Transcript Highlights:

• technologies must operate within clear rules when Idaho consumers are at risk and gives Idaho the ability to prevent
• SB 1353 is a smart, measured step in that direction. And with that, I stand for questions.
• this motion because I would like the full body to be able to weigh in on this and listen to the full measure
• The clarification and coordination issues that are happening now are preventing current chiropractors

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proceeding to strengthen public safety, improve compliance from service providers, and assess additional measures
• There's still Assess additional measures that will deliver reliable service to Californians.
• And that’s not to prevent them from getting it, but only the district has the full view of all the things
• And that's not to prevent them from getting it, but only the district has the full view of all the things

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• common sense approach to this review of the resources bill, and that there are quite a few proactive measures
• Newenhouse, testifying as other on 7-6352, said Bellevue strongly supports the Legislature's goal of preventing
• We've met with DOR, and they informed us that their only goal was to prevent double taxation.
• You're definitely in need of more safety measures on transit, so I thank you for your consideration.

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:

• Preponderance is the long-standing civil standard used across professional licensing because our role is preventative
• HB 2408 represents an initial measure that will contribute positively toward addressing this issue.
• Much of the measure is statutory cleanup, removing outdated concepts, clarifying compliance obligations
• If the agency were prevented from establishing such criteria for coverage of higher-cost drugs, pharmacy

Bills: HB2408, HB2434, HB2725, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2732, HB2733

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• this legislation ensures that homeowners statewide may construct accessory dwelling units, and it prevents
• this legislation ensures that homeowners statewide may construct accessory dwelling units, and it prevents
• We did a well... there are actually a lot of measures that we believe show that it is a very good and
• So if you want to measure the ability of the plan to handle this and the safety of it, that's the longest

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then took up several housing bills from Senator Taves. SB 1277 would have required statewide allowance of accessory dwelling units and limited local restrictions; testimony was split between supporters who said ADUs can expand attainable housing and help families, and opponents who raised concerns about infrastructure, parking, height limits, short-term rentals, HOA/covenant issues, and local control. Senator Taves said he was willing to amend the bill to address height limits, HOA language, and a private cause of action, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to hold SB 1277 in committee. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would have promoted smaller starter-home subdivisions and allowed incentives for smaller lots and setbacks. Supporters argued it would help first-time buyers and give builders more flexibility, while opponents said the bill was too broad, too fast, and could create density and infrastructure problems. After testimony and discussion, the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1279 in committee as well. Next, SB 1280 proposed allowing duplexes and twin homes in single-family residential areas. Testimony again centered on housing supply versus local infrastructure, with county and city officials warning about septic, water, and retroactive covenant issues, while real estate testimony supported more lower-cost housing options. Senator Taves said he was open to amendments, but the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1280 in committee. Finally, SB 1276, which would remove the sunset on a PERSI provision allowing retired teachers and other retirees to return to work, received supportive testimony from the sponsor and PERSI’s director, who said there would be no negative impact on the retirement system; the committee voted to send SB 1276 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting ended with an informational presentation on PERSI COLA concerns from retired public employees, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is helping agencies measure whether policies are improving people's lives.
• to deepening partnerships, amplifying community voices, and advancing initiatives that lead to measurable
• Instead, it addresses the specific language that has prevented what should have been a straightforward
• The state law prevented them from helping donate their leave.

Summary: The committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066 and then heard confirmation testimony from Megan Matthews, director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews described the office’s growth, its work with agencies and communities, and efforts on data, contracting, and statewide outreach. Senator Hasegawa raised concerns about the Office of Equity’s relationship to ethnic commissions and whether it should remain internally focused, while other members praised Matthews’ statewide presence. The committee also heard confirmation testimony for Women’s Commission appointees Reedy Miu Kapade and Kiana Daniels, both of whom emphasized their experience serving women and girls and their commitment to the commission’s work; both appointments were noted as coming up for a vote the following week. The committee then heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit the civil service classification plan from requiring a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law. Supporters, including the sponsor, OFM, and public witnesses, said the bill would remove barriers to state employment and broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2249 would add certain Washington Technology Solutions network and security systems employees to civil service coverage; the sponsor said it would resolve a narrow inequity affecting about 20 workers, while WOTEC said it needed flexibility to recruit and retain technical talent and asked to be involved in further changes. Substitute House Bill 2411 would expand shared leave to employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions involving themselves or family members; supporters cited a state worker detained at the border and said the bill would help employees through extraordinary hardships, while opponents warned about abuse and objected to extending benefits in immigration-related cases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, dealing with voter registration challenges and list maintenance, drew strong support from voting-rights groups and county election officials who said it would curb mass, bad-faith challenges and protect eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, students, military members, and voters of color. The Secretary of State’s office and county auditors also raised concerns about ambiguity in parts of the bill, including who may challenge registrations and how deceased voters are removed from the rolls. House Bill 2417 would add a victim’s bill of rights to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice with federal protections; the Military Department and veterans advocates supported it as a consistency and fairness measure. Finally, the committee took executive action on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which changes the membership and selection criteria for the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and advanced it to the Rules Committee on a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure does not cost jobs.
• So it's not like we're preventing EV manufacturers from actually selling it.
• So it's a net neutral impact, and this still wouldn't prevent the tribes from working with dealerships
• have a couple of individuals that are here that are going to go ahead and talk about this particular measure

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure does not cost jobs.
• So it's not like we're preventing EV manufacturers from actually selling it.
• So it's a net neutral impact, and this still wouldn't prevent the tribes from working with dealerships
• have a couple of individuals that are here that are going to go ahead and talk about this particular measure

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 22, which would allow certain motor vehicle manufacturers, including electric vehicle companies, to be licensed as dealers in New Mexico and sell/service directly to consumers. Supporters, including the sponsor’s office, Taxation and Revenue, Rivian, and clean-energy advocates, argued the bill would expand consumer choice, lower prices, improve EV access and service in-state, and bring new investment and jobs without eliminating existing franchise dealers. Opponents, including auto dealer associations, chambers of commerce, and franchise owners, argued the measure would weaken the franchise system, harm local businesses and jobs, reduce community reinvestment, and could disadvantage rural and tribal communities. After questions about trade-ins, tribal land sales, tax effects, and economic impacts, the committee voted to table SB 22 by a vote of 7-2. The committee then took up Senate Bill 310, which appropriates $1.1 million to the New Mexico Environment Department for planning, design, and construction improvements to the Mora mutual domestic water system. Supporters described aging water and wastewater infrastructure, an AOC related to discharge into the Mora River, flood and fire impacts, and heavy-metal contamination concerns in private wells. They said the project is part of a larger effort to address inflow and infiltration, improve treatment capacity, and protect public health, with additional funding already sought through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the Water Trust Board. Some senators questioned whether the request should instead go through existing water funding programs and raised concerns about piecemeal financing and the Environment Department’s role, but others supported the need for the project. The committee approved SB 310 on a 5-3 due-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• just to be prepared because we'll probably ask about if, you know, if districts, I think you're preventing
• just to be prepared because we'll probably ask about if, you know, if districts, I think you're preventing
• We’ve spoken a lot in this committee about student success and measures of academic success and even
• points allow us to adjust our instruction, provide interventions, and ensure students are making measurable

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hancock prevents you from raising taxes. It doesn't stop you from spending.
• And this would help prevent that.
• So that's constantly changing based on ballot measures and all that type of stuff throughout time.
• So that's constantly changing based on ballot measures and all that type of stuff throughout time.

Summary: The committee first took up House Joint Resolution 169, which would cap spending growth and was described by supporters as a taxpayer protection measure. Representative Taylor opposed it, arguing the legislature was already considering too many tax-related measures at once and lacked a broader strategy. The sponsor said the resolution was about limiting spending, not taxes, and offered a committee substitute that added fees and surcharges into the baseline and addressed tax credits. After discussion, the substitute was adopted and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HJR 169 do pass, with Taylor and Strickler voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 2819, which would allow rounding of cash transactions now that pennies are no longer being produced. The sponsor explained a committee substitute added safe-harbor language to protect merchants from lawsuits over rounding errors. Members asked about the rounding rules and confirmed the bill remained permissive rather than mandatory. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2819 do pass unanimously. House Bill 2746, sponsored by Representative Williams, would create a property tax map feature on the Department of Revenue website showing current levies and assessed values to improve transparency. Supporters said it would help homeowners compare assessments and understand property tax differences, while opponents and agency witnesses raised concerns about the large startup cost, estimated at about $7 million, the need to gather data from many counties, and the fact that some counties already provide similar information. The Department of Revenue and State Tax Commission witnesses said the data would be difficult to compile statewide and that local participation and data standards vary widely. The bill was heard, but no vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2329, which would gradually reduce the assessment ratio for personal property from about 33 1/3% to 18% over three years. The sponsor argued the tax is burdensome, especially for working families and businesses, and said it would encourage a broader shift away from personal property taxation. Supporters echoed that it is a highly visible and unpopular tax. Opponents, including a county assessor, warned the bill would sharply reduce local tax bases, especially in rural counties, and likely force levy increases on real property or cuts to schools and other districts. The hearing ended without a committee vote on HB 2329.

Transcript Highlights:

• The alternative jet fuel must have a lower carbon intensity than conventional jet fuel as measured by
• The alternative jet fuel must have a lower carbon intensity than conventional jet fuel as measured by
• You put out the fire, stop the burn, and prevent the smoke.
• work with you during the interim to think about what language would work and make sure that we are preventing

Bills: HB1983, HB1974, HB2334, HB2367, HB2650, HB2655

Keywords: timberland, real estate, excise tax, governmental entities, property taxation, land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation

Transcript Highlights:

• the immediate response authority provision, reserve components can deploy resources to save lives, prevent
• We're actively measuring that and sharing that with the public. We've seen a 65% decrease...
• We're actively measuring that and sharing that with the public.
• Without state oversight, there is no mechanism to prevent unsafe variation in how students are prepared

Bills: HB2498, HB2443, HB2567, HB2363, HB2422

Keywords: nursing education, nursing program standards, board of nursing, state board, national accreditation, accreditation body, nursing school, nurse educator, clinical simulation, simulation director, lead nurse educator, NCLEX, licensure exam pass rate, corrective action plan, technical assistance, higher education, program approval, Washington RCW, professional development, nursing licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• The suspension is measured from the date of L&I’s final order.
• But it seems to me if they, if you can find ways to target them, find enforcement measurements and find
• prohibition... ...on an employee inducing a worker to seek treatment from a specific provider does not prevent
• employers use the E-Verify system, that they follow the law and they document in a way that would prevent

Bills: SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5437, SB6117, SB5852, SB5847, SB6067, SB6152, SB6136

Keywords: SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement, infractions, administrative penalties, license suspension, certificate suspension, endorsement suspension, registration suspension, Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, penalty schedule, repeat violations, workplace standards, construction trades, professional licensing, Washington state, factory built housing

Transcript Highlights:

• The suspension is measured from the date of L&I's final order.
• But it seems to me if you can find ways to target them, find enforcement measures and find penalties,
• prohibition... ...on an employee inducing a worker to seek treatment from a specific provider does not prevent
• employers use the E-Verify system, that they follow the law, and that they document in a way that would prevent

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee held public hearings and later executive action on several bills. Senate Bill 6158, by request of L&I, would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules to incorporate International Code Council standards and allow qualified third-party inspectors approved by L&I; the sponsor said it would make modular housing inspections more efficient and cost-effective, and L&I supported it with a requested technical amendment and no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 6197 would separate plumbing discipline standards for residential and nonresidential work, allowing suspension after five infractions in five years for nonresidential violations while keeping the current three-in-36-month standard for residential work; supporters from mechanical contractors, union plumbers, and a plumbing advisory board member said it would curb unlicensed work and unsafe practices, while opponents from contractor groups and some plumbing businesses argued it was too punitive, did not adequately distinguish commercial service from construction, and should be refined. L&I said it needed time to implement and asked for a later effective date. During executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute and advanced Senate Bill 5437, which voids noncompetition covenants, with a delayed effective date and other conforming changes; some Republicans opposed it as too broad. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6117, which would extend PERC jurisdiction and state collective-bargaining protections if federal labor law no longer applies, after rejecting an amendment that would have narrowed coverage further. Senate Bill 5852, dealing with immigrant worker protections during federal I-9 inspections, advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the private right of action. Senate Bill 5847, on workers’ compensation medical care and treatment access, advanced with an amendment removing penalty provisions and another adding claims manager positions; the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Senate Bills 6067 and 6136 also advanced, the former changing workers’ compensation health benefit calculations and the latter requiring L&I to publish actuarially indicated industrial insurance rates. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6302, which would address misclassification in finishing trades on public works by limiting contractors and subcontractors to no more than two independent contractors on covered finishing work such as drywall, flooring, tile, painting, and glazier work, with violators treated as employees for prevailing wage and workers’ compensation purposes. Supporters from building trades and pipefitters said the bill would reduce misclassification, protect workers, and level the playing field; opponents from general contractors and contractor associations said it would effectively ban legitimate independent contractors, reduce flexibility on public projects, and hurt small businesses. L&I said it had clarifying questions about how the cap would apply and asked for more specificity.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to strike that balance, that something that is clearly the inappropriate by idle measures
• I want the next generation to grow up kind supportive and respectful to banning these books could prevent
• I'm here to ask you to oppose this bill because banning books doesn't prevent children from dealing with
• But the bottom line is this is a responsible measure. It is never really focused.

Transcript Highlights:

• plan for one of these sports entertainment facilities that has details like how the facility will prevent
• testimony, the Washington Hospitality Association is looking forward to supporting bills that offer measured
• had shared a link to the federal code in advance of the hearing and that the federal challenge may prevent
• So, standing by their statements, bills like this are measured approaches to reduce administrative barriers

Bills: HB2128, HB2207, HB1701, HB2536, HB2476, HB2294, HB2229

Keywords: alcohol service, sports facilities, amusement venues, recreational activities, patron engagement, alcohol warehousing, regulation, liquor distribution, storage standards, state laws, liquor licenses, multiple premises, alcohol distribution, commercial leasing, regulatory reform, winery, restaurant license, alcohol, spirits, beer

Transcript Highlights:

• She asked what would prevent agents from pushing a product that has been reported to be very unsafe for
• And we know that our accountability measures are working because if there's, because of some bad actors
• others who have been taken to task by some of their activities, that proves that the accountability measures
• You may also hear that there are already safeguards in place to prevent agents from acting unethically

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part; supporters said it would expand provider options amid a shortage of certified programs, while opponents raised concerns about government speech and mixing religion with court-ordered programming. After debate, the bill was reported favorably 7-2. The committee also considered CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction preventing licensed insurance agents from marketing or selling health care sharing ministries; supporters framed it as restoring choice and free speech, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, commissions, and lack of insurance protections. It was reported favorably 8-2. The committee next approved CS/SB 502, via a strike-all amendment, to give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in state juvenile court rather than federal court; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously. CS/SB 52 also passed unanimously after testimony from church leaders and security personnel supporting an exemption from Class D/G licensing for unpaid armed security volunteers at places of worship. Supporters said the bill would clarify legal gray areas and help churches afford security, while members noted the broader concern that houses of worship need armed protection at all. Finally, the committee reported favorably SB 840, which revises last year’s emergency/local planning law by narrowing its application after storms from 100 miles to 50 miles of the storm track and exempting certain water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; local government representatives supported the clarification, and the bill passed 9-0. CS/SB 758, as amended, updated the membership of the Justice Administration Commission to better reflect the entities it oversees, and it also passed 9-0. The meeting ended with a recorded affirmative vote from Senator DeSigley on SB 624.

Transcript Highlights:

• EDs to have evidence-based policies and procedures for pediatric emergency care, including triage, measuring
• especially when it comes to medication, to make sure that there's no errors, and things are always measured
• I think 15 kids a day, you know, even if you have one child a day and you can prevent an...
• Even if you have one child a day and you can prevent an untoward event, it's worth the time and effort

Summary: The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably. A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no. The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members, regarding the district's maintenance program, they currently have an outstanding preventive
• would work in our maintenance group with all of the new initiatives and exciting Phase Two for Measurement
• We also manage, just as an informational note, all M&V projects (measurement verification) and all facility
• Support Manager, as of July 31st, 2025, we have seen an increase in the preventive maintenance planning

Transcript Highlights:

• C with all things fire, um, not only for post-fire restoration efforts but force management, um, prevent
• , preventing these fires, uh, especially now hearing that a lot of these, uh, a lot of these areas are
• Um, and actually, as it happens, the, the gate where we measure our obligations to Texas is also above
• The um the thing that I struggle with at times coming out of the private sector is how we measure success