Transcript Highlights:

• one is to replace the roof, gutter system, and exterior of their sample library that had damage from water
• This amends an existing contract for a water and wastewater rate data study.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants. In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services. The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.

Transcript Highlights:

• one is to replace the roof, gutter system, and exterior of their sample library that had damage from water
• This amends an existing contract for a water and wastewater rate data study.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee heard a series of appropriation requests and contract reviews across multiple sections. In Section B, members approved temporary appropriations for the Court of Appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics, and Insurance-related payments and refunds. Section C ARPA requests from DHS were approved to return unused federal funds. Section D infrastructure-related appropriations, including wildfire preparedness, broadband BEAD funding, forestry support, recycling, and oil and gas sample preservation, were approved after questions about broadband audit controls and performance safeguards. Section E DHS reallocations were approved, including large transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical to private and public nursing home lines, along with smaller transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services; members asked about the source and purpose of the medical services transfer. Sections F and G were reviewed, covering cash fund requests, federal grants, and miscellaneous grants, including community college storm repairs, corrections commissary and maintenance, 911 enhancements, maternal health, disability determinations, state police equipment, digital newspaper archiving, and CDL data improvements. In Section H, the committee reviewed pay plan appropriations and performance fund transfers tied to the new Class and Comp pay plan. Section I reviewed three methods of finance for UA Little Rock, UAMS, and the University of Arkansas system. In Section J, the committee reviewed discretionary grants, including a $1.4 million HIV services grant and nine tobacco prevention subgrants through UAPB. Members questioned the effectiveness, metrics, and addresses of some tobacco-cessation arts-based grantees, especially Arts Absolutely Inc.; after discussion, Representative Kavanaugh moved to expunge the vote on J2 and refer it back for review at a later ALC meeting, and that motion passed. J3, a Department of Energy and Environment grant for propane safety training and e-waste recycling services, was then reviewed. The committee also reviewed contracts in Section K. K-1 ratified emergency management nuclear planning work performed during a transition between agencies. K-2 construction contracts included architectural and engineering services for corrections, National Park College signage, a Razorback Road parking facility, and UAMS cyclotron installation. K-3 intergovernmental contracts covered health, education, autism waiver, stroke, newborn screening, Medicaid evidence review, and radiation testing services. K-4 out-of-state contracts included staffing, IT, tobacco prevention, audit, marketing, planetarium, recruitment, and janitorial services; Senator Irvin noted one contract appeared to belong in the out-of-state list rather than intergovernmental. K-5 in-state contracts covered staffing, cleaning, re-entry and treatment services, foster care and disability services, hearing officers, asbestos abatement, campus IT support, and janitorial work. The meeting ended after a brief personal update from Senator Irvin about tornado damage in Stone County and thanks to members for their concern, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The range of these projects includes water and wastewater treatment plants, public safety buildings,
• The range of these projects includes water and wastewater treatment plants, public safety buildings,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 573 by Representative Hilferty, City of New Orleans, Sewage and Water Board, provide for compensation
• House Bill 573 by Representative Hilferty, City of New Orleans, Sewage and Water Board, provide for composition

Bills: HR65 , HR66 , HR67 , HR68 , HR69 , HCR33 , HCR34 , HB1006 , HB1007 , HB1008 , HB1010 , HB1011 , HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , SCR2 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR11 , SCR16 , SCR17 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , SB8 , SB10 , SB12 , SB16 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB29 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB44 , SB49 , SB58 , SB68 , SB75 , SB77 , SB81 , SB97 , SB103 , SB159 , SB163 , SB172 , SB180 , SB182 , SB244 , SB248 , SB253 , SB254 , SB279 , SB306 , SB318 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB397 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB272 , HB337 , HB350 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB445 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB752 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB733 , HB875 , HB952 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB52 , HB901 , HB193 , HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning on personal privileges recognizing guests and honoring individuals and organizations. Recognitions included the Zachary High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for back-to-back state championships, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for Blue and White Day, visitors from Natchitoches Parish, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Parish Presidents Association, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, student parents pursuing higher education, and a delegation from Alexandria honoring the late Dr. Joe S. Green. The House also adopted or laid over several condolence and commendation resolutions, including tributes to former Northwestern State football coach Sam Goodwin, Michael B. Jordan, Richard Williams, and others. The chamber received a large batch of Senate bills and House bills for referral, covering topics such as retirement systems, highway memorial designations, criminal justice, education, health and welfare, municipal governance, insurance, natural resources, and tax policy. Committee reports were read across multiple committees, with many bills reported favorably or with amendments, and several measures advanced to third reading or were recommitted to other committees. Among the actions taken, the House adopted resolutions honoring community figures and organizations, concurred in several Senate resolutions, and moved a number of bills forward, including measures on criminal penalties, school policy, environmental regulation, insurance, and public retirement. Near the end of the session, the Speaker outlined plans for the next day’s floor debate, noting 54 bills scheduled and explaining that questions on bills would send them to the bottom of the list rather than removing them. The House then recessed until 3:30 p.m., with members instructed to return for regular order and continued debate on the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 573 by Representative Hilferty, City of New Orleans Sewage and Water Board, provide for compensation
• House Bill 573 by Representative Hilferty, City of New Orleans Sewage and Water Board, provide for composition

Bills: HR65 , HR66 , HR67 , HR68 , HR69 , HCR33 , HCR34 , HB1006 , HB1007 , HB1008 , HB1010 , HB1011 , HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , SCR2 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR11 , SCR16 , SCR17 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , SB8 , SB10 , SB12 , SB16 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB29 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB44 , SB49 , SB58 , SB68 , SB75 , SB77 , SB81 , SB97 , SB103 , SB159 , SB163 , SB172 , SB180 , SB182 , SB244 , SB248 , SB253 , SB254 , SB279 , SB306 , SB318 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB397 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB272 , HB337 , HB350 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB445 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB752 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB733 , HB875 , HB952 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB52 , HB901 , HB193 , HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a new original contract for drinking water analysis as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He attacked the drug cartels, blowing the boats out of the water, which he should have done.
• He attacked the drug cartels, blowing the boats out of the water, which he should have done.

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further remarks: The good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr.
• The good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Summary: The House began by signing several bills and receiving messages from the Senate that multiple House bills had passed there or that Senate bills had been signed. It then took up third reading and concurrence on a series of bills, often with sponsors explaining that Senate amendments were technical, clarifying, or improved the bills, while opponents argued some amendments broadened exemptions, weakened election protections, or created tax increases and other unintended consequences. Among the most debated measures were bills related to election administration and voting rights, utility and energy programs, local government finance, tourism promotion, and public safety. House Bill 2215 failed to concur in Senate amendments after concerns that an exemption was too broad. House Bill 1710, dealing with voting rights/election procedures, passed 57-39 after a roll call vote despite objections that it could complicate elections and reduce local control. House Bill 1750 and House Bill 1916 also passed after roll calls, with supporters describing them as technical or protective of election integrity and opponents warning about voter dilution, local authority, and access issues. Other bills passed with varying levels of support: House Bill 1903 on utility assistance passed 70-26 after supporters said it would help small counties and make the program voluntary and state-funded; House Bill 2532 on nitrous oxide sales passed unanimously as a public health and youth safety measure; House Bill 1974 on housing/conservation-related policy passed 59-37 amid debate over nonprofit advantages and county revenue impacts; House Bill 2296 passed 95-1 after supporters said it would help renters and utilities with energy efficiency; House Bill 2325 passed 91-5 with added transparency for tourism oversight; House Bill 2442 passed 51-45 despite sharp disagreement over property tax and levy implications; and House Bill 2594 passed 95-1 as the state version of McKinney-Vento protections for unhoused students. The House also transmitted or received several bills and ended the session briefly at ease.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everything under the water is what sinks the ship.
• Everything under the water is what sinks the ship.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• More than 43 million visitors in our last fiscal year; this is a new high-water This is a new high-water

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We all want clean water. We all want good and clean food.
• We all want clean water. We all want good and clean food.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, approval of the prior journal, and several ceremonial introductions. Senator Mayer welcomed students and alumni from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, highlighting early college opportunities for high school students. Senator Zellner introduced members of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Union Local 282 and honored fallen Buffalo firefighter Jayson Arno, with remarks praising firefighters’ service and sacrifice. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 1489, commemorating the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic independence. Senator Sepúlveda presented the resolution and spoke about Dominican history, sovereignty, the Dominican diaspora in New York, and the role of Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez. Senators Jackson, Weber, Bailey, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the contributions of Dominican New Yorkers. The resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate next moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills on insurance, public health, education, social services, tax, penal law, and workers’ compensation. Several bills were approved by wide margins, including measures related to vaccination policy and education law; Senator Weik opposed the public health/vaccination bill, while Senator Mayer defended it as science-based. Senator Fernandez explained and secured passage of a workers’ compensation bill that would raise a pre-authorization threshold, clarify medical treatment guidelines, and restore access to out-of-network providers for injured workers. The only contentious item was Calendar 117, a bill amending the Executive Law related to climate resilience and the Office of Resilience. Senator Walczyk offered an amendment to repeal the statewide cap-and-invest program, but the chair ruled it nongermane; the Senate upheld that ruling on a 21-aye vote. Senators Harckham, Borrello, Krueger, Lanza, Martins, and Gianaris spoke at length on climate policy, energy costs, and the bill’s merits. The bill ultimately passed 51-9. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• they're able to pay for some of the infrastructure that they put in, so they put in, you know, like water
• they're able to pay for some of the infrastructure that they put in, so they put in, you know, like water

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee met on March 2, 2006, and first introduced RS 33-260, a proposal by Representative Cannon to amend Idaho’s Community Infrastructure District Act. Cannon said the bill would extend CID authority from cities to counties, allow CIDs to fund fire protection and emergency medical services, and require CIDs to terminate after a set period rather than continue indefinitely. On motion, the committee agreed to introduce the RS with Section 5 left unchanged, and the motion carried without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 734 from Representative Furman, which would change how wind and geothermal tax revenues are distributed among taxing districts when a school district lacks a supplemental levy. Furman said the bill was intended to prevent schools from being pressured to run levies just to qualify for revenue distribution and would use the larger of certain local levy rates instead. He said the Idaho School Board Association supported the bill and the Idaho Association of Counties was neutral. After brief questions and no public testimony, the committee voted to send HB 734 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 670, sponsored by Representative Monks, drew the most discussion. Monks said it was meant to clarify last year’s urban renewal law so fire districts could opt out of urban renewal areas when there were no outstanding bonds or contractual obligations, and he argued fire districts were losing revenue while still providing service to new development. Testimony from the Association of Idaho Cities, the Eagle Urban Renewal Agency, and the Redevelopment Association of Idaho opposed the bill, warning it would further erode urban renewal financing, create ambiguity, and interfere with ongoing litigation over the meaning of contractual obligations. After debate over legislative intent and the effect on urban renewal districts, the committee approved HB 670 and sent it to the House floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• selling your home and as part of the sale price you say that, you know, irrigation is included, lawn watering
• , embedded lawn watering is included, then that's just part of the sale price.

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:

• The water infrastructure delta for the 10-state Mississippi River corridor alone is $40 billion.
• This is not confined to water infrastructure, broadband deployment, electricity generation, or energy

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs held public hearings on three measures. House Bill 2289, sponsored by Rep. Owen, would create a real estate fund to let the state more quickly sell and buy property, with proceeds from sales and other monies deposited for future real property acquisitions. Rep. Owen and Office of Administration witness Hanna-Swan said the current process is too slow and cumbersome, especially when the state needs to consolidate or relocate offices; Rep. Walshmore raised concerns about siloing funds during tight budget years, while supporters said the fund would improve flexibility and efficiency. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 189, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, proposing a Missouri sovereign wealth fund, or “Show Me Prosperity Fund.” Wellenkamp argued the state needs a long-term investment vehicle to address infrastructure and fiscal pressures, with the Treasurer investing in private markets under strict controls and the fund eventually replacing tax revenue once it matures. Members questioned the source of initial funding, the investment rules, the audit provisions, and whether the fund could be used for broader state spending; no witnesses testified in opposition or support, and no action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2906, sponsored by Rep. Mayhew, which would raise dollar limits for certain Office of Administration construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair contracts and authorize master agreements for architecture, engineering, and land surveying services. Mayhew and OA said the changes would account for inflation and reduce delays by prequalifying vendors for two-year periods instead of repeating the RFQ process for small projects. An engineering industry witness supported the bill as an efficiency measure, and committee members asked about the contract limits, the master agreement structure, and how the numbers were chosen. The hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are, they are, they have water and they can breed in improper conditions, bacteria.
• And if consumed, they are, they are, they are, they are, they have water and they are, they are, they

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have water and sewer infrastructure that has not been updated.
• because of a county highway, and our county actually gives to the state to build the highways, the water

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Waters: Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass. Anyone wishing to change your vote?

Bills: HB2684 , HJM4012

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Waters, did you want to make a few comments? All right. Thank you.
• Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do know when I started to really dig into this topic, there’s water rights forfeitures, there’s bail
• I do know when I started to really dig into this topic, there's water rights forfeitures, there's bail

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered RS 3312, a proposal from Representative Scott aimed at limiting the use of slogans, logos, or similar branding on state budget materials when those messages could be used for political promotion. Members raised drafting questions and concerns that the language was confusing and could unintentionally affect official documents and correspondence. On motion, the committee voted to return the RS to the sponsor for reworking. The committee then took up RS 3314, which would improve transparency in Idaho’s civil asset forfeiture system by requiring local reports to also be sent to the state controller for storage and publication. Scott said the bill would centralize data, not change forfeiture procedures, and suggested changing the reporting deadline from February to April to match existing local reporting timelines. Members asked about the types of property covered and the fiscal impact, and the committee approved the RS with the date change. Next, the committee considered RS 33141, another transparency measure that would add a penalty for state agencies that knowingly or recklessly fail to report executed MOUs, MOAs, contracts, and related agreements to the state controller. Scott described the bill as a response to agencies that were not complying with existing reporting law and said enforcement would likely come through legislative and appropriations action. Members raised concerns about ambiguity, possible liability, and whether the penalty should be tied more clearly to notice and cure provisions. The committee voted to return the RS to the sponsor for further work. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 504, which would address lottery syndicates by limiting bulk lottery ticket purchases and allowing the Lottery Commission to deny winnings tied to prohibited bulk-buy activity. Supporters said the bill was intended to stop organized groups, often from out of state, from buying large numbers of tickets and taking winnings out of Idaho. Questions focused on enforcement, the $5,000 purchase limit, and whether the rule would affect ordinary groups or in-state entities. After testimony, the committee voted to send HB 504 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.
• Representative Waters votes, nay, do not pass.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several technology and economic development bills. Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for House Bill 2157 on high-risk AI, House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots, House Bill 2351 on emergency responder protections, and House Bill 2186 on federal fund acquisition for economic development. Members discussed the competing approaches in the two proposed substitutes for HB 2225, including enforcement, disclosures, minor protections, and crisis-response requirements. The committee then voted to adopt the proposed substitute for HB 2225 and report it out with a due pass recommendation, with a 7-3 vote and three excused. It also passed HB 2186 out of committee with a unanimous due pass recommendation after discussion about reducing fiscal impact. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2397, which would require timely reimbursement within 60 days for state agencies and local jurisdictions mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services mobilization plan. Fire officials and fire finance staff testified in support, describing reimbursement delays of six to ten months that strain local budgets and can discourage participation in wildfire deployments. Testifiers said the bill would improve cash flow and staffing stability, while also noting the need for technical clarification on when the 60-day clock starts and possible staffing needs at the State Patrol. No one testified in opposition. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2417, which would add victim-rights protections to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice procedures with the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice. The prime sponsor and military legal experts testified that the bill closes a gap so victims serving in the Washington National Guard receive the same notice, participation, and fairness protections regardless of whether they are in state or federal status. Veterans’ advocates also supported the bill, saying it would improve trust, reporting, and accountability. The bill was scheduled for future executive action, and the meeting adjourned after the hearings.