Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Katie Durkan with Washington Federation of State Employees.
• My name is Katie Durkin with Washington Federation of State Employees.
• We are currently servicing vehicles in Washington State.
• So they would have to obtain a vehicle dealer license in order to operate in Washington State and pay
• First, Honda shares the goal of Washington State to bring electric vehicles to the market.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• host here in Washington State.
• I'm a senior energy policy specialist at the Washington State Department of Commerce.
• Our mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the waters of Washington State.
• Our mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the waters of Washington State.
• Our mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the waters of Washington State.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2515, which addresses emerging large energy use facilities, especially data centers. Staff explained that the bill requires utilities to adopt tariffs or policies for data centers, adds reporting and sustainability requirements, sets renewable energy targets, and creates a sales tax exemption for certain eligible data center equipment in eastern Washington. The House sponsor said the bill is intended to protect ratepayers, grid reliability, water resources, and Washington’s climate goals as data center growth accelerates. Tribal representatives and several environmental and labor witnesses urged restoring provisions removed from the House version, especially authority to curtail data center load during energy emergencies and to refuse service if reliability or affordability would be harmed; they also asked for stronger water reporting and protections for salmon. Utility, business, and data center industry witnesses supported the bill’s general framework but raised concerns about implementation, costs, and some of the added requirements, while some opposed the tax exemption and the loss of earlier protections. No final action on 2515 was taken during the hearing portion shown. The committee then heard and acted on several bills in executive session. It passed Substitute House Bill 1302, which allows municipal utilities to waive connection charges for industrial symbiosis projects. It also passed House Bill 2338 on community-scaled weatherization projects after rejecting an amendment, and House Bill 2367 on eliminating preferential treatment for a coal-fired plant after rejecting an amendment. Substitute House Bill 2496 on tribal consultation by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council was amended and then passed, while amendments to change public meeting and tribal summary provisions were rejected. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots, House Bill 2426 on PCHB efficiency and appeals, House Bill 2606 on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, Engrossed House Bill 2575 on reducing reporting obligations, and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215 on Climate Commitment Act compliance for fuels were also advanced, with some amendments adopted and others rejected. The committee then reopened public hearing on House Bill 2416, which would treat a Spokane waste-to-energy facility differently under the Climate Commitment Act by allocating no-cost allowances in the second compliance period and requiring a decarbonization and waste-reduction plan. Spokane city officials, labor, environmental groups, and Ecology generally supported the bill as a balanced approach that protects ratepayers while allowing the facility to decarbonize, though Avista raised a concern about language implying a utility compliance obligation. After that, the committee resumed testimony on House Bill 1170, which requires large AI providers to offer provenance tools and disclosures for AI-generated or altered images, video, and audio. Supporters said the bill would help workers and consumers identify synthetic media and prevent impersonation and misinformation, while industry and civil liberties witnesses argued the bill is technically difficult, uses new definitions, and may be unworkable or premature compared with California’s evolving approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Jeff Fawcett, and I serve as fire chief here in Washington State, and I also represent the Washington
• Fire Chiefs and all the fire chiefs in Washington State.
• Washington State does not have a unified court system.
• They have attorneys in all four corners of Washington State, and they feel...
• If adopted, Washington State would be the first state in the nation to adopt this bill.

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 so it could be heard that day. It then took public testimony on House Bill 2248, a technical cleanup bill affecting Secretary of State corporate and nonprofit filings, trademarks, foreign entities, and apostille procedures. The prime sponsor said the bill makes no policy changes or fee increases, while the Secretary of State’s office supported it as a clarification measure. One testifier raised concerns about multiple LLCs and transparency in manufactured home communities, asking for stronger oversight and verification. The committee then heard engrossed substitute House Bill 2508, which expands the Office of Independent Investigations’ jurisdiction over deadly-force and related non-deadly-force incidents, broadens notification and records access requirements, and exempts certain records from disclosure. The sponsor and OII testified in support, emphasizing that the bill clarifies authority and procedures; members asked about how far back investigations could go, and staff confirmed there was no time limit for deadly-force cases under the bill. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2203, creating the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving around closures on hazardous roadways. The sponsor described it as a response to flood and disaster rescues, and fire chiefs supported it as a safety and accountability measure. Defense attorneys opposed it as unnecessary and disproportionate, warning of criminal penalties, license suspensions, restitution, and fiscal costs for conduct they viewed as more appropriately handled civilly. Next, Second Substitute House Bill 1909 proposed a Court Unification Task Force to study inefficiencies and inequities in Washington’s fragmented court system; the sponsor and a legal aid attorney supported it as an access-to-justice reform, while the committee noted a large number of signed-in opponents. Finally, engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 would create a rebuttable presumption of negligence for drivers who injure or kill vulnerable road users in designated areas, along with education requirements and damages provisions. Supporters, including a widow, bicycling advocates, and a bike commuter, said it would improve accountability and help injured people who cannot easily prove fault; opponents from cities, trucking, and defense groups argued it would expand litigation, create liability and fee-shifting problems, and go beyond existing negligence law. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and advanced several bills. Substitute House Bill 2158 received a do pass recommendation. Substitute House Bill 2239, concerning family burial grounds on private property, was amended to increase a setback from public rights-of-way and easements and then received a do pass recommendation as amended. Substitute House Bill 2178 on court rules and procedures also received a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2543 on county clerk fees was advanced despite concerns about fee increases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 on false identification as a peace officer was amended to clarify intent and then passed out of committee. The committee also adopted an amendment to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on firearm manufacturing, including a change allowing certain digital code and manufacturing activity for repair purposes, and discussed another amendment removing some possession prohibitions for personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• billion dollars in income to Washington State every year.
• I'm the director of Arts Washington, your Washington State Arts Commission, and my thanks to all of you
• Washington values business integrity and consistency in our state.
• Washington values business integrity and consistency in our state.
• Carissa Larson with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, come on up.

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee heard several public hearings on consumer protection and business regulation bills. Senate Bill 6175, the WAVE Act on ticket sales, would create licensing and enforcement rules for ticket resellers, require all-in pricing and refunds, cap resale prices and fees at 110% of the original ticket price, and prohibit speculative ticketing and deceptive practices, with exemptions for some events such as agricultural fairs and sports. The sponsor and many arts, venue, labor, and consumer advocates said the bill would curb bots, fake websites, and predatory markups that harm fans and nonprofit venues; opponents from resale platforms and industry groups argued it would restrict legitimate resale, reduce consumer choice, and push transactions into less regulated channels. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided, but no committee vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five-cent increment in light of the federal decision to stop minting pennies. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the bill but asked for amendments to protect against audit and consumer-protection liability, preserve acceptance of exact change, and avoid conflicts with local ordinances and SNAP rules. The bill sponsor said the measure is meant to give businesses a clear framework for cash rounding, and staff noted the Department of Revenue would issue a revised fiscal note with minimal costs. Senate Bill 6312, concerning surveillance-based pricing in grocery establishments, would require posted prices, prohibit individualized surveillance pricing and surge pricing, and place a moratorium on electronic shelf labels in larger stores until 2030. Labor and privacy advocates supported the bill as a way to stop AI-driven price discrimination and protect workers and consumers, while retail and grocery associations and an ESL manufacturer warned the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally affect loyalty programs, discounts, and operational efficiency. After testimony, the committee suspended the five-day notice rule for the bill. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6149 on the definition of a rural county and Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, with testimony on the latter split between industry support for adopting a model act and state agency concerns about adjuster licensing and preserving Washington consumer and anti-discrimination protections. In executive session, the committee considered Senate Bill 6061 on the tourism self-assessment program and Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering. The committee rejected an amendment to SB 6061 that would have allowed voluntary local tourism contributions, then advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation. It also advanced SB 6137 with a due pass recommendation. The meeting concluded after those votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, many corrections officers across Washington State still do not have the same access to this
• Corrections officers across Washington State deserve the same bargaining rights.
• Madam Chair, next we'll be hearing from Paul Jewell from the Washington State Association of Counties
• because retail is the second-largest private employer in the state of Washington.
• Because Washington is a different state than other states.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held its first meeting of the session and heard four bills. HB 2107 would make permanent and slightly narrow a temporary L&I requirement that, after an on-site safety inspection at a building construction site, the agency make a good-faith effort to notify the owner or employer within 10 working days if an immediately identified hazard could injure a worker. Construction industry groups and L&I supported the bill and said the pilot had worked well, with L&I reporting it had been able to notify owners almost 96% of the time during about 1,400 inspections. HB 2137 would remove the population threshold for binding interest arbitration for correctional employees in city and county jails. Teamsters representatives said the change would give corrections officers in smaller jurisdictions the same bargaining rights as other uniformed personnel and help address safety, staffing, and wage inequities. County representatives opposed the bill, saying it would increase bargaining and compensation costs for many counties, and asked for amendments requiring arbitrators to consider county finances and making awards nonbinding on county legislative authorities. HB 2264 would clarify unemployment insurance eligibility for workers who opt into an employer-initiated layoff or reduction-in-force plan, even if they can rescind their decision, so long as the termination results from the employer’s plan. Supporters said current court rulings create confusing and unfair denials of benefits for workers who leave in good faith during layoffs; NFIB raised questions about severance, retirement, and UI solvency. HB 2243 would allow physical therapists and occupational therapists to serve as attending providers in the workers’ compensation system. Physical therapy and occupational therapy advocates said this would speed care and return workers to work sooner, while retailers, food industry representatives, NFIB, the Washington State Medical Association, and L&I raised concerns about diagnosis, scope of practice, added costs, and the possibility that all PTs and OTs would have to join the provider network. No votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals at all DOC facilities in Washington State.
• of Washington State residents.
• We don't need any additional barriers in Washington State.
• I'm speaking today on behalf of the Washington State Reentry Council.
• of Oregon into the state of Washington.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5917, which would change how the Department of Corrections and Department of Health distribute abortion medications from state stockpiles. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure would remove pricing restrictions, allow the medications to be donated or sold more flexibly to health care providers, and help avoid expiration of existing supplies. Supporters, including the Washington State Women’s Commission, the governor’s health policy advisor, DOH, physicians, and Pro-Choice Washington, said the bill would improve access to medication abortion and miscarriage care, especially for people facing barriers. Opponents argued it would expand state involvement in abortion, shift costs to taxpayers, and raise safety concerns. No vote was taken on the bill in the hearing portion shown. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6080, which would require written contracts before local jails accept people in federal custody and would prohibit some out-of-state transfers absent a valid judicial warrant. Senator Cleveland said the bill was prompted by a situation in Clark County and was intended to provide clarity, reimbursement, and accountability for local governments. Supporters from the Latino Community Fund, the Association of Counties, and the City of Vancouver said it would protect taxpayers and local discretion. The sheriffs’ association supported some of the bill’s goals but raised concerns about unintended consequences for routine federal arrests and wanted more clarification. The hearing on SB 6080 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6085, which would revise the Institutional Welfare Account, formerly the incarcerated individual betterment fund, to require more input from incarcerated people and their families on how the funds are spent and to change some allowable uses. The sponsor said the bill would ensure the account reflects current needs and supports family contact, reentry, and institutional safety. Testimony was mixed: the Washington State Reentry Council supported the concept but objected to requiring legislative appropriations and to using the funds for reentry services; a Department of Corrections representative supported the intent but raised concerns about removing law library funding without replacement. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and considered several bills and amendments, including SB 5940, SB 5945, SB 5957, and SB 5966. Multiple amendments were offered and mostly failed on SB 5940 and SB 5945, while one amendment on SB 5945 passed. The committee advanced SB 5940, SB 5957, and SB 5966 with due-pass recommendations, and the transcript ends with the committee adjourning after the final action on SB 5966.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Melissa Johnson, and I'm speaking on behalf of the Washington State Association of Head Start
• Our clients are governments from local to the federal government, including several Washington state
• They are one of only nine hospitals in the state of Washington to receive...
• Members of the committee, Scott Hazelgrove on behalf of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association
• Washington is the fifth most expensive state to live in, and if you wanted an example of why this is

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on nine bills. Senate Bill 5872 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic donations for ECAP preschool slots; supporters, including DCYF, the governor’s office, and early learning advocates, said it would help expand access to high-quality pre-K with a 10-year Ballmer Group commitment for up to 10,000 new seats annually. Senators asked how the money would flow, and staff and witnesses explained it would be governed by an MOU and deposited annually; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5879 would eliminate two JLARC studies, one on lodging tax reporting and one on training benefits; supporters said the reports were duplicative and burdensome, while the hospitality industry warned against losing transparency, and no action was taken. Senate Bill 6047 would permanently codify various capital budget administration rules, including minor works flexibility and early learning grant changes; testimony focused on technical cleanup and on provisions affecting co-located child care and community projects, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to charge fees for accrediting opioid treatment programs, with support from DOH and tribal/nontribal providers who want the state to continue providing the service; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5923 would allow Island Hospital in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital, with local hospital leaders and residents supporting the measure to improve reimbursement and sustain rural care; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5832 would raise the Lemon Law arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to fund the Attorney General’s consumer protection work, and the AG’s office, dealers, and the sponsor said the program is effective and underfunded; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5970 would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers, with AARP supporting the bill as a benefit to seniors and caregivers; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5994 would preserve timber tax distributions for school districts that recently had qualifying levies, and forest industry witnesses supported the bill while suggesting a possible amendment for state forest transfer lands; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5949 would narrow the B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses so it applies only to the entity paying the insurance premiums tax, retroactive to 2019; the Department of Revenue and bill supporters argued it restores tax equity, while insurers, health plans, and business groups opposed it as retroactive, ambiguous, and likely to raise premiums. The committee heard extensive testimony on that bill, but the transcript ends with adjournment and no recorded vote or executive action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Jeff Fawcett, and I serve as fire chief here in Washington State, and I also represent the Washington
• Fire Chiefs and all the fire chiefs in Washington State.
• Washington state does not have a unified court system.
• They have attorneys in all four corners of Washington State, and they feel...
• If adopted, Washington State would be the first state in the nation to adopt this bill.

Bills: HB2543

Keywords: county clerk, fees, local government, administrative costs, revenue generation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• host here in Washington State.
• I'm a senior energy policy specialist at the Washington State Department of Commerce.
• I'm a senior energy policy specialist at the Washington State Department of Commerce.
• Our mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the waters of Washington State.
• I'm with the Washington State Labor Council here in strong support of House Bill 1170.

Bills: HB2338, HB2367, HB2426, HB2606

Keywords: weatherization, energy efficiency, community projects, sustainability, environment, coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy

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

Transcript Highlights:

• So we would be working hand in hand with Washington State Ferries...
• This is something that we believe is worth pursuing with Washington State Ferries.
• We have not had dedicated funding for Washington State ferries.
• I'm a Washington State graduate myself. I'm all about it. We're about it.
• I am also a member of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for a work session and public hearing on February 19, 2026. In the work session, Switch Maritime presented a proposal for hydrogen fuel cell ferries for Washington State, including a budget proviso directing the Joint Transportation Committee to study hydrogen propulsion and a lease model for future Washington State Ferries procurement. The company described its Sea Change vessel, said the design could be adapted for Washington routes such as San Juan Islands–Anacortes, and emphasized that hydrogen fueling could be delivered through a mobile supply chain without new charging infrastructure. Senators asked about vessel flexibility, size, hydrogen availability, and terminal compatibility. The committee also received an update from WSDOT on the new public-private partnership program authorized in 2025. Staff said the agency is developing a four-phase implementation process, including consultant selection, a steering committee, a program manual, stakeholder engagement, and candidate project identification, with a report due to the transportation committees on September 1, 2026 and program launch targeted for January 1, 2027. The presentation stressed that the program manual will provide flexibility within the statute and that legislative input is being sought on engagement and project timing. The public hearing was on Senate Bill 6352, an omnibus transportation resources bill that revises and expands provisions from last year’s ESSB 5801. Staff outlined sections covering a mobile driver’s license and ID card program, a reduced-fee ID card for older drivers, changes to alternative fuel and aviation taxes and fees, revised sales tax distributions for ferry and multimodal funding, transit and bicycle education grants, fish passage permitting, clean energy siting on WSDOT right-of-way, toll notice procedures, older driver safety outreach, traffic safety camera revenue sharing, and a delay to the tow-truck indigent impound reimbursement program. The prime sponsor highlighted two priorities: digital driver’s licenses and dedicated ferry funding. Testimony was mixed. Supporters included airlines and aviation groups backing mobile ID and repeal of the luxury aircraft tax, transit and bicycle safety advocates supporting grant flexibility and continued bike education funding, and ferry advocates supporting dedicated ferry revenue. Local governments, including Bellevue, Kenmore, and Tacoma, raised concerns about the traffic camera revenue change, saying the shift from net to gross revenue would reduce local safety funding and could discourage new camera programs. The Association of Washington Cities also warned about unintended consequences in the fish passage and traffic camera provisions. RV dealers sought a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, and peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Turo asked for clarification on documentation requirements. The committee took no final vote and announced it would consider executive action the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• State law requires the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to maintain
• State law requires the Washington state. for religious purposes or a cemetery.
• State law requires the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to maintain
• Now, that's not the law in Washington State, but it does show a problem.
• Senator Trudeau, I really appreciate your question related to that. are currently in Washington State

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2158 would authorize remote notarization of tangible records and remote oaths/affirmations, with record-retention requirements and no fiscal impact; the prime sponsor and staff described it as an access-to-justice measure, and the bill drew strong support in signed-in testimony. Substitute House Bill 2239 would create a framework for family burial grounds on private land, including setbacks, notice, recording, local regulation authority, and grandfathering of existing sites; supporters said it would help rural families and some tribal members bury loved ones on family land, while WSDOT raised a technical concern about the setback from rights-of-way. Substitute House Bill 2178 would reconcile statutes with court rules on malicious mischief aggregation, infraction deadlines, payment plans, and treasurer handling of certain funds; the sponsor and AOC described it as a technical cleanup with no fiscal impact, and it was supported by AOC. The committee then heard Engrossed House Bill 2445, which would tighten probate procedures to curb “probates for profit” by extending the time to petition, narrowing who qualifies as a suitable personal representative, changing venue, adding notice and reporting requirements, and regulating agreements with transferees for value and heir-finding firms. The sponsor, Attorney General’s Office, and Northwest Justice Project said the bill would protect grieving families from predatory actors, while some probate attorneys warned it could sweep too broadly and affect legitimate heir-finding services; the sponsor said he was open to further discussion and written recommendations. Substitute House Bill 2543 would update county clerk fees to match new appellate court rules and modernize outdated references such as CDs; county clerks and county officials supported it as a technical, cost-recovery measure. Finally, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 would create a standalone gross misdemeanor for false identification as a peace officer, replacing part of the criminal impersonation statute and adding prohibitions on badges, vehicles, and attire that mimic law enforcement, with exceptions for lawful, artistic, and inherited items. The sponsor, the governor’s office, and a city representative supported it as a public-safety and trust measure, citing impersonation incidents and protections for immigrant communities. The committee also began hearing Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2532 on nitrous oxide, which would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters for personal use while exempting medical, veterinary, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses; members questioned how the law would be enforced and whether additional controlled-substance treatment would be needed. No votes were taken during the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I heard from a housing provider that has over 100 homes in Washington State.
• the private sector and in all sectors providing housing for rent in Washington State.
• the private sector and in all sectors providing housing for rent in Washington State.
• the private sector and in all sectors providing housing for rent in Washington State.
• the private sector and in all sectors providing housing for rent in Washington State.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are presenting the preliminary report on Washington State boating programs.
• We will now briefly talk about how Washington compares to other states. The U.S.
• The survey found that Washington is one of several states and territories to offer state funding to local
• Physical presence means, in Washington state, only more than the slightest presence in the state.
• This does make Washington an outlier among other states.

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, first we will go to Jerry Cornfield of Washington State Standard. Okay, good morning.
• that make this Washington more expensive than nearly any other state.
• The people in the state of Washington are getting what they voted for.
• They're leaving Washington state. They're leaving Washington state. They're leaving...
• They're leaving Washington state.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax on high earners, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans argued the income tax was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, would lead to capital flight and broader tax expansion, and was being rushed through without adequate public input. They also criticized the budget process as overspending revenues, relying on gimmicks, and setting up future deficits and tax increases. The leaders said the House was preparing to consider a transportation bond bill requiring a three-fifths vote, along with bills on data centers, pharmaceutical wholesale taxes, K-12 funding, highway construction, direct electric vehicle sales, abortion-related funding, and an electric transmission measure. They said Democrats could pass the bond bill without Republican votes if all 59 House Democrats supported it, but Republicans opposed bonding for maintenance and preservation. They also said the budget could be balanced even if some of the tax bills failed. Much of the discussion centered on the 24-hour House debate over the income tax, which Republicans said they extended to force daylight debate and highlight objections. They said the bill passed by two votes and that several Democrats privately opposed it. Republicans also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or the Working Families Tax Credit rather than special interests. In closing, they said House Republicans had been successful in opposite-house cutoff, killing 54% of Senate bills sent to the House and helping produce one of the lowest numbers of bills passed in years.

Transcript Highlights:

• of America, the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington, and the rules of the Washington State
• of America, the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington, and the rules of the Washington State
• Constitution and laws of the State of Washington, and the rules of the Washington State Senate, and
• the State of Washington, and the rules of the Washington State Senate, and that I will faithfully perform
• and laws of the State of Washington, and the rules of the Washington State Senate, and that I will faithfully

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 session with roll call, presentation of colors by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a signed national anthem by River Ridge High School students, and an invocation. The chamber welcomed new Senator Victoria Hunt and heard ceremonial remarks about the nation’s 250th anniversary and the challenges of governing during budget constraints. The Secretary of State certified the November 2025 election results, and newly elected Senators Emily Alvarado, Victoria Hunt, Deborah Krishnadasan, Tina Orwall, and Vandana Slatter were sworn in. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8660 to notify the Governor that it was organized and ready to conduct business, confirmed the committee appointed for that purpose, adopted Senate Resolution 8663 making minor Senate rule changes, and confirmed the 2026 standing committee memberships. The Senate then handled first-reading referrals and supplemental introductions, including measures referred to committees and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session. Senator Riccelli supported the cutoff schedule as necessary to complete work within the 60-day session, while Senator McCune opposed it, arguing the Legislature should prioritize budgeting earlier and take a different approach to fiscal planning. After debate, the resolution was adopted. The Senate also received House messages transmitting House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407, and both were adopted by the Senate, with 4406 calling for a joint session and 4407 addressing the status of bills and measures. The chamber received additional messages from the Governor, Secretary of State, and Senate offices, including transmittals of several engrossed and substitute Senate bills and provisional certifications of initiatives. Senators Hunt and Torres reported back after escorting the Governor’s message, noting his readiness to work with the Legislature and a lighthearted Seahawks-49ers challenge. The session concluded with reminders about the upcoming joint session and a Rules Committee meeting, and the Senate adjourned until 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The eligible institutions include the University of Houston, the University of North Texas, Texas State
• The eligible institutions include the University of Houston, University in North Texas, Texas State University
• Fiscal year 2026 reflects Texas State University and the University of North Texas moving into Tier One
• The Texas A&M System, as you know, has 12 universities, eight state agencies.
• I'm Brian McCall, Chancellor of the Texas State University System.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Higher Education met to review interim charges on the Permanent University Fund (PUF), the Available University Fund (AUF), the Higher Education Fund (HEAF), and the Texas University Fund (TUF). Legislative Budget Board staff outlined how each fund works, including PUF’s constitutional role for UT and Texas A&M, HEAF’s capital support for institutions outside those systems, and TUF’s research funding for eligible universities. They also described TUF’s growing corpus and distribution changes, and noted which institutions are nearing eligibility. Committee members asked about distribution formulas, comparisons to other states, and how funds are allocated among system institutions.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• In Washington state, the state calculates each group's gambling receipts on various types of games and
• </c><00:32:14.440><c> state</c><00:32:15.200><c> the</c><00:32:15.360><c> state</c> donations in Washington
• state the state donations in Washington state the state calculates<00:32:16.320><c> each</c><00:32:16.679
• University, you may know.
• The state plays an important role, but the state can't meet all the needs.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State Department of Transportation provides technical assistance to the employers and jurisdictions
• Commute trip reduction is already an incredibly effective program in Washington State.
• I want to share just a few short, real quotes from employers and employees around Washington State.
• State Patrol, the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council, the Association of Washington Cities
• , the Washington State Association of Counties, a nonprofit organization specializing in active transportation

Summary: The Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2307 would update the commute trip reduction program by removing the current 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. arrival-time requirement from key definitions, so more employers and shift workers could qualify for CTR benefits. The bill sponsor and several supporters, including Microsoft, transit and transportation nonprofits, local transportation management groups, and city representatives, said the change would modernize the program, improve equity, reduce congestion, and help workers with transportation costs. No one testified in opposition. HB 2374 would distinguish electric-assisted bicycles from higher-powered electric motorcycles, clarify labeling and equipment rules, and direct DOL to convene a work group on enforcement and consumer protection. The sponsor and many supporters, including cities, trail and park organizations, Washington Bikes, and several students, said the bill would address unsafe high-powered vehicles being marketed as e-bikes, especially those used by younger riders, while preserving access to true e-bikes. Some testifiers asked for additional work group members and suggested civil enforcement options for underage riders. HB 2379 would require WSDOT to suspend tolling on facilities that serve as evacuation routes during emergencies such as wildfires or levee breaches. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by constituents facing evacuation while tolls were still being charged; staff noted the fiscal impact would be indeterminate and could reduce toll revenue during suspensions. After the hearings, the committee took executive action on two bills. It adopted proposed substitute H-2771 for HB 1823, which cleans up Transportation Improvement Board provisions and removes obsolete language while retaining remaining bond authority. It also passed HB 2111, which directs interest earned from toll revenues for the Interstate Bridge project to be credited to that project. Both actions were approved by voice vote, 27-0, with two members excused.