Transcript Highlights:

• Our legal experts exhaustively searched other states' penal codes asking for anything similar and were
• of other states.
• Senate Bill 221 will better protect victims of stalking by amending the state Penal Code to conform to
• When you look throughout the Welfare and Institutions Code section, again, state policies set forth what
• We have state compacts for youth moving among the state.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• State of Arizona legislative proclamation, the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
• route 87, 1398 CCF determinations, 1455 procuration, state route 24.
• Your Natural Resource, Energy and Water Committee will meet in Hearing Room 4 at 2 p.m.
• of Arizona, and reclaimed water, and whereas every community and every sector of this state...

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the doctor of the day. Members also offered personal privilege remarks, including a thank-you for care packages sent to deployed National Guard troops, an introduction of Mom’s Demand Action guests, and a proclamation honoring the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. The Speaker announced several committee assignments and bill referrals, including the withdrawal and reassignment of SB 1050 and SB 1519, and the House then moved into Committee of the Whole. In Committee of the Whole, the House considered and approved three Senate bills. SB 1125 received a do pass recommendation; discussion noted it was part of a broader set of child welfare-related measures stemming from hearings and the Emily Pike case, with emphasis on communication gaps between tribes and DCS, and DCS’s support for the bill. SB 1193 was amended on the floor to include paramedics along with EMTs, with supporters saying the bill protects private information held by DHS vendors. SB 1448 was also amended and passed; it adds utility, telecommunications, and video service workers to the aggravated assault statute when they are engaged in official work duties, and members debated whether the protection was necessary or overly broad, with supporters stressing on-duty protection and opponents questioning the need for a special classification. After the Committee of the Whole rose, the House adopted its report and referred the three bills to engrossing. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on SB 1023, relating to optometrists, which passed 43-10, and SB 1211, relating to sentencing, which passed 53-0. The House also heard announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a proclamation naming April 26 through May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week. The House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:21.520><c> energy</c><00:25:21.880><c> assistance</c> implement state-level energy assistance
• implement state-level energy assistance funding<00:25:23.080><c> should</c><00:25:23.320><c> you</c>
• Welcome to the Energy Committee. Please state your name for the record and you may begin.
• Welcome to the Energy Committee. Please state your name for the record and you may begin.
• [Music] The state Senate Energy Committee will come back to order.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Relations in Washington.
• Directly contravene state law.
• The state farm...
• The state action might impact you; we could always do it better.
• John's and holds a Master's in Energy from the University of Houston.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• leaving our state for states like California?
• Because this state, ladies and gentlemen, the first fact that I will state for this body is this state
• In fact, all Ten Commandments appear somewhere in statutory code in all 50 states.
• Are you aware that our very first President of the United States, George Washington, in 1789, in his
• Well, state policy—what we have done in our education code is provided that human sexuality is to be

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So states can view the other member states' licensure rosters through the data system.
• So states can view the other member states' licensure rosters through the data system.
• The states are actually... Basic.
• licensees from other states.
• licensees from other states.

Bills: S2636 , S2628 , S2913 , H4907 , H4877 , H4661 , H4662 , H4597 , H4719 , H4019 , H559 , H4588

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: cosmetology, cosmetologist, beauty industry, hairdresser, esthetician, salon, licensure compact, interstate compact, multistate license, license reciprocity, professional licensure, occupational licensing, workforce mobility, license portability, military spouse, military family, background check, disciplinary action, scope of practice, consumer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1351 by the State Affairs Committee: An act relating to state office vacancies
• This one involves the State Hospital North, State Hospital South, and State Hospital West.
• We have a state flower, bird, and we also have a state dinosaur.
• state sport.
• Other states have done it as well.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the March 11 journal and received routine communications, including notice of a temporary substitute senator and several committee reports. The chamber also received a gubernatorial message transmitting signed Senate bills and House messages on enrolled bills and new legislation. Committee reports moved a number of bills forward, including measures on finance, judiciary, resources, education, local government, agriculture, and transportation, with some bills held for amendment or one legislative day. On the floor, the Senate considered several third-reading bills. Senate Bill 1351, concerning state office vacancies and limits on reappointed gubernatorial appointees, passed 34-0. Senate Bill 1364, revising the expiration of temporary administrative rules, passed 35-0. Senate Bill 1370, amending the abortion trafficking statute by removing the word “recruiting” after constitutional concerns raised by the Attorney General’s office, passed 28-6. Senate Bill 1337, allowing limited flexibility for small irrigation district boards, passed 34-0, and Senate Bill 1339, replacing continuous improvement plans with multi-year strategic performance plans for schools and reducing reporting requirements, also passed on a 34-0 vote. The Senate also passed House Bill 576 on the Consumer Asset Recovery Fund, House Bill 731 on participation in the federal tax credit scholarship program, House Bill 591 cleaning up obsolete indigent eligibility law, House Bill 663 shifting agricultural license plate design authority, House Bill 543 updating retirement system Roth contribution language, House Bill 563 revising CPA licensure pathways, and House Bill 652 designating hunting as Idaho’s state sport. Senate Bill 1303, revising provisions related to renewable/sustainable energy resources and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, passed 27-8. House Bill 822 was introduced, and Senate Bill 1227 received House amendments that the Senate concurred in. The major defeat of the day was Senate Bill 1375, the fiscal year 2027 Health and Human Services maintenance appropriation bill. After extensive debate over Medicaid rate reductions, provider impacts, federal funding losses, and the use of reserves versus cuts, the bill failed 10-25 and was retained by the Secretary. The Senate then returned to committee reports, received additional House and Senate messages, and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Across the country, we're seeing states take meaningful steps to align their energy systems with climate
• Across the country, we're seeing states take meaningful steps to align their energy systems with climate
• Across the country, we're seeing states take meaningful steps to align their energy systems with climate
• Across the country, we're seeing states take meaningful steps to align their energy systems with climate
• But nothing at hyperscale in our state with these kinds of impacts on resources, on energy costs, on

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills, with extensive testimony on cost, ratepayer impacts, and climate or reliability goals. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and support renewable natural gas development by reducing interconnection cost barriers. Supporters said RNG helps methane reduction and organic waste diversion, while opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, argued the bill could shift costs to ratepayers and subsidize combustion-based fuels, especially dairy digesters. The author said committee amendments removed the rate-basing provisions and instead urged the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision; the bill was left for a later vote. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Diablo Canyon Community Impact Mitigation Program through 2030. Supporters said San Luis Obispo County and local schools rely on the funding for emergency preparedness and public safety, while TURN argued the extension would add about $47 million in statewide ratepayer costs and should instead be paid from existing PG&E deal revenues. Members discussed the bill as a continuation of the 2022 Diablo Canyon agreement, and the author said the measure simply restores the five years omitted from that deal. The committee also heard SB 1215 by Senator Cortese, which would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing. Supporters said renters and apartment residents are largely shut out of home charging, and that prior utility programs showed the model can be cost-effective and beneficial to ratepayers. The bill was amended to address affordability, ratepayer benefits, and limits on major system upgrades. SB 1295 by Senator Stern would create a framework for using distributed batteries and other local resources to solve grid constraints more cheaply than traditional infrastructure. Supporters said it could improve reliability and reduce costs by targeting batteries where they provide the most grid value, while utilities said they were open to continued discussion. SB 1359, also by Senator Stern, would require the CPUC to more carefully evaluate major gas infrastructure investments and alternatives such as electrification before approving new spending. Environmental groups supported the bill as a guardrail against stranded assets, while gas utilities opposed it, warning it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and retroactively change the rules for approved investments. On water policy, SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Supporters said about 1.6 million households have water debt and that affordability is a statewide issue, not just a problem for disadvantaged communities. Some members raised concerns that the bill lacked a funding source and that state mandates, such as chromium-6 treatment requirements, already strain local water agencies; the author and supporters responded that the bill includes administrative caps and transparency measures and is intended to work alongside future funding. The committee then heard SB 1098 by Senator Pérez, which would restrict the use of utility memorandum and balancing accounts by requiring exceptional circumstances, adding sunset dates, and creating cost-sharing or lower-return rules for certain spending. TURN and other supporters said the accounts allow utilities to recover costs after the fact with too little discipline, while Edison and PG&E opposed the bill, arguing that some costs are unpredictable and that the CPUC already has a formal review process. SB 1125 was moved to Appropriations with a roll call, and the roll was left open for additional votes; the other measures were discussed with no final committee actions announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and so when we leave our poorest tax code or our sales tax code the way it is, we currently exempt
• Similar taxes in other states, primarily Maryland and Washington, are already being litigated, putting
• My name is Deb Peters, and I'm a recovering state senator from the state of South Dakota.
• of the state count on.
• of the state count on.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• AI Safety Act, amending Title 48, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new Chapter 21, Title 48, Idaho Code
• 65, Title 67, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section, 67-6541, Idaho Code, to establish provisions
• That is already through all of our codes.
• Idaho does not have an official state gun.
• gun, which many other states do have as a state official gun, so we're not out there doing anything

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. The chamber then received messages from the Governor and Senate, including notice of several House bills signed by the Governor, Senate bills and resolutions transmitted for signature or first reading, and committee reports advancing a number of measures. The House also referred Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 to State Affairs and introduced several new bills, including House Bills 936 and 937, and Senate Bills 1297 and 1352, all of which were sent to committee. On third reading, the House passed House Bills 873, 890, 900, 928, 929, 930, 932, 879, 898, 896, 895, 856, and 911, along with Senate Bills 1321, 1224 as amended, 1347, 1380, 1381, 1383, 1384, 1385, 1386, and House Resolution 28. The bills covered election deadlines, surplus state property, insurance claims on state facilities, a merit-based health care/DEI restriction bill, patient-negotiated medical discounts, campaign finance reporting, an advisory ballot question on an official state gun, industrial hemp regulation, historic preservation office reorganization, enforcement of compliance with state law, data center water use, protection of human remains, large-load utility ratepayer protections, and several appropriations or enhancement budgets. Most passed by comfortable margins, though House Bill 928 drew the most debate and passed 56-14, and House Bill 930 passed narrowly 36-34. Several measures drew notable testimony or opposition. Supporters of House Bill 928 argued it would remove DEI-related practices from Medicaid health care and replace them with merit-based standards; opponents warned it would block anti-racism and implicit-bias training and could worsen health disparities. House Bill 896 prompted concerns that it politicized enforcement of the law by allowing selected officials to refer alleged violations to the Attorney General, while supporters said it created a needed compliance mechanism with a cure period. House Bill 895 on data centers, House Bill 911 on large-load utility protections, and House Bill 856 on human remains all emphasized transparency, resource management, or closing loopholes. The House also returned some bills to committee, sent others to general orders, made announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if there's only 10 states...
• Because 10 states is not very much when you're looking at 50 total states. Mr.
• So you're talking about people in state. in those states.
• in our state.
• That is from the state gas tax.

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 16, 18, and 24, 2026. It then heard House Bill 664, which would remove differential speed limits for commercial vehicles and make truck speed limits consistent with posted limits for other vehicles. Representative Pickett argued the bill was about reducing speed variability and related crash risk, not setting a new speed limit. Trucking industry witnesses testified that heavier trucks need longer stopping distances, many fleets govern their trucks below posted limits, and the bill would not materially change truck speeds but could increase safety risks if some trucks went faster. Other members raised concerns about triples, urban-area language, and whether the bill could effectively open the door to higher truck speeds. After debate, the committee voted 10-6 to send HB 664 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 667, which would remove the statutory requirement that Idaho DMV offer non-domiciled CDLs and instead give the department discretion. Representative Handy said the bill was a response to recent crashes involving out-of-state CDL holders and would let Idaho step back while federal rules settle. With no opposing testimony, the committee quickly passed the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 717 followed, proposing a $75 fee for new residents who fail to register vehicles within 30 days and for vehicles not renewed after expiration, with an exemption for vehicles not in use. Representative Mickelsen said the bill would ensure new residents help pay for roads and infrastructure. The Idaho Association of Counties and Highway Districts asked for amendments so the fee would go to the highway distribution fund rather than the state highway fund and to clarify the exemption language to include local roads. The sponsor agreed to the amendment request, and the committee sent HB 717 to general orders. Finally, House Bill 716 was heard, which updates highway distribution account language and increases the local bridge inspection fund from $175,000 to $300,000 to match current costs and secure federal matching funds. After brief questions, the committee passed HB 716 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A5.
• The amendment is coded A2.
• our state.
• . state. state.
• They sued the state of Arizona, they sued the state of Connecticut, they sued the state of Illinois,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• DC and I have no problem with Washington DC and I have no problem with the<00:45:03.760><c> state</c
• </c> being from Washington DC. being from Washington DC. &gt;&gt; I<00:50:38.720><c> am.
• </c> Washington DC. Washington DC.
• States.
• </c> the judicial branch of state government. the judicial branch of state government.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kara Whitman, Washington State University.
• the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
• State Tree Fruit Association, and Danny Madrone, who is the legislative director of the Washington State
• We are co-conveners of the Food Policy Forum alongside the Washington State Department of Agriculture
• I'm serving as the administrative chair for the Washington State Food Policy Forum.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:28.640><c> the</c> States cannot continue carrying the States cannot continue carrying the
• Yet, when the United States called to.
• </c><02:25:38.640><c> grids</c><02:25:39.040><c> and</c> attacks on energy grids and attacks on energy
• Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, um, San Francisco, and other states have passed their own state
• </c><02:44:11.520><c> of</c> Constitution of the United States of Constitution of the United States of

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are about 45 organizations like ours around the state that do this work.
• But we don't have those same consumer protections as other states across the country.
• nobody should be preyed upon during a state of emergency.
• Other states range from that 10% to 24% increase, and we're at that 20% mark.
• We are the only state that has a price gouging statute without clear definitions during a state of emergency

Committee: Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection met with a quorum, adopted the June 17 minutes, and took testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 1053, sponsored by Chair Kavanaugh, would raise the acreage cap for neighborhood enterprise zones from 15% to 20% for certain zones. Supporters from Invest Detroit and the City of Detroit said the change would help make housing and redevelopment projects viable, especially in high-tax areas like Detroit, and the bill was reported to the floor on a 6-2 vote. The committee also heard Senate Bill 988, sponsored by Senator Santana, which would extend from 30 to 35 days the deadline to appeal a denied poverty exemption to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The sponsor and Detroit’s property assessment director described it as a technical alignment with the Tax Tribunal Act and a correction to conflicting timelines; the bill drew support from the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Michigan Chamber, and the Tax Tribunal, and was reported unanimously. The committee then adopted S-1 substitutes for Senate Bills 1041, 1042, and 1043, the price-gouging package sponsored by Senators Moss, Chang, and Kavanaugh. Sponsors of the price-gouging bills said the package would strengthen Michigan’s emergency price-gouging protections by defining excessive increases during declared emergencies, covering lodging, essential goods and services, and energy products, and giving the Attorney General clearer enforcement tools. Supporters included the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Attorney General’s office, while the Michigan Chamber, Mackinac Center, and NFIB opposed the package. Despite the opposition, all three bills were reported to the floor on 5-3 votes. The meeting adjourned after all reported bills were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state, Washington State, has an estate tax, which is a tax on the right to transfer property at the
• The only people who will leave the state of Washington now are those intent on disabling our already
• I'm here on behalf of the Washington State Budget and Policy Center, here to share concerns in opposition
• State.
• This bill will make it economically feasible to stage products in Washington State for regional distribution

Bills: SB6114 , SB6244

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: excise tax, definitions, tax law, taxation, fixtures, affixed, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Which is light, life, energy.
• HB 246, natural resources, energy and water. HB 2147, deer permits.
• Natural resources, energy and water. HB 2151, surface water definition.
• HB 2170, state contract fund to prohibition.
• HB 2211, State Route 88. Transportation and Appropriations.

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernesto Ramirez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Rachel Keshel. The journal from January 12 was approved, and Dr. Andrew Carroll was introduced as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13 as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts. The chamber then handled routine business, including messages from the Senate and two motions related to adjournment. The House agreed to grant the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and also requested the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Members observed personal remarks for former Senator Barbara Left and Representative Kyle Powell. A long list of bills and resolutions was introduced and read for first and second reading, covering topics such as elections, water policy, education, public safety, health care, agriculture, taxation, and several memorials and resolutions. No substantive debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee announcements were made for several meetings, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, 247 spellers from every state were buzzing to arrive at Darh Constitutional Hall in Washington
• This year, 247 spellers from every state were buzzing to arrive at Darh Constitutional Hall in Washington
• Senator Sheila Kuehl was California's first openly gay state legislator.
• in over 40 states.
• They have a full-time staff in... ...and official chapters in over 40 states.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy study is expanded to include regional impacts
• It requires the Washington State Institute for Public Policy study to evaluate the effectiveness of the
• And it requires the Washington State Institute for Public Policy Study to evaluate the effectiveness
• Washington state is still a predominantly white state, but I've read that people, particularly from the
• In Washington state, there's an estimated 1,600 veterans that are affected, losing about $1.8 million

Summary: The committee met to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning the Office of Privacy and Data Protection. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 and several amendments. The substitute would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, require tribal consultation, update the community reinvestment plan on a regular cycle, expand reporting and Office of Equity responsibilities, add definitions, and broaden the WSIPP study. Amendments to shorten the plan update cycle, restrict recipients from receiving other state housing assistance, bar certain officers and family members from grants, require independent audits, and expand WSIPP review were debated; only the amendment changing the plan update cycle from 10 years to 5 years was adopted. The committee then voted 8-5 to report the substitute HB 2523 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. HB 2606, which was described as implementing JLARC recommendations to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency in privacy/data protection functions, was then approved unanimously and reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. HB 2684 would establish rebuttable presumptions that members of certain groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification, including adding Middle Eastern and North African individuals to the framework. Testimony was split: some speakers opposed the bill as discriminatory or constitutionally problematic, while others, including representatives of MENA businesses, CAIR Washington, and OMWBE, supported it as a needed fix to improve access to certification and contracting opportunities. The chair noted that amendments could still be submitted before the next day’s executive session, and the bill was set for further consideration the following morning. House Joint Memorial 4012 urges Congress to bring the Major Richard Star Act to a floor vote. The prime sponsor and veteran advocates testified that the memorial seeks to address the “wounded veteran tax” by allowing combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and VA disability compensation. Supporters said the change would correct an inequity affecting Washington veterans and their families. The committee closed the hearing on the memorial and announced that both HB 2684 and HJM 4012 would be considered the next morning.