Transcript Highlights:

• Ecology was directed by a previous legislature to submit a report to the legislature in December of 2026
• It directs Ecology to recommend a clear compliance path and for EITEs to report on their emissions and
• They have high- and medium-pressure steam needs and direct high-temperature heat needs all throughout
• They have high- and medium-pressure steam needs and direct high-temperature heat needs all throughout
• So we also have to decarbonize direct fossil fuel use by EITE facilities.

Summary: The Environment and Energy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2537, which would change how energy-intensive, trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) are treated under the Climate Commitment Act. Committee staff and the bill sponsor explained that the measure would require Ecology to update its post-2034 report to include proposed allowance-reduction methods, leakage-risk adjustments, and consignment recommendations, and would add new reporting and decarbonization-planning requirements for EITEs to continue receiving no-cost allowances. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 2245, a separate Clean Energy Transformation Act bill, and later voted the proposed substitute out of committee on an 11-8 vote with 2 excused, after debate over exemptions for certain utilities and market customers. Supporters of HB 2537, including The Nature Conservancy, NRDC, Washington Conservation Action, Climate Solutions, Clean and Prosperous Washington, Ecology, and some utility representatives, said the bill would provide needed clarity, better data, and a path for long-term industrial decarbonization while helping prevent emissions leakage. They argued that EITEs receive substantial public value through free allowances and should be required to document emissions sources, energy needs, and feasible reduction pathways so the state can design a post-2035 policy consistent with climate goals. Ecology said it generally supports the bill, though it recommended streamlining duplicative reporting and noted the work would require significant agency resources not included in the governor’s budget. Opponents, including the Association of Washington Business, the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association, the Association of Western Pulp and Paperworkers, WISPA, the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers, Food Northwest, Simplot, Kaiser Aluminum, and Newcor Steel, warned that the bill could increase compliance burdens, expose sensitive business information, and worsen leakage risks by making Washington less competitive. They said many facilities have already made major investments and face high capital costs, limited clean electricity supply, permitting delays, and technologies that are not yet commercially viable at scale. Several speakers pointed to recent plant closures and job losses in pulp and paper, food processing, and metals as evidence that leakage is already occurring, and urged the committee to preserve flexibility, protect confidentiality, and consider targeted funding or other incentives rather than new mandates alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• The combination of those projects basically takes care of all of the environmental constraints within
• We've gotten lots of direction from the state and federal governments. Water supply.
• We've gotten lots of direction from the state and federal governments and our own governing board to
• So a lot of it is a partnership with the state that basically directs it.
• So most of it is really kind of driven by state direction, I would say.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida water management districts for FY 2026-2027. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and priorities within the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Common themes included reduced budgets from the prior year due to completion of major projects, continued reliance on state appropriations and ad valorem revenue, rising construction and maintenance costs, and the need to maintain aging infrastructure while advancing alternative water supply, springs restoration, flood control, and land management projects. Committee members repeatedly asked how much of each district’s budget and personnel were devoted to the core missions, how maintenance and operating projections were developed, and how projects were selected. The districts generally said most spending was tied to core responsibilities, with administrative overhead relatively small, and explained that budgets are built through a mix of staff analysis, governing board direction, strategic basin planning, and cooperative funding with local, state, and federal partners. Several districts highlighted specific projects, including Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Taylor Creek Reservoir improvements, Crane Creek, Everglades restoration, and various springs and watershed projects. The districts also noted challenges from hurricanes, inflation, cybersecurity, and aging water control structures. South Florida Water Management District’s presentation focused on Everglades restoration and the large-scale infrastructure needed to move, store, and clean water in South Florida. The director said the district’s $1.05 billion preliminary budget is largely for flood control, water supply, ecosystem restoration, and maintenance of extensive canals, levees, pumps, and reservoirs, and emphasized that recent restoration investments are producing measurable water quality and salinity improvements. No votes were taken on the district budgets, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The combination of those basically takes care of all of the environmental constraints within the shared
• We've gotten lots of direction from the state and federal governments. Water supply.
• We've gotten lots of direction from the state and federal governments and our own governing board to
• So a lot of it is a partnership with the state that basically directs it.
• So most of it is really kind of driven by state direction, I would say.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work. Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions. Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the care and services they need.
• </c><01:02:37.280><c> If</c> anyone care to change their vote? If anyone care to change their vote?
• The elder care and long-term care subcommittee of the Health Committee will be meeting over Zoom at 11
• The elder care and long-term care subcommittee of the Health Committee will be meeting over Zoom at 11
• </c><01:17:05.199><c> for</c> and she was a nurse who cared for and she was a nurse who cared for injured

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this was the legislative direction to study this.
• And what this essentially means is... ...direction to study this.
• I should note that we're not being directed to make a decision or to, but just to conduct the study and
• Medicare Part B covers other medical expenses such as doctors' visits, outpatient care, and preventive
• It's actually the other direction. About 72 percent, according to Social Security.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as a physician, and I have three children as a mother and a public servant, I do really care about
• So please, I know that we all care and want to do the best, but remember this: the data shows that it
• So I'm not really sure why we went that direction, but what it's translated into is, and this is the
• Kindergarten: with guidance, follow directions and make appropriate choices to use computing devices
• If this is the direction, and we support moving in that direction, because our teachers so much care

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony focused on the effects of educational technology and screen time on K-12 students, with particular attention to House Bill 2230 and related policy changes. Dr. Mariam Mohamed Connie argued that one-to-one devices, digital instruction, and early screen exposure harm children’s learning, attention, physical development, and mental health, and that schools should return to more analog methods such as paper, handwriting, cursive, phonics, and print-based materials. She cited international and national assessments, research on handwriting versus typing, and her experience on the Springfield Public Schools board, saying the district saw improved MAP scores after scaling back Chromebook use in elementary grades and reintroducing books and cursive. Several witnesses and committee members discussed the practical and budgetary implications of reducing screen use. A Springfield administrator said many teachers were trained in technology-heavy environments and would need support to teach without relying on devices, and she estimated Chromebooks and related infrastructure cost more per student than textbooks, manipulatives, and paper. Another witness from the Missouri National Education Association supported the bill’s direction, saying elementary years are critical and that the state should signal a move away from overuse of screens while allowing districts time to adjust. Committee members emphasized local control, the need for a task force, and the importance of involving DESE because state testing and standards currently drive much of the digital use in schools. The discussion also covered Missouri Learning Standards, computer science requirements, and the tension between digital testing and classroom instruction. Speakers criticized the fact that MAP testing is digital and adaptive, arguing it forces schools to keep devices in elementary grades just to prepare students for state assessments. The chair and other members said the bill was intentionally nonprescriptive, aiming instead to create a task force and encourage local districts to develop screen-time policies, especially for elementary students. The hearing ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN MY VIEW THE CHANGE WOULD MOVE OUR SCHOOL GOVERNANCE IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
• I THINK THAT'S A DIRECT CORRELATION BECAUSE THERE'S POLITICS IN EDUCATION RIGHT NOW.
• IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT OUR KIDS WE NEED TO FOCUS ON OUR KIDS.
• SO YOU SHARED ANY RESPONSE TO REPRESENTATIVE MOONEY THAT WAS TAKEN CARE OF LAST SESSION.
• CAN YOU REMIND US HOW BECAUSE IF IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF LAST SESSION, HOW IS IT RESIDENTS THAT DO NOT HAVE

Transcript Highlights:

• First, direct your attention to the back doors of the chamber.
• First, direct your attention to the back doors of the chamber.
• First, to direct your attention to the back doors of the chamber, we have with us today, Trooper 1st
• We'll take care of business on Monday, Tuesday, and if everything goes as planned, we will be able to
• We'll take care of business on Monday, Tuesday, and if everything goes as planned, we will be able to

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 98 members present, and granted leave for Representative Jack Ladyman. The chamber then received committee reports from the Joint Budget Committee recommending passage of several appropriation bills, and the Governor’s communication noting approval of House Bill 1001 (Act 2). The Speaker also recognized guests in the galleries, including law enforcement personnel, doctors, students visiting for STEM Day, line workers, and representatives from the Council of State Governments. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to budget amendments and appropriation bills. The House adopted amendments to House Bills 1018, 1023, 1036, 1041, 1055, 1068, and 1077, covering items such as title changes at East Arkansas College, DHS and Department of Health staffing adjustments, Capitol Police positions for the Winthrop Rockefeller Building, transfer of the early childhood nutrition program to the Department of Agriculture, DFA position changes and the Rural Health Transformation Program, and DHS county office reductions. The chamber then passed House Bill 1060 for the State Library, and Senate Bills 5, 13, 39, and 56, which funded the Tobacco Settlement Commission, Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, Arkansas State University, and Auditor of State continuing education/local offices. Most measures passed with strong support, though Senate Bill 56 drew 14 nays. Before adjournment, the Speaker announced the House was ahead of schedule and planned to move the following week’s calendar earlier, with a possible sine die adjournment on Wednesday if business proceeded as planned. Representative Meeks moved to adjourn until 1 p.m. the next day, and the motion carried without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not just a direct path to sending more youth to TDCJ.
• It is not just a direct path to sending more youth to TDCJ.
• The legislature has done a magnificent job on inpatient care. You need a full continuum of care.
• That's a program that is farther upstream than inpatient care.
• That's a program that is farther upstream than inpatient care.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , be able to make sure that they can receive that standard of care.
• authority liens are taken care of when the county is on.
• Representative, this is directed specifically at the health care authority, but is that the only entity
• Or maybe, flip that around, why is it just the health care authority that's included in this bill?
• Interesting enough, OTC already has a program in place to take care of their tax liens.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of Senate bills dealing with county government, elections, licensing, property liens, and financial protections. SB 1877 would streamline and make more transparent the reporting of governmental agency reports to the legislature. SB 483 would allow counties to create voluntary relocation assistance programs, with supporters describing it as a way to help people in crisis connect with family or services rather than simply moving them along; it passed after questions about nonprofit involvement, tracking, and safeguards. SB 1198 would address county-held tax-delinquent properties by requiring Oklahoma Health Care Authority liens to be resolved in the county sale process, and SB 1286 would require political subdivisions to provide polling-place rooms at no cost when needed as a last resort, especially where private sites like churches are no longer available. The committee also advanced SB 1287, which clarifies that abstractor licenses do not have to be issued to people not lawfully present in the United States; members asked about TPS, visas, and remote work, and the bill passed. SB 1451 would add notification and reporting provisions to help counties and states maintain voter registration rolls and communicate when voters move, with discussion focused on duplicate registrations, name mismatches, and the end of Oklahoma’s participation in ERIC. SB 1581 would extend the time to gather signatures for a county grand jury petition from 45 to 90 days and add a 10-day protest period, and SB 1623 would update the state charter framework. SB 2067 would create a framework for financial institutions to detect and report suspected exploitation of protected adults and seniors, and SB 2135 would authorize county purchase agents to use county P-cards under rules similar to state purchasing procedures. Most bills were reported due pass by wide margins, including unanimous votes on SB 1286, SB 1623, SB 2067, and SB 2135. SB 1877 passed 14–1–1, SB 483 passed 15–2, SB 1198 passed 16–1, SB 1287 passed 15–2, SB 1451 passed 14–3, and SB 1581 passed 15–2. SB 2139 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Take care of pending business so we'll keep hearing some bills. All right.
• We'll get you taken care of. Because.
• I don't care. I do that. With this. It OK, it doesn't matter.
• But America stopped caring what foreigners think in 1776.
• In 2020 when Texas citizens were directed to shelter and and social distance.

Transcript Highlights:

• We we care deeply about this and case.
• Uh, and there are direct appointments, seven of which are from the governor.
• Uh and uh there are direct board.
• So are we directing our funding towards health care training so that we can help make sure we're putting
• :46:23.520><c> education,</c> instance healthc care, tech, education, instance healthc care, tech, education

Bills: HF2440

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Taking care of yourself, your children, and co-parenting.
• Direction, create rules, and then it happens.
• So without any sort of direction of what kind of rules are we asking them to adopt?
• It is within the objectives and the directives of the task force from the Legislative Management.
• That is a direct problem with Rule 3.2.

Summary: The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up draft legislation to create a future interim committee to study the feasibility of a family court in North Dakota. Beth outlined the draft’s purpose, proposed 15-member membership, and the study topics, including constitutional authority, court structure, jurisdiction, fiscal impact, implementation, and possible phased-in approaches. Members discussed committee composition at length, ultimately agreeing to keep the committee at 15 by reducing legislative members from eight to six, adding two judges from different judicial districts, two family law section members with rural/urban representation, one parent subject to a custody order, and a clerk of court representative; the self-help, mental health, and domestic violence positions were debated, with domestic violence advocacy retained and some other positions removed or replaced. The committee also agreed to include analysis of state and local fiscal impacts and efficiencies, and to keep the provision on procedural rules in the draft. The revised draft was approved and recommended to Legislative Management, with one recorded no vote from Judge Hovey after the fact. The committee then turned to a second draft dealing with mandatory participation in a family transition program in contested parental-rights cases. Members first clarified that the term should be changed to a more general “parenting education course,” rather than a named private program, and discussed whether the bill should also require education about court process and family-law procedures. Some members argued the bill should specify content such as co-parenting, parental alienation, harassment, disorderly conduct, removal of a child from the jurisdiction, and contempt consequences, while others objected that the proposal was too vague, could impose costs without clear limits or waivers, and might amount to compelled legal advice or an undefined private program. Several members said the bill needed more specificity before it could be presented, and the discussion became increasingly divided over whether to keep the draft at all. The transcript ends amid that debate, with no final action yet taken on the second draft.

Transcript Highlights:

• Be careful, Senator Hickden.
• </c> complications in the health care complications in the health care industry<00:36:54.960><c> as</
• </c> access to care. access to care.
• It's every health care provider.
• , our local Dare to Care.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, the Minnesota legislature directed the MNJRC to study our state's pre-trial system and produce
• In 2023, the Minnesota<00:02:01.400><c> legislature</c><00:02:02.280><c> directed</c><00:02:03.240><c
• > the</c><00:02:03.400><c> MNJRC</c> Minnesota legislature directed the MNJRC Minnesota legislature directed
• about their bottom because they care about their bottom line. line. line.
• </c> is a step in the wrong direction is a step in the wrong direction overall.<00:36:06.800><c> I</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• heating assistance or child care.
• I don't care if it's transportation policy, criminal justice policy, health care policy, or education
• I don't care if it's transportation policy, criminal justice policy, health care policy, or education
• I don't care if it's transportation policy, criminal justice policy, health care policy, or education
• I don't care if it's transportation policy, criminal justice policy, health care policy, or education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:48:25.040><c> We</c> Next up, we are going to have direct care and treatment.
• I'm the chief operating officer for direct care and treatment with operation services.
• I'm the chief operating officer for<00:49:04.240><c> direct</c><00:49:04.559><c> care</c><00:49:04.720
• for direct care and treatment with operation<00:49:06.480><c> services.
• </c><00:53:47.839><c> care</c><00:53:48.079><c> and</c> preservation for direct care and preservation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> was not well cared for. was not well cared for.
• </c><00:25:47.880><c> to</c> to give a little bit more directive to to give a little bit more directive
• The question I've got is sometimes we have to be careful what we wish for.
• They're gobbling<00:40:22.000><c> up</c><00:40:22.160><c> health</c><00:40:22.440><c> care.
• </c><00:40:23.400><c> Um</c> gobbling up health care. Um gobbling up health care.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , Senator Eggman and I carried a bill that established the care program and care.
• Eggman and I carried a bill that established the care program and care court.
• CARE Court does not pay for real care, like treatment or housing.
• That's not caring. What's caring is trying to take control and offer assistance.
• care providers who offer this essential care.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Beyond caring for sick children, Hugs and Kisses also provide specific care for children with special
• /c> Kisses also provide specific care for Kisses also provide specific care for children<00:17:18.880
• That's the direction quicker with this. That's the direction we're<00:51:24.880><c> going.
• </c> practice, and improve access to care practice, and improve access to care statewide. statewide.
• Chair: Care to explain your amendment, please?

Keywords: 1136, house, all