Transcript Highlights:

• whom was referred House Bill 3388, designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, also based
• And he did so primarily ...based on a concern about the use of taxpayer-funded communication media for
• People are pissed off, and rightfully so, because games are being played in Washington at the expense
• He began his career in the State House as an intern for then Senator James Timilty, based... ...career
• Based on his exceptional work as an intern, he was hired to work as an aide in the office of Senator

Summary: The Senate first adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4521, establishing a sick leave bank for Kathleen Roder of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, by standing vote, with 8 in favor and none opposed. The chamber also suspended rules to refer several petitions to committee, including a resolution to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications and a petition on officer training related to stage suicides. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including legislation clarifying the duties of the Adjutant General and enhancing access and support for military-connected families, both with new drafts, and a bill designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, which was ordered to a third reading. A major portion of the session focused on the House’s nonconcurrence in the Senate’s amendment to the fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget and the appointment of a conference committee. Senators from both parties debated how to respond to the federal government shutdown and the threatened lapse in SNAP benefits, with repeated calls for the Commonwealth to use available state resources to prevent hunger, protect vulnerable residents, and seek federal reimbursement. Several members criticized the governor’s use of taxpayer-funded communications on the issue, while others defended the administration’s limited initial response and emphasized fiscal constraints. The Senate ultimately insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee consisting of Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor. The chamber also passed several local and special bills, including measures exempting Natick’s assistant fire chief from civil service, authorizing sewer service in Sharon, changing the term of the elected moderator in Holden, updating Medford’s linkage exaction program, and establishing sick leave banks for Candy J. Pike and Kathleen Roder. The Senate later adopted amended resolutions calling on the President of the United States to release contingency funds for SNAP during the shutdown, adopted an order to adjourn to the following Monday, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just wanted to, in transparency, make that that might change for the committee based on what the
• So I just wanted to, in transparency, make that that might change for the committee based on what the
• So you've got all that traffic, Mizzou games, you know, brings a lot of people in.
• Pretty much the first part of May to about October now is about the same as having a Mizzou game in Columbia
• problem, we discussed kind of what we talked about, that there was a budgetary appropriation, and based

Committees: House Judiciary , House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas if we can prevent things, like what you're talking about, we get ahead of the game.
• It's incredible what is going on in other countries, and some of our Texas-based companies are already
• Again, folks in the food industry have been aware of this, but we were kind of late to the game to realize
• They have to use some of these ingredients, literally based on the guidelines.
• So if you talk to schools, they're under a huge burden from the current guidelines that are based on

Bills: SB 25 , SB25 , SB314

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The CIA turned to the Mong people, skilled fighters who knew the rugged mountains of northern Laos.
• served under the direction of the United States President, the U.S. ambassador in Laos, and the CIA. skilled
• fighters who knew the rugged skilled fighters who knew the rugged mountains<00:07:41.120><c> of</c><
• opportunities for our elders to sacrifice themselves and, coming as people who had education and traits and skills
• opportunities for our elders to sacrifice themselves and, coming as people who had education and traits and skills

Summary: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates discussed House File 2444, a veterans and military affairs bill to formally recognize Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos during the secret war from 1961 to 1975. Speakers, including Rep. Ethan Cha and other veterans and family members, said the measure is long overdue and framed it as both a symbolic and practical step to restore dignity, honor, and veteran status to Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority veterans whose service had not been formally acknowledged. Testimony emphasized the historical role of the SGUs, the secrecy of the war, and the heavy losses suffered by the community. Speakers described the bill as a bipartisan effort with support from House and Senate members, and noted that a similar version had already passed the Senate unanimously. They also said the bill would help Minnesota set an example for other states and improve public understanding of the secret war and the contributions of Southeast Asian communities. Rep. Cha explained that the bill creates a new statutory definition for veterans of the secret war in Laos, establishes eligibility criteria for benefits and privileges, authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to verify veteran status, and creates a 12-member task force to advise that process. The bill would allow access to certain state veterans benefits and privileges, including veterans designation on IDs, grave markers, honor guard, state veterans cemeteries, and related preferences. In response to questions, speakers said the main challenge had been educating colleagues because the war was classified, and they estimated fewer than 1,000 SGU veterans are still alive. They also said the bill carries no major monetary benefit and is intended primarily to provide recognition and a framework for verification.

Transcript Highlights:

• from EPA, an annual base cap grant.
• And to go along with that, federal-based funding is decreasing.
• So that's based on lottery revenue. On the lottery side, that's a revenue credit.
• So that's based on lottery revenues.
• I'm game.

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's like $100 million in the base student allocation.
• It's just in the base and it was continued.
• So all the kiddos get a base student allocation. I like that.
• Current statute requires performance-based agreements.
• We are permitting funding beyond five years based on a future rule that we’ve On five years based on

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will create a state financial backstop to allow companies to ensure these California-based
• Factory-based production depends on standardized designs and repeatability.
• the fact that many of their patients were having... ...for low-income Californians based on the fact
• We've sued a number of cities based on their housing elements at my nonprofit, based on their site suitability
• AB 2252 is evidence-based, urgently needed, and long in the making.

Summary: The committee heard a long housing agenda with several bills presented before quorum was established. AB 1725, as amended, would require disclosure of nearby oil wells and methane monitoring issues in a specific district; the author and community witnesses described serious health and safety risks in Vista Hermosa Heights, while the California Apartment Association, California Building Industry Association, and California Chamber of Commerce opposed, arguing the bill targeted the wrong industry and that the state should instead fix abandoned wells directly. AB 2110, a local finance tool to create tax increment districts for workforce housing for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, drew no witnesses in support or opposition and was presented as a way to help workers live closer to jobs. AB 1732 would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and college housing projects; UC and several housing and labor groups supported it, while housing advocates raised concerns about amendments affecting existing 100% affordable housing exemptions. AB 1771, amended into a study bill, would direct HCD to report on the long-standing resident manager requirement for apartment buildings with 16 or more units; the rental housing industry supported studying the issue, while the chair emphasized the need to consider tenant protections and the impact on current resident managers before changing the law. The committee also heard AB 2185, which would direct state affordable housing programs to update guidelines to better support factory-built housing; it drew broad support from housing, labor, technology, and local government groups, with no opposition. AB 2748 would delay new EV-readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing developments, keeping the prior 40% standard through 2035; supporters said the higher standard would add significant costs and threaten project feasibility, while clean air and transportation advocates argued the code changes are modest, important for equity, and should not be rolled back. Members split along those lines, with some emphasizing housing production and others urging more public subsidy for EV infrastructure rather than delaying the code. SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the November ballot, received extensive support from housing organizations, local governments, labor, and business groups, but Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles mayor’s office asked for specific allocations for CalHome and interim housing; the bill was ultimately moved to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, with members noting ongoing negotiations over funding priorities. Finally, AB 1740 would create an urban multimodal community designation for Santa Monica, allowing local approval of certain low-impact coastal-zone activities—such as some housing, bike and bus lanes, outdoor dining, and building changes—without Coastal Commission review. The author and Santa Monica officials said the bill would reduce delays and uncertainty for infill housing and local economic recovery while preserving protections for sensitive coastal resources; supporters included housing, business, and city groups. The Coastal Commission and environmental organizations opposed, saying the bill would carve out broad exemptions, weaken public access and appeal rights, and bypass the local coastal program process that Santa Monica has not completed. Committee members debated the Commission’s role, with some criticizing it for opposing legislation and others arguing the bill was a common-sense way to modernize coastal permitting. A motion and second were made on AB 1740, and the bill was left pending with the committee’s action to be taken when appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we can't just make a decision based on one assessment or one tool.
• One of those is an evidence-based approach that Dr. Peterson and Dr.
• The $40,000 you're talking about is the minimum base we put in.
• The $40,000 you're talking about is the minimum base we put in.
• The trauma-informed research-based care.

Bills: HF4893

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Alternatively, I want to commend the fact-based approach that's being taken by this commission because
• don't evaluate restaurant loans, which they consider as very high risk and rarely ever give us loans, based
• ...loans based on meals tax and gratuities because they know those dollars are not restaurant revenue
• But in the meantime, states are not out of the game. administration.
• But in the meantime, states are not out of the game when it comes to providing fee relief on credit card

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission studying the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses held what leaders described as its last public hearing, though they said the commission would continue meeting to develop a report and recommendations. Chair Paul Feeney and other members noted the issue is complex and that they had sought testimony from a wide range of stakeholders before moving into a more deliberative phase. The commission adjourned after hearing from several in-person and virtual witnesses. Banking and card-industry witnesses, including the Massachusetts Bankers Association, the Card Coalition, the Electronic Payments Coalition, and others, argued that payment cards provide major benefits to consumers and merchants, including convenience, fraud protection, fast settlement, and broad access to electronic commerce. They warned that state-level changes to interchange rules could create a patchwork of conflicting requirements, disrupt global payment systems, and especially affect state-chartered community banks and small businesses. Several also said recent federal actions and litigation, including OCC and NCUA preemption rules and the Illinois interchange-fee litigation, have limited the practical reach of state laws. Restaurant, retail, and convenience-store witnesses pushed for relief from swipe fees, saying independent businesses operate on thin margins and pay fees on amounts that are not really their revenue, such as sales tax and gratuities. They urged transparency, the ability to surcharge, vendor compensation for tax collection, and limits on interchange or related fees. Some witnesses said merchants bear significant fraud and chargeback costs and that banks and card networks have not offered enough direct relief. Commissioners asked questions about surcharging, fee regulation, fraud, and whether industry should share more of the burden. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adjourning the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas straightforward, community-based solutions such as CPR and AED education, public access to defibrillators
• Pair; HB 2096, Veterans; HB 2974, Biologic Weapons; HB 2979, Credit Unions; HB 2984, Home Community-Based
• Arizonans are filing their tax returns, and they're doing it based on the guidance that the Department
• You can play this game. No one's going to stop you. It's your right.
• So I call on this chamber to stop playing political games, to stop the finger pointing, because we have

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month, with Representative Willoughby emphasizing CPR and AED readiness. Members also welcomed students and guests from Wilcox Christian School, the Arizona State Fair Association, and other visitors. The chamber then handled routine business including attendance, journal approval, committee assignments, and first and second readings of numerous bills. The Committee of the Whole considered several measures, including HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2223, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785. Most received do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and amendments. HB 2785, a major tax conformity bill, drew the most debate: supporters said it would align Arizona law with federal tax changes, prevent taxpayers from having to amend returns, and provide certainty during filing season, while opponents argued it would create a large revenue loss and benefit corporations and the wealthy without a clear funding plan. The committee adopted the Ways and Means amendment to HB 2785 by a 31-22 division vote, and the bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation. Back on the floor, the House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2123, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785 to engrossing. In third reading, HB 2029, HB 2120, HB 2126, and HB 2131 passed, while HB 2045 failed on a 19-36 vote and then failed again on a reconsideration motion by 25-27. Members then made several personal privilege remarks about legislative process, representation, and Black History Month, and the House adjourned until the following Wednesday afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, like for instance, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, they have additional FTE asks as well.
• As well as the base student allocation, we recommend a $100 increase to $5,472.
• As well as the base student allocation, we recommend a $100 increase to $5,472.
• And then moving into support for our seniors, both the home and community-based care...
• for our seniors, both the home and community-based care.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's our skilled workforce.
• It's our skilled workforce.
• It also is important that, you know, with our skilled workforce, we bring everyone along and we can't
• but they very quickly make that up through the course of their apprenticeship as they develop new skills
• : how do we shift the public perception so that careers in disability services are really seen as skilled

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the January minutes. Members then heard from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler, who gave an update on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s apprenticeship efforts and emphasized apprenticeship as an earn-while-you-learn model that can help address workforce shortages while including people with disabilities. He described growth in apprenticeships across sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, and noted recent milestones including the state’s 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to support program development. Committee members focused on how apprenticeship could be adapted for human services and disability-related jobs, including early education, direct care, PCA work, sterile processing, and related health occupations. They asked about funding structures, employer participation, community college involvement, and how to make programs accessible to people with disabilities. Cutler explained that apprenticeship programs are employer-designed but must meet core requirements such as paid employment, at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages. He said the state can support programs through the registered apprenticeship tax credit, which he said is $4,800 per apprentice and can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit, and through Grow grants, which were most recently awarded at about $2.1 million statewide. Members and Cutler discussed using intermediaries such as trade associations, nonprofits, and disability organizations to help employers set up programs and navigate incentives. He said the commission could be useful as a convener and suggested a targeted panel or information session with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and existing sponsors to identify a few specific occupations and build a proof of concept. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on potential partner employers, including Eastern Bank, and on possible next steps for a focused panel or pilot opportunities.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's our skilled workforce.
• It's our skilled workforce.
• And it also is important that, you know, our skilled workforce, that we bring everyone along and we can't
• but they very quickly make that up through the course of their apprenticeship as they develop new skills
• : how do we shift the public perception so that careers in disability services are really seen as skilled

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in Massachusetts. Cutler described the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to grow apprenticeships beyond the building trades into sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, emphasizing that apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model with strong retention and career advancement. He noted recent milestones and supports, including the 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to help employers launch programs. He also said the administration is open to using grants, incentives, and convening power to encourage more human services and disability-focused apprenticeships. Members focused on how these models could work for disability and human services providers, especially in lower-wage fields like early education and direct care. They raised examples such as sterile processing, PCA services, mental health, brain injury, independent living centers, and programs involving community colleges, Bridgewater State, and vocational schools. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, 150 hours of related instruction, a mentor relationship, and progressive wages, but employers largely design the program themselves. He said intermediaries such as the Massachusetts Bankers Association or disability organizations can help employers navigate the process and that the state can support these efforts through grants and tax credits. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of community colleges, and how to make careers in disability services more visible and valued. Cutler said the registered apprenticeship tax credit is $4,800 per apprentice, can be claimed twice for longer apprenticeships, and is stackable with the disability employment tax credit. Members suggested hosting a targeted virtual panel with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and intermediaries to identify a few priority occupations and develop concrete next steps. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on specific opportunities and potential partners, including Eastern Bank and existing apprenticeship programs in health care and related fields.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's our skilled workforce.
• It's our skilled workforce.
• And it also is important that, you know, our skilled workforce, that we bring everyone along and we can't
• but they very quickly make that up through the course of their apprenticeship as they develop new skills
• : how do we shift the public perception so that careers in disability services are really seen as skilled

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in the Healey-Driscoll administration. Cutler described apprenticeship as a key workforce tool, especially for sectors with labor shortages, and highlighted growth in early education, health care, banking, bio, and human services. He noted the administration’s milestones and supports, including reaching 10,000 registered apprenticeships, expanding the registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATSY), lowering program fees, adding apprenticeship liaisons, and issuing Grow grants to help employers start programs. Members focused on how apprenticeship could better serve people with disabilities and human services employers. They raised examples such as sterile processing, radiology, PCA services, developmental disability supports, and community college partnerships, and asked how smaller or lower-paid providers could afford to participate. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include on-the-job learning, related instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages, and employers largely design their own programs. He said the state can support through tax credits, grants, and intermediaries such as trade associations or disability organizations that help employers navigate the process. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of intermediaries, and possible collaboration with community colleges and organizations like Commonwealth Corporation. Cutler said Eastern Bank did not currently have a program but could be a potential partner, and he confirmed that the RATSY credit is $4,800 per apprentice, with a cap and online application process, and that it can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit. The subcommittee agreed to follow up with Cutler’s team, identify a few priority occupations, and consider a targeted panel or information session to help expand apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and in human services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Examples of services at RHCs include daily living skills, medical and dental services, employment services
• you could buy yarn packages and beads in order to do things with your hands, kind of like a coping skill
• It's in order to do things, you know, with your hands, kind of like a coping skill, especially with long
• , but a short-term placement where people can receive habilitative support services and learn the skills
• , but a short-term placement where people can receive habilitative support services and learn the skills

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2539 would raise the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100, allowing incarcerated people to retain more money for commissary items like hygiene products, postage, and medications before deductions for legal financial obligations, child support, and other debts. Representative Street said the bill is meant to better cover essentials without stopping debt repayment. Testifiers from Civil Survival, incarcerated people, and family advocates supported the bill, describing current commissary prices, low prison wages, and the burden on families. The committee also heard that the Department of Corrections expects some indeterminate implementation costs and IT expenses. No vote was taken. House Bill 2510 would require the Department of Corrections to supervise anyone sentenced to community custody for stalking, regardless of risk classification. Representative Burnett said the bill is intended to protect victims and give them peace of mind. Staff explained that the bill is narrower than a related measure heard earlier because it applies only to people sentenced to community custody, typically at the superior court level. Victim advocates and survivors testified in strong support, describing stalking cases that escalated to severe threats and violence and arguing that mandatory supervision could prevent future harm. The hearing was closed without action. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319 and Substitute House Bill 2350, both concerning residential habilitation centers. HB 2319 would rename Fircrest School and Rainier School to remove the word “school” and better reflect their current role as residential habilitation centers; supporters said the old terminology is outdated and confusing, while the sponsor said the bill is a clarification only and does not change services or funding. HB 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and other designated people when an RHC falls out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to post plain-language notices at the facility. Supporters from Disability Rights Washington, The Arc, and self-advocates said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The committee closed public hearing on both bills, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :19:20.640><c> on</c> An OIG to be seen as somebody who is on a witch hunt or going after somebody based
• At that point we can either renew it based on the product that's done or say maybe this advisory council
• At that point we can either renew<01:13:21.840><c> it</c><01:13:22.320><c> uh</c><01:13:22.480><c> based
• We got into politics, not because of our math skills here.
• </c><01:18:43.840><c> So,</c> math skills here. So, math skills here.

Transcript Highlights:

• The assessment tools for placing youth do not accurately predict risk, and program access is based on
• The assessment tools for placing youth do not accurately predict risk, and program access is based on
• , not necessarily based on the size.
• Third is to increase the local tax base by adding property to the tax rolls.
• And the estimate is based on the amount of landfill gas collected...

Summary: The committee met on July 15, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so it could not adopt prior minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and new JLARC staff, and noted national recognition for recent JLARC reports. The meeting then moved into a series of preliminary audit presentations and an agency strategic management update, with committee members asking questions after each item. JLARC presented a preliminary audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Staff concluded that crowding, staffing shortages, weak risk assessments, and inconsistent programming combine to create unsafe conditions. The report found that most youth are housed in two large secure facilities operating near or above capacity, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessment tools are not valid for the population, and program access depends more on facility than individual need. JLARC made one recommendation to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF, including improving retention, training, incident response procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, and data quality. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the agency agreed overcrowding is a serious problem, described ongoing efforts to improve staffing and safety, and said a detailed response would be provided later. Committee members raised concerns about education access, retaliation against staff or youth who participated in the audit, and whether JR-25 has helped or worsened conditions. JLARC then presented a preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. The audit found that L&I generally meets inspection timelines for health and safety complaints, but not for wage and hour or retaliation complaints, where delays are driven largely by time before assignment to an investigator. Staff said complaint volume exceeds capacity, though the agency has added staff, created screening processes, and reorganized workloads, and 2026 legislation now allows prioritization of complaints and broader investigations. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. An L&I representative said the agency is hiring additional staff and will provide a formal response later. The committee also received a JLARC overview and Department of Health strategic management plan update on hospital data reporting, inspections, complaints, and adverse event reporting. DOH reported measurable progress on inspection compliance, new staffing and licensing systems, translated complaint forms, and plans for future work on language access, adverse event reporting, and financial data dashboards. After lunch, JLARC began its 2026 tax preference performance reviews. The first review covered the Main Street tax credit, which JLARC said has helped increase the number of Main Street communities and businesses, with positive growth near designated districts; JLARC recommended continuing the preference and improving business-count data. The second review covered the equitable access to credit program, which JLARC said appears to support underserved communities by funding loans through CDFIs; JLARC recommended continuing the preference beyond its 2027 expiration. The committee began questions on the program mechanics and the role of the Community Reinvestment Act, and the presentation was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• to vote yes on the amendment only because committee amendments help kill bills at this stage of the game
• I sign, I enlist in the military and I get deployed to Whiteman Air Force Base.
• Well, Whiteman Air Force Base is in Missouri. Or one of the Indiana Air Force Base is or someplace.
• Louis area: Scott Air Base over in Illinois.
• Base right now.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee first took up Senate Bill 1032, which would provide a $2,400 tax deduction related to the birth or adoption of a child. Vice Chair Davis offered a committee amendment to broaden eligibility by changing the trigger from “gives birth or adopts” to “attains legal parentage,” which would include birth, gestational carrier surrogacy, adoption, and legal parent-child relationships by operation of law. Members discussed that the deduction amount would remain the same and that it could be claimed only once per child. The committee adopted the amendment and then adopted a substitute incorporating it, but the substitute failed on a tied roll call vote of 4-4, so the bill did not advance. The committee then heard House Bill 3294, sponsored by Representative Mayhew, which would eliminate the need for active-duty military personnel who are exempt from Missouri income tax to file a state return just to receive a refund of withheld taxes. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce paperwork for service members and lower administrative costs for the Department of Revenue, while still leaving federal filing requirements unchanged. Members asked about residency rules, whether the bill applied to retirees or only active duty, and how withholding would work for service members stationed in or out of Missouri. No vote was taken on House Bill 3294 during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after final comments, noting it was likely the committee’s last hearing of the session, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a game-changing test, and the legislature should ensure that necessity is determined by doctors
• My insurer denied coverage for the test based on their determination of medical necessity.
• their</c><00:15:39.240><c> determination</c><00:15:39.959><c> of</c><00:15:40.160><c> medical</c> based
• on their determination of medical based on their determination of medical necessity<00:15:41.720><c>
• </c> interventions are conducted based interventions are conducted based largely<01:07:11.079><c> on<

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of increasing hiring of attorneys, some of this is based on just what I've seen and also what
• I'm happy to follow up, and we do have statistics based on our 10101 applications.
• The benefits of a mental health professional as an expert is they have a base level of training.
• on time, not based on CPS records or medical records, so you could see the patterns during that time
• I'll just say that these are very county-by-county-based decisions.

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Summary: The work session began with testimony on expanding opportunities in the legal profession, especially in response to rural attorney shortages and public service recruitment. Washington State Bar Association Executive Director Tara Nevitt described a growing but aging attorney workforce, noted that younger attorneys have declined, and outlined efforts including supervised practice as an alternative to the bar exam, reduced admission-by-motion experience requirements, expansion of the law clerk program, rural job fairs and grants, and a pilot program for innovative legal service delivery. Members asked about bar passage standards, loan repayment assistance, and the former limited license legal technician program. Representatives from the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Gonzaga discussed law school pipelines into public service and rural practice. They described early outreach to students, loan repayment assistance and scholarships, public service stipends, clinics and externships, and partnerships that place students in government, nonprofit, prosecution, and defense roles. Seattle University highlighted its Flex JD and hybrid hub model in rural communities; Gonzaga presented data showing many graduates remain in Washington and enter public interest work; and UW emphasized that unpaid internships and debt remain barriers. The Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Office of Public Defense both testified that prosecutor and defender vacancies are severe in rural counties, and that salary, hiring bonuses, housing support, internships, and loan repayment programs are important tools. The Office of Public Defense said its new recruitment and retention program, funded by SB 5780, has already placed interns in underserved counties and helped some commit to future jobs there. The Washington State Bar’s law clerk program was also described as a pathway that helps people train and remain in their home communities. The committee then shifted to family law, guardians, and guardianships. On guardian ad litem practice in Title 26 cases, Northwest Justice Project and private family law practitioners said training has improved since 2018, but concerns remain about inconsistent investigations, bias, inadequate domestic violence training, lack of oversight, high costs, and uneven county practices. They suggested more robust training, better accountability, and possible use of mental health professionals for custody evaluations. For minor guardianships under the Uniform Guardianship Act, a Superior Court judge said filings have increased and courts struggle to find qualified attorneys and court visitors, while the Administrative Office of the Courts said its $3 million annual reimbursement program for local courts is running out earlier each year and that minor guardianship costs make up most of the spending. The Office of Public Guardianship reported rising demand for adult guardianship services, noting that recent legislation expanded its caseload capacity and added a navigator role, but that referrals and active cases continue to grow statewide.