Transcript Highlights:

• Certainly for pace.
• And, you know, again, we're we're thankful for for what we have.
• State board rule but also provides high of rigor for our classroom instruction.
• Senator Gaetz, how many high schools Joe have out in Okaloosa for 5, 5, you know, leases gas could get
• So we're hoping we'll see a holdover answered for.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• example, a fine for not appearing for jury duty.
• Because of our low orbits and Amazon Leo's high-tech antennas, we will be providing high speeds, high
• It's for those who do not have a college degree, so high school students and GED graduates receive the
• It's for those who do not have a college degree, so high school students and GED graduates, receive the
• and high-paying jobs.

Summary: The committee first heard a work session on cryptocurrency kiosks from the Department of Financial Institutions and Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon. DFI described crypto kiosks as licensed money transmission terminals that allow cash purchases of virtual currency, and said the main concern is fraud: scammers often pressure victims, especially older adults, to deposit cash into kiosks and send it to wallets controlled by organized crime. DFI cited a sharp increase in kiosk volume, nationwide fraud complaints and losses, and said Washington currently has licensing and disclosure rules but lacks transaction and fee limits. The department said it is seeking stronger disclosures, a $1,000 daily transaction limit, and a fee cap. Spokane described its unanimous ordinance banning new kiosks and removing existing ones after local scam reports, and members asked about how the machines work, whether the fraud is in the hardware or the transaction, and whether stronger warnings or screening could help. The committee then reviewed home equity sharing agreements, or CHISAs, based on a report by Mariana Amaram and testimony from DFI and industry representatives. The report found that CHISAs provide homeowners a lump sum in exchange for a share of future home value or appreciation, with no monthly payments, but that consumers often struggle to understand the products and settlement calculations. The report said the market has grown quickly in Washington, that costs can be hard to predict, and that early uncapped contracts could produce very high settlement amounts, especially during periods of rising home prices. DFI said it views these products as mortgage loans and is moving forward with rulemaking, including counseling and clearer disclosures, while industry witnesses said the products are equity-based rather than debt-based and asked for tailored regulation. Members discussed the need for better consumer education, clearer payoff schedules, and whether the products should be treated as mortgages or a separate category. The final panel focused on Washington’s space economy, with presentations from Amazon Leo, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Space Northwest, and Green River College. Speakers highlighted major in-state investments in satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and workforce training, including Amazon Leo’s Redmond and Kirkland facilities, Blue Origin’s Kent headquarters, and Stoke Space’s Kent manufacturing and Moses Lake test site. Space Northwest presented data showing the sector’s growing economic footprint, high-wage jobs, and regional clusters in Kent and Redmond, and urged more workforce programs, incentives, infrastructure support, and a state space commission. The companies emphasized local hiring, apprenticeship and certification programs, and the role of Washington’s aerospace supply chain in supporting the broader space industry. No votes were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> applications for adding grades or sites. applications for adding grades or sites.
• </c><00:20:17.039><c> So</c><00:20:17.200><c> the</c> lane for for the department.
• So the lane for for the department.
• </c><00:35:10.320><c> for</c> like a lot uh for you know one for for like a lot uh for you know one for
• So, I would hope that we can get this through and Chair Jordan, thank you for agreeing to bring this

Bills: HF3487 , HF3421

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: anonymous reporting, school safety, education, crisis intervention, threat reporting, early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, and thank you for that.
• </c> as as they pay for that energy. as as they pay for that energy.
• </c> for the opportunity to testify today. for the opportunity to testify today.
• Minnesota and what is best for homeowners for Minnesota.
• </c> for the exact same product. for the exact same product.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I hope we haven't come in for supplementals, but I can tell you something we have implemented.
• I thank you for scheduling this hearing today. I hope you'll see fit to recommend confirmation.
• Go for it. Mr.
• Prior to your nomination for Director of DIFI, you worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona for over
• For example, for a health insurer, it's risk-based capital.

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The changes in 1597, this is the funding bill for the formula bill for the grants for ambulance services
• That cell phone during the school day is one of the reasons for bullying, for fights, for vaping.
• So I would hope for some red votes today or urging the conference committees to direct that the proper
• So I would hope for some red votes today or urging the conference committees to direct that the proper
• We're looking at this as a temporary fix for something that we hope we never even have to do.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The North Dakota House convened with prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests and student visitors, then moved through a long calendar of resolutions and bills. Early in the session, members honored Mandan High School’s e-sports team for state championships and recognized House Minority Leader Zachary Ista’s birthday. The House then passed HCR 3037 unanimously, urging mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, after committee support and remarks emphasizing accountability in public office. The chamber then considered numerous Senate amendments and final-passage votes on bills covering ambulance service grants (HB 1597), Public Service Commission records and open meetings (HB 1110 and HB 1063), squatter/trespass law (HB 1305), nonconforming structures in local governments (HB 1500), academic tenure policy (HB 1437), retirement eligibility for correctional officers and state radio dispatchers (HB 1274 and HB 1419), a Medicaid dental study (HB 1567), above-ground fuel storage tank regulation (HB 1058), gaming site authorization procedures (HB 1615), an oil extraction tax incentive outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations (HB 1483), and simple assault protections for hospital workers (HB 1341). Most of these measures passed, though HB 1231, which would have created a study on early discontinuation of sex offender registration, failed on final passage. A major point of debate was Senate Bill 2354, which would restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day in public and nonpublic schools, with exceptions for medical and special education needs and annual reporting on impacts. Supporters argued it would improve focus, behavior, and mental health, while opponents raised concerns about private-school regulation, logistics, liability, and duplication with a similar bill. The House passed SB 2354, and also passed SB 2112, which temporarily authorizes the Life Skills and Transition Center to serve certain non-eligible youth in crisis, despite objections that the facility should remain focused on developmental disabilities and concerns about repeating past institutional problems. The House also debated and rejected HB 1300 on legislative term limits after extensive discussion about whether the Senate’s date change altered the effect of the voter-approved measure. The session ended with announcements, committee notices, and adjournment until April 8, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• For nearly 30 years at West Orange-Stark High School, Coach Hooks showed up every single day for his
• And it's important to recognize that we already have a high standard for which projects get that closer
• </c><01:57:41.599><c> standard</c><01:57:42.400><c> for</c> that we already have a high standard for
• that we already have a high standard for which<01:57:43.199><c> projects</c><01:57:43.760><c> get</c>
• Without objection, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit and to stop

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any requests for leave at this time? Any requests for leave at this time?
• Senate Bill 55 by Joint Budget, an act for the Arkansas Supreme Court appropriation for the 2026-2027
• And we are so grateful for your service, so grateful for your time, so grateful for your smiling wife
• for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
• Anyone wish to speak against or for? Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for?

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for that, Chair Scott, for you so much for that, Chair Scott, for giving<00:03:53.680><c> us</c><00:
• </c> for carrying this in the bill today. for carrying this in the bill today.
• I ask for your support.
• At that, I will ask for your support. Representative Feist asked for a roll call.
• </c> ask for your support. ask for your support.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for distribution expenses.
• </c> the payment is for the last bit. the payment is for the last bit.
• </c> uh you hope for on any individual uh you hope for on any individual docket,<01:13:25.520><c> but
• system for solar interconnection. So system for solar interconnection.
• </c> deserve some return for that um for that deserve some return for that um for that investment.<01

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's concern that we might basically be creating like NIL for high school, that students will want
• </c><01:12:31.160><c> high</c> basically be creating like NIL for high basically be creating like NIL
• for high school.<01:12:32.200><c> That</c><01:12:32.400><c> students</c><01:12:32.840><c> will</c><01
• Um, has a fiscal impact study been conducted or, uh, particularly for rural and high poverty districts
• Um, has a fiscal impact study been conducted or, uh, particularly for rural and high poverty districts

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For those of you who I'm still meeting, I hope this is the beginning of sharing my experiences and working
• Of course, a key priority for DFS is affordability, as it is for all of us.
• for New Yorkers.
• for New Yorkers.
• Thank you for being here.

Committee: Senate Banks

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with Chair James Sanders Jr. and Ranking Member George Borrello opening the hearing and noting a collaborative approach to committee work. The committee first considered and advanced several bills: S.114, which would prohibit state-chartered banks from investing in or financing private prisons; S.2040, which would require money transmitters to provide a consumer warning; S.5473, which would require disclosures in advertisements involving virtual tokens; and S.8406, Sanders’ bill to amend the community bank deposit program. Each bill was moved and approved by committee, with S.8406 passing unanimously. The committee then heard from Caitlin Azar, Acting Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), who outlined her background and DFS priorities. She emphasized affordability, consumer protection, stability, and innovation, and discussed DFS-led initiatives in the governor’s budget, including Banking Development Districts, non-bank mortgage CRA regulations, CDFI investment guidance, and consumer restitution. She also said DFS plans to issue buy-now-pay-later regulations in February, expand student lending protections and borrower education, and continue work on insurance affordability, including auto and homeowners insurance reforms, anti-fraud efforts, and discounts tied to telematics, dash cameras, and safe-driving courses. Members questioned Azar about the balance between regulation and access, especially in crypto, buy-now-pay-later, and insurance markets. She said DFS aims to preserve competition while preventing discriminatory or excessive practices, and described existing oversight of virtual currency, including coordination with federal regulators. Another member asked about AI in auto insurance underwriting and pricing; Azar said DFS requires transparency, bias review, governance controls, and consumer recourse, and that credit scores cannot be used to deny or increase rates. The chair also raised concerns about foreclosure in Southeast Queens, improving BDD paperwork and data collection, and increasing the number of state-chartered credit unions. Azar said DFS is working on process improvements, community input, and maintaining open communication with the committee, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken during the DFS hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the bottom line, again, is that we're asking for $6 million for the Bonding for these two projects
• What this amendment does is it basically does a ranking for those folks applying for preference for jobs
• FOR VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS FOR FOR JOBS. SO THAT'S WHAT THIS AMENDMENT BASICALLY DOES.
• Kelly, seeing none, are there plans for the path for this bill?
• For the record, John Kelly, Director of Government Affairs for MDA.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans heard a Department of Military Affairs presentation on bonding, tuition benefits, and cyber response. The department requested $3.5 million in design funding for a new hangar at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, citing safety problems with the aging 1950s-era hangars and the need to improve the wing’s competitiveness for future federal military construction funding. It also sought $2.5 million for asset preservation at Army facilities statewide, emphasizing that state dollars are often matched by federal funds. A National Guard lieutenant also testified about the State Tuition Reimbursement Program, describing how it helped pay for her undergraduate and doctoral education and reduce student debt. The committee also received an update on Minnesota National Guard cyber operations, including the response to the July 2025 ransomware attack on the City of Saint Paul. Testimony described the cyber coordination cell’s role in planning, interagency coordination, and support during the incident, including helping re-image about 500 computers and assisting with network recovery. Members heard that the Guard’s cyber teams conduct extensive partner engagement and are prepared to support state and local entities when civil resources are exhausted and the incident exceeds local capacity. Three bills were then heard and advanced. Senate File 4075, as amended, would implement recommendations from the task force on Special Guerrilla Unit and regular forces veterans from the Secret War in Laos, including eligibility and benefit changes; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill to the full committee. Senate File 3956, as amended, would clarify that the Department of Veterans Affairs may partner with veteran-serving organizations using nonmonetary resources to address food insecurity, homelessness, and suicide prevention; it was also referred onward. Senate File 4056, as amended, would add veteran or military status as a protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act; testimony supported the change, including concerns about service members losing educational opportunities while on state active duty, and the bill was passed to the full committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates a clear affordable pathway for high school to teacher certification from high school to teacher
• </c> creates a clear affordable pathway for creates a clear affordable pathway for high<00:04:49.759>
• > high</c><00:05:02.960><c> school</c><00:05:03.680><c> teacher</c> for a registered high school teacher
• So there are two commercially available paper tests for high school equivalency.
• </c> paper tests for high school equivalency. paper tests for high school equivalency.

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• wasn't one for me.
• Thank you so much for all your testimony and for your advocacy over the years.
• For background, the Personnel System Reform Act provides for collective bargaining for classified employees
• The COLAs for 2025 are 6.8%; for 2024, 5.9%; and for 2023, 7.5%.
• . $22,000 for 2025 to 2029 for the Accident and Medical Aid Account for IT changes.

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures. Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current agency count for FTEs for emergency management is 44.25.
• These elements are crucial for ensuring we operate as a high-performing accountability agency.
• Thank you for it.
• I mean it's just unbelievable what that could do for us and hoping to see those claims go up maybe double
• for that.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for joining us. Please tell us about your bill. Thank you for the record.
• Thanks for having me today. Thank you. Any follow-up questions for the prime sponsor?
• Thanks for having me today. Thank you. Any follow-up questions for the prime sponsor?
• Thank you so much for joining us, Rep. Thank you for having me. All right.
• for low construction cost.

Bills: HB2304 , HB2664

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, HB 2664, unlawful detainer, eviction notice, landlord-tenant, tenant rights, service of process, certified mail, notice by mail, notice posting, possession action, vacate notice, Washington RCW 59.12, housing law, rental housing, forcible entry and detainer

Transcript Highlights:

• For you.
• That's all I have for my briefing. Thank you. Do we have any questions for staff?
• Thank you for hearing it, and I hope that we can advance this through to get this process started.
• Thank you for hearing my testimony. I'm available for questions. Thank you.
• This is great for this neighborhood and a great win for the neighbors.

Bills: HB2514 , HB2551 , HB2236 , HB2470

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate my colleague for letting me go first and respectfully ask for an I vote.
• Please help us feel justice for Jada, justice for Connor, justice for Braden, Drew, Misha, Jose Luis,
• Please help us feel justice for Jada, justice for Connor, Justin for Braden, Justice for Braden, Drew
• Thank you for that. Thank you very much for sharing that.
• Respectfully ask for an aye vote. Well, thank you for the presentation.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on criminal justice, public safety, and detention-related issues. SB 498 by Senator Becker would make electronic messaging free for incarcerated people in CDCR facilities and end 15-minute limits on voice calls; the author and supporters argued it would strengthen family ties and rehabilitation, while no opposition testified. SB 953 by Senator Niello would require two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even when diversion is granted; victims’ family members and law enforcement groups supported it as an accountability measure, while the ACLU and Debt-Free Justice California opposed it, arguing diversion should remain an incentive for rehabilitation and safer roads. The committee also heard SB 1306 by Senator Cortese, which would align state law with federal exemptions for certain GBL-containing chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing; the author and SEMI said it would reduce unnecessary regulation and protect California’s semiconductor industry, and there was no opposition testimony. Members also considered SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost. The author and supporters described high prices for basic necessities and poor conditions in private detention centers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 691 by Senator Wahab would require law enforcement body-camera policies to include a process for EMS personnel to request redaction of recordings before public release when patients are receiving medical treatment; supporters said it would protect patient privacy, while the Sheriff’s Association opposed it as duplicative and potentially confusing. SB 562 by Senator Ashby would allow partial refunds of bail bond premiums when charges are not filed or are dropped early; supporters framed it as a fairness measure for low-income families, while bail industry representatives and victims’ advocates warned it could discourage bail agents from posting bonds and could affect domestic violence cases. The committee also took up several additional measures on consent or with no opposition testimony, including AB 2796, SB 891, SB 1012, and SB 1143. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 953, SB 1306, and SB 941, and to move SB 498, SB 691, and SB 562 forward as well, with some votes initially held open for absent members. Several bills were pulled by their authors and not heard, including SB 1004, SB 1208, SB 1338, and SB 1401. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning until the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for what you do for all of us and for my kids and for making House District 135 a destination
• done for Texans and for the children.
• Representative Cook and I share the attendance zone for Summit High School, uh, and we are honored to
• Lujan for a resolution for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• HB 3712 by rolling for the funds reserved for the certain construction materials for the Committee of