3272 , HB3276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2989 , HB2558 , HB3014 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB609 , HB630 , HB420 , HB767 , HB1708 , HB1404 , HB2457 , HB140 , HB227 , HB913 , HB2198 , HB2763 , HB 1261 , HB 1135 , HB1318 , HB2358 , HB2765 , HB2735 , HB3307 , HB 1242 , HB2842 , HB333 , HB201 , HB694 , HB2415 , HB155 , HB272 , HB405 , HB519 , HB 1136 , HB 1275 , HB1437 , HB1532 , HB1675 , HB1868 , HB1888 , HB1990 , HB2286 , HB2523 , HB3129 , HB3251 , HB3354 , HB3479 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB3887 , HB4163 , HB4238 , HB 1240 , HB1842 , HB2029 , HB2622 , HB3255 , HB654 , HB4643 , HB4945 , HB3611 , HB3724 , HB3623 , HB3810 , HB4127 , HCR78 , HCR12 , SB767

Keywords: HB 388, HB388, coordination of benefits, COB questionnaire, health benefit plan, health insurance, insurance commissioner, Texas Department of Insurance, uniform form, primary payer, secondary payer, multiple coverage, dual coverage, Medicaid, CHIP, managed care, HMO, small employer health plan, school district health coverage, self-funded plan

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislative body since then has been battling technology, and we always seem to be behind technology
• Fourth, technology has advanced faster than our laws.
• The nature of the crimes and also the nature of the technology and evidence that we have to get, that
• The nature of the crimes and also the nature of the technology and evidence that we have to get, that
• We see situations where the rapists might not have a weapon, might not threaten the victim explicitly

Bills: HB36 , HB52 , HB56 , HB68 , HB92 , HB119 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB289 , HB351 , HB552 , HB784

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 52, Act 192, Louisiana criminal procedure, misdemeanor jury trial, six-person jury, bench trial, trial without jury, Article 779, Code of Criminal Procedure, criminal justice, defendant rights, retroactive application, prospective application, fine threshold, court procedure, misdemeanor prosecution, driving, impaired, fines, legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• Thinking there's a bomb threat or active shooter, our first responders break down doors with weapons,
• When law enforcement is sent to a home based on a false report, they often arrive with weapons drawn,
• At the same time, genetic technology is advancing rapidly.
• As these technologies evolve, protecting genetic privacy becomes even more critical.
• And this isn't about weaponizing anything or penalizing them.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and privacy bills, with extensive testimony on each. AB 1872 by Assembly Member Ta would make repeat swatting a wobbler and require offenders to compensate victims for property damage. Supporters, including civil liberties, sheriff, and district attorney representatives, said swatting is a serious and growing threat to first responders, schools, and public officials. Opponents argued existing law already covers false emergency reports and warned the bill could worsen penalties for people with mental illness. The committee approved the bill on a do pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1727, also by Assembly Member Ta, would make it a misdemeanor to transfer or sell a person’s genetic data without consent. Supporters framed the bill as a needed privacy protection in light of advances in genetic technology and AI, citing examples such as HeLa cells and concerns about unauthorized DNA collection. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, said civil penalties already exist under current law and objected to creating a new carceral offense for nonviolent conduct. The committee accepted amendments and moved the bill forward as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The committee then took up AB 1782 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would lower the threshold for retaining certain offenders with mental health disorders in state hospital custody and broaden the conduct considered in dangerousness determinations. Supporters said the bill responds to a recent release case and would help prevent dangerous releases; opponents, including disability rights and public defender groups, said it would weaken due process and expand involuntary confinement. The chair recommended a no vote, and the bill remained on call after a split roll. AB 1632 by Assembly Member Johnson, which removes the notarization requirement for trespass authorization letters, passed as amended despite opposition from homelessness advocates and public defenders who said it could increase arrests of unhoused people; supporters said it would reduce bureaucracy and help property owners and police respond to trespassing. The committee also heard AB 1968 by Assembly Member Gallagher, which would add conspiracy to commit murder to the list of offenses eligible for heightened juvenile court handling; supporters cited a foiled school attack in Tehama County, while opponents warned of overbroad punishment and racial disparities. The bill was discussed but not yet voted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Appropriations, Transportation and Technology is called to order.
• There, legally, twice the buses were unloaded and every member on the bus was frisked down for weapons
• ... ...weapons and arrested me and my companion, took me back to the base, and we were in custody for
• Vehicles before we spend billions of dollars and lock ourselves into one technology.
• I mean, it's just a matter of let's recognize new technology, and if it's appropriate.

Summary: The committee met to hear and vote on a series of appropriations and transportation-related bills, beginning with SB 1550, which would fund a Queen Creek police pilot program focused on runaway youth prevention, at-risk youth protection, and anti-trafficking work. Supporters said the town and local facilities already contribute personnel and administrative support, while some members urged Queen Creek to add local matching funds. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-2 vote. The committee then considered SB 1156 and SB 1157, both $20 million border-related reimbursement bills sponsored by Senator Rogers. SB 1156 would reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention hold costs for unauthorized non-citizens, and SB 1157 would reimburse local governments for supplemental fencing or bollard walls in high-crossing border areas. Both bills drew strong opposition from public commenters who described them as funding detention and border enforcement at the expense of other needs, while supporters framed them as backfilling local costs already incurred. SB 1156 passed 5-3, and SB 1157 passed 5-3. The committee also approved SB 1245, which would fund pavement replacement on Rodeo Road in Williams, and SB 1707, which would provide $5 million for AI-related border security at DPS. SB 1245 passed 6-3, with some members objecting that the state highway user revenue fund is underfunded and local contributions should be required. SB 1707 passed 6-4 after testimony split between supporters who favored using AI and surveillance tools for border security and opponents who said the bill was too vague, too expensive, or inappropriate given other state priorities. Later, the committee advanced SB 1273, funding pavement rehabilitation on Ogle Frontage Road between Bowie and San Simon, and SB 1811, which would clarify that school districts and charter schools may allow wireless device use in the case of an emergency rather than during an emergency. SB 1273 passed 6-4 amid debate over state versus local funding responsibility, and SB 1811 passed 8-1 after testimony that the change would give schools more flexibility and avoid practical problems during emergencies. The committee also heard SB 1088, a cybersecurity appropriation for DHS, and SB 1332, which would require ADOT to study light rail expansion in Maricopa County versus autonomous or semi-autonomous transit options. SB 1088 passed 6-4 despite concerns that the appropriation was vendor-driven and not requested by the department. SB 1332 drew extensive testimony from small business owners along Indian School Road who said light rail construction had harmed access and sales, while Phoenix/Valley Metro opposed the bill and questioned ADOT’s role; the discussion continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 3D-printed weapons are a threat. They're a huge threat.
• They allow people who should not be able to pass background checks to even get a weapon to make weapons
• Chief Technology Officer at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and director of the
• Chief Technology Officer at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and director of the
• We're in an age of technology.

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public safety; appropriation, transportation, technology.
• Appropriation, transportation, technology.
• Appropriations, transportation, technology.
• Public safety; appropriation, transportation, technology.
• Finance and Appropriations, Transportation, Technology.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a series of personal privilege introductions recognizing guests including the Doctor of the Day, realtors visiting for Realtor Day, and the family of former Senator Barbara Leff. The chamber also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 264 honoring Barbara Leff, followed by a moment of silence in her memory. The Senate then moved through a large number of bill introductions and first readings, as well as Committee of the Whole consideration of several measures. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered and advanced multiple bills, often with technical or negotiated floor amendments. Among those reported out as do pass or do pass as amended were SB 1494, SB 1497, SB 1503, SB 1535, SB 1544, SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1584, SB 1585, SB 1602, SB 1632, SB 1723, and SB 1798. The amendments addressed topics such as technical corrections to mining and pension language, classical learning tests, sex trafficking record sealing, probation reporting, school safety funding, kinship foster care stipends, DES credentialing, domestic violence release conditions, and a school safety/threat identification pilot program that was revised into a FAFSA awareness recognition program. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several bills. HB 4115, SB 1012, SB 1213, SB 1416, SB 1474, SB 1511, SB 1549, SB 1573, SB 1634, SB 1647, SB 1649, SB 1664, and SB 1725 were considered, with most passing on party-line or near-party-line votes; SB 1416 and SB 1664 passed unanimously, while SB 1549 passed with broader support. Several members explained votes on immigration enforcement, concealed carry in establishments serving alcohol, commercial driver licensing, campaign finance, and a digital asset reserve fund. HB 2993, dealing with DPS legal representation funding, passed 16-13 after debate over constitutional concerns, funding sources, and the use of the Attorney General’s consumer fraud fund. The session ended with the Senate adopting the Committee of the Whole report and transmitting the passed bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2399, eight-up revisions — Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.
• HB 2370, schools weapons detection systems administration.
• HB 2370, schools weapons detection systems administration.
• The Appropriations, Transportation and Technology amendment is next. Mr.
• Things like anti-theft technology in cars that wasn't there.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Amy Harris, and I am the Government Affairs Director for the Washington Technology Industry
• My name is Amy Harris, and I am the Government Affairs Director for the Washington Technology Industry
• For the record, Martha Whaling, staff to the Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee,
• And the exclusion of juveniles convicted of a deadly weapon will slightly reduce some of the savings
• And the final category of definitional change creates a definition for technology.

Summary: The committee began with a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 1592, which would change how state public defense funds are distributed and, in the substitute version, keep current law on state funding responsibility while revising the allocation formula. Staff explained the bill would shift county and city distributions to a pro rata, caseload-based model, allow very low-density counties to request OPD to provide some or all public defense services, require additional data collection and reporting, and direct OPD to study caseload reductions and retention. Representative Peterson said the bill is meant to create a better structure for future state support of indigent defense without the very large cost of the original proposal. Testimony from counties, cities, OPD, defenders, and local officials was strongly supportive, emphasizing a statewide public defense crisis, rising local costs, staffing shortages, and the need for a fairer funding model. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 1742 on environmentally sustainable urban design and Substitute House Bill 1906 on water system regulation and water rates. HB 1742 would create a center in Ecology to promote sustainable urban design, fund design competitions and grants, and establish an advisory council; the sponsor said the bill reflects a desire to support a pilot project through alternative funding, and there was no public testimony. HB 1906 would require more planning and notice for Group A water systems, add customer notice and right-of-first-refusal provisions for some ownership changes, and direct the UTC to consider external funding sources, capital planning, and rate smoothing when setting water rates. Water utility and PUD witnesses supported the goal of improving transparency and consolidation of failing small systems, while noting the substitute reduced some fiscal concerns. The committee also heard HB 2248 on Secretary of State corporate and charity filings, HB 2438 creating the SEED scholarship for early childhood education students, and HB 2515 addressing emerging large energy use facilities such as data centers. HB 2248 would redirect part of annual filing fees to the Secretary of State revolving fund, require initial reports from nonprofits and LLPs, and change trademark certificate procedures; the fiscal note showed modest revenue losses, and the division supported restoring the fee split for operational funding. HB 2438 would transfer $10 million annually from the GET account to fund scholarships and wraparound services for early childhood education degree seekers, with testimony from early learning advocates and a student describing workforce shortages and personal financial barriers. HB 2515 drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it would protect ratepayers, water resources, and grid reliability by requiring tariffs, reporting, clean-energy requirements, and a fee on large energy users; opponents argued it singled out data centers, could hurt investment and jobs, and included unrelated labor and procurement provisions. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive-session briefing on several bills and amendments, including HB 1903 on statewide low-income energy assistance, HB 1909 on a court unification task force, HB 1982 on vacating certain convictions tied to treaty Indian rights, HB 2034 on LEOFF Plan 1 retirement changes, HB 2105 on employer notice of federal I-9 audits, HB 2210 on ranked-choice voting, HB 2215 on Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier obligations, and HB 2271 on post-consumer recycled content requirements. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments, with several changes aimed at reducing or shifting fiscal impacts, narrowing agency duties, or striking provisions entirely.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I hope we'll make again here today that we do not want people to use technology to create images
• I think as we mature in this technology. conversations.
• When we looked, we looked specifically for deepfake technology to be able to say that it is deepfake.
• We've got other weapons around the Capitol, but they are field pieces is what they are.
• Red flag laws would inevitably be weaponized. against innocent citizens.

Bills: SB29 , SB406 , SB447 , SB875 , SB893 , SB1033 , SB1346 , SB1362 , SB1539 , SCR22 , SB 29

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also implemented Evolve weapon detection systems at all of our secondary schools.
• This technology enhances campus security while maintaining a welcoming environment for students.
• Rodriguez says; it's just new technology that, you know, needs to get the kinks out of it.
• It's when we do have instances where we have students with weapons in their vehicles.
• Four years ago, there was a weapon on campus other than a knife.