Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Jan 29th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • State, the city of Spokane.
  • State, the city of Spokane.
  • I'm here representing the news media in Washington State.
  • My name is Sherry Ton, and I'm the chair of the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners.
  • of Washington.
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for work sessions, public hearings, and executive action. In the work session, WSDOT briefed the committee on the U.S. 12 corridor near Walla Walla and the North Spokane Corridor. Brian White said U.S. 12 is an eight-phase project with seven phases complete, and phase eight would finish the corridor, improve freight mobility and safety, and include a jurisdictional transfer of the old highway back to Walla Walla County. He said the project remains short of full funding, including a gap between the $350 million corridor cost and the $110 million federal Rural Surface Transportation grant, but WSDOT hopes to build smaller independent-utility pieces and begin construction in summer 2027. Charlene K. then reported that the North Spokane Corridor is seven of eight highway miles open, with major remaining work on the I-90 connection and related interchanges, bridges, and trail segments. She described the project as on track for design completion in 2027 and construction completion around 2030, while noting risks tied to federal approval, tight construction space, labor and contractor availability, utilities, and community impacts. The committee also heard from Karen Messmer of the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council, who summarized the council’s 2025 report and 2026 priorities. She emphasized that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities remain unacceptably high and urged a safe-system approach focused on safer speeds, roads, road users, vehicles, land use, and post-crash care. She highlighted recommendations including safety-based performance measures, better speed management, more local safety planning support, improved driver education, attention to micromobility and large vehicles, and faster toxicology and crash-data processing. In public hearings, the committee heard Senate Bill 6131, which would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority, designate it as a public health authority for limited access to health information, and create a confidential fatality review committee. The sponsor and Traffic Safety Commission said the bill would help identify common contributing factors in all fatal crashes while protecting confidential information; a media representative testified that the bill preserves public access to records already open and supports the goal of improving safety. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6155, which would extend disability parking placard renewal from every five years to every 20 years and remove the need for a health care practitioner’s signature at renewal; supporters said this would reduce burdens on permanently disabled people, while opponents warned it could increase fraud and misuse of placards. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6238, which would raise the minimum tug escort horsepower for oil tankers in restricted waters to 3,000 horsepower or 5% of tanker deadweight, whichever is greater; the sponsor and Board of Pilotage said the change would align statute with current practice and newly adopted rules. Testimony was mixed, and the hearing closed with two people signed in pro and two con. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed Senate Bill 5746 on EV charging infrastructure property crime, Senate Bill 5824 on fifth wheel travel trailer length, Senate Bill 6110 on e-bikes and e-motos, Senate Bill 5839 on county ferry district passenger-only service, and Senate Bill 6148 on regional transit authority bond terms, all with due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee. An amendment to SB 6110 adding several state agency leaders to the e-moto work group was rejected. The committee adjourned after signing committee reports.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • putting in as a state.
  • I see that we're dedicating $23 million, which is more than some state universities and other agencies
  • I see that we're dedicating $23 million, which is more than some state universities and other agencies
  • I see that we're dedicating $23 million, which is more than some state universities and other agencies
  • That any state agency or the state specifically has used state monies in furtherance of the belief that
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.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the state requirements are different from state to state. There isn't any continuity there.
  • I am the interim program director of the Westfield State University Physician Assistant Program.
  • At Westfield State University, the first year consists of 12 months of full-time coursework from 9 a.m
  • state.
  • Most recently, Washington State passed an AA bill in 2024.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 21st, 2026

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Murcerci, I wanted to address my comment to the California State University.
  • I wanted to address my comment to California State University.
  • Hello, Adam Swenson, the Academic Senate of the California State University.
  • In fact, the University of North Texas became the first state university to announce the elimination
  • While similar services already exist at the University of California and California State University
Keywords: 988, house, all
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Feb 5th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We we typically give state of Alabama.
  • And then a couple years in this state.
  • I mean, we talk about the state.
  • </c><00:48:02.240><c> I</c> mean, we talk about the state. I mean, we talk about the state.
  • </c> the University of Montavalo. the University of Montavalo.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-17 (1:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • our community colleges to state colleges.
  • State the point? Mr. Speaker, I... Mr. Speaker, to make a point of order. State the point. Mr.
  • We are the great state of Florida, that we keep attracting people. The free state of Florida.
  • If we're the free state of Florida, we're trying to bring business to the state, why would we insist
  • That deters investment in this state.
Keywords: 998, house, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is State Senator John Cronin.
  • We in Massachusetts must strengthen state preparedness and oversight, especially since the state of Massachusetts
  • After Sean's death, we worked with former State Senator Stephen Brewer, State Representative Vinnie DiMasi
  • About a third of the undocumented residents of our state, of our neighbors, have lived in our state for
  • We have a few in the state.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several public safety bills, with testimony first on S.2681, Colby’s Law, which would establish safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Supporters, including the family of a child killed at a track, argued the bill is needed because some tracks lack basic protections such as barriers, emergency plans, on-site medical staff, and adequate track maintenance. A motocross track representative opposed the bill as overregulation that could impose major costs and argued existing safety efforts and voluntary safety committees are preferable. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S.2680, which would expand emergency preparedness requirements around aging nuclear power plants and nuclear waste sites from a 10-mile to a 50-mile radius. Supporters from Cape Cod Downwinders, Massachusetts Peace Action, physicians, and other advocates said current law is outdated and insufficient, citing risks from radioactive waste storage, limited federal oversight, and the need for broader evacuation and emergency planning. Testifiers urged the bill’s passage, and no action was taken. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Protect Act, H.5158, dealing with limits on cooperation between state/local agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement. Sheriffs testified about how ICE detainers and notification requests work in practice, emphasizing discretion, public safety, and the difference between sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees. Supporters from labor, education, and health care groups said immigrant communities are living in fear and asked for stronger protections, including bans on 287(g) agreements and clearer limits on ICE activity in schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. The hearing also included testimony on H.4697 regarding training and certification of constables and civil deputy sheriffs, with the Hampshire County sheriff saying sheriffs are already working with POST and MPTC on training standards and that the bill may be duplicative.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Community Safety Feb 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Amber Alerts are also—Washington State Patrol operates the state's Amber Alert plan.
  • But I believe that with regard to state and local, our Washington state peace officers, there aren't
  • But I believe that with regard to state and local, our Washington State peace officers, there aren't
  • I have a personal problem with that because that's not okay for any agency in the state of Washington
  • How we do that, I think we get there in a lot of different ways, and I think Washington State has done
Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on February 24, 2026, for executive action on several bills, with no public hearings. The chair announced that action on Substitute Senate Bill 5067 would be deferred. The committee then considered bills dealing with fabricated depictions of minors and sexual exploitation (SSB 5105), worship-place protections and related civil remedies (SSB 5436), toxicology testing by certified laboratories (SSB 5880), reckless driving and speeding in construction zones (ESB 5890), human trafficking prevention and remedies (SSB 5936), law enforcement leadership and sheriff eligibility/background checks, volunteers, and specially commissioned officers (SSB 5974), and missing persons alerts and law-enforcement search tools (ESSB 6070). Several bills had amendments, including a striking amendment to SSB 5436 and a striking amendment plus multiple amendments to SSB 5974; ESB 5890 also received an amendment lowering the construction-zone threshold to 20 mph over the limit when workers are present. Members generally supported the bills but raised concerns on several measures. On SSB 5436, members discussed balancing protection of worshippers with constitutional protections for peaceful protest and concerns about law enforcement access in emergencies; the committee adopted the striking amendment and then advanced the bill. On SSB 5974, members debated background-check timing, due process, vacancy triggers, and whether election-related requirements for sheriffs were constitutional; some amendments were adopted and others rejected before the bill advanced. On ESSB 6070, members discussed the new Ebony and Purple Alerts, existing alert systems, and concerns about surveillance tools and privacy, with some members supporting the bill “with concerns.” Human trafficking testimony and comments emphasized holding accountable businesses that knowingly facilitate trafficking. Final actions taken included reporting out SSB 5105, SSB 5436 as amended, SSB 5880, ESB 5890 as amended, SSB 5936, SSB 5974 as amended, and ESSB 6070, all with due pass recommendations. The committee also adopted amendments to SSB 5436 and several amendments to SSB 5974, while rejecting others. The chair thanked members and staff, canceled the committee’s next scheduled meeting, and announced this was the committee’s last meeting of 2026 before adjournment.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • the people in Washington.
  • The cost of doing business as a state, a state is primarily an employer.
  • And we are passing important programs at the state of Washington to directly meet those needs of our
  • And we are passing important programs at the state of Washington to directly meet those needs of our
  • of Washington.
Keywords: 904, all
Summary: Senate budget writers, led by Sen. June Robinson, rolled out the Senate operating budget and described it as a difficult supplemental budget shaped by flat revenue growth, rising maintenance costs, and uncertainty from federal actions, including H.R. 1 and tariffs. They said the proposal aims to preserve core services such as K-12 education, health care, food assistance, long-term care, housing stability, and child care while mitigating federal cuts, and they emphasized that it does not include broad-based tax increases like sales, property, or B&O tax hikes. A major focus of the discussion was how to pay for the Working Families Tax Credit and how to reduce the budget gap. Robinson said the Senate proposal uses about $750 million from the rainy day fund because additional cuts would be too severe, and she noted the statute allows that use in a slow-growth economy. Senators also discussed the Climate Commitment Act as a possible funding source for the tax credit, but said they would negotiate with the House on that issue. On child care, they said the Senate avoided the governor’s approach of capping Working Connections Child Care enrollment and creating a waitlist, instead relying more on attendance-based payment changes to reduce costs while trying to avoid destabilizing the provider network. The senators also responded to criticism from educators and Republicans. They acknowledged concerns from the Washington Education Association that schools and special education remain underfunded, but argued the state has made major progress and that Washington’s tax structure limits school funding growth because of the 1% property tax cap. They said a future “millionaires tax” could help stabilize revenue and support education and other services. In response to Republican claims of a “spending addiction,” Robinson said critics should identify specific cuts they would support, and noted Republicans had offered little support for prior budget-cutting measures.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture. (7-2-26)

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:31:24.080><c> you're</c><00:31:24.399><c> just</c> states versus a state where you're just states
  • the state?
  • </c> in other states as well. in other states as well.
  • </c> have across the state? have across the state?
  • So, the University of Kentucky issued a study of other states that have medical cannabis programs.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's going across the state roads, but it's not driving down state roads, so...
  • Across the state roads, but it's not driving down state roads, so I think this is one of those things
  • I'd like to see a universal state-backed liability insurance policy funded by mandatory registration
  • I'd like to see a universal I'd like to see a universal state-backed liability insurance policy funded
  • Everybody can go from state to state and it's no problem. Everybody's on the same page.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 22nd, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • our state.
  • States Marine Fisheries Commission...
  • States Marine Fisheries Commission...
  • If our state wants to participate in them, fine.
  • It's a multi-state collaborative group involving legislators from Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 19 and 20. It then heard several RS requests from Rep. Heather Scott aimed at removing Idaho from or repealing participation in various commissions and regional agreements. RS 32866 would eliminate the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs; after questions about whether it would end the agency immediately, the motion to introduce failed on a 7-7 tie. RS 32921 would withdraw Idaho from the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Cooperation Agreement; Scott argued it cost about $60,000 annually and advanced policies Idaho does not support, while some members said they wanted more information but supported introducing it. The motion to introduce RS 32921 passed. RS 32922 would remove Idaho from the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force; Scott said it was a taxpayer-funded NGO with little clear benefit, but other members raised concerns about Idaho losing a voice on fisheries, salmon, and water issues. The motion to introduce RS 32922 failed, 7-7, and was returned to the sponsor. The committee then considered RS 32951, brought by Rep. Elaine Price, which would create a House joint resolution asking voters whether to repeal Section 5 of Article 9 of the Idaho Constitution, the Blaine Amendment. Price said recent court decisions show the provision can conflict with the U.S. Constitution and discriminate against Christians, citing a case involving a church and a school facility. Members asked for clarification on the constitutional conflict and examples of unequal treatment, and one member said Idahoans should decide the issue. The motion to introduce RS 32951 passed, and the committee adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I wanted to address my comment to California State University.
  • Hello, Adam Swenson, the Academic Senate of the California State University.
  • In fact, the University of North Texas became the first state university to announce the elimination
  • While similar services already exist at the University of California and the California State University
  • This is a really important issue for the California State University system.
Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several measures focused on community college baccalaureate programs and trustee compensation. AB 2528 would raise the maximum monthly compensation cap for community college district trustees, with the author and supporters arguing the change is permissive, long overdue, and needed to make service more accessible to working people and better reflect community diversity. CSEA took a tweener position, warning about optics and asking for longer public notice before any compensation increase, while some members raised concerns about taxpayer costs and benefits. The bill was discussed but no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The committee then took up AB 2053, which would authorize Coast Community College District to offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Supporters said the bill addresses a workforce shortage, serves working adults and veterans, and includes an LAO evaluation and a sunset. CSU and its Academic Senate opposed the bill, arguing it duplicates existing CSU programs and could set a precedent for more one-off degrees. Members also raised questions about funding, Prop. 98, and whether the program would divert resources; the author said the district already has funding and that the bill is a narrow pilot. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer the bill to Appropriations, with several ayes and some no votes, and the roll left open for additional members. AB 2301, a pilot allowing up to 10 community college districts to offer nursing bachelor’s degrees, drew broad support from nursing, labor, and community college groups who said California faces a severe nursing shortage and that community colleges offer a more affordable pathway for working and rural students. CSU and other opponents argued existing ADN-to-BSN pathways are more efficient and that the bill could worsen competition for limited clinical placements and faculty. Members questioned funding and Prop. 98 impacts; the Chancellor’s Office said the pilot would not require new state funding and would rely on existing mechanisms such as Strong Workforce and nursing infrastructure grants. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer AB 2301 to Appropriations, with the roll again left open. The transcript then began AB 2694, a broader workforce-responsive baccalaureate expansion bill intended to address duplication rules and create a more flexible process for community college bachelor’s degrees, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/23/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Names to rename State Route 69.
  • They've come to the United States.
  • They've come to Arizona State University and Phoenix College and have committed themselves to become.
  • Arizona State University and Phoenix College and have committed themselves to becoming U.S. citizens
  • The universities do this, the state does this, counties do this, municipalities do this, but most school
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum as Doctor of the Day, Lutheran Day at the Legislature, a veterans treatment court judge, and Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first/second readings before beginning a long third-reading calendar. Members considered and voted on a wide range of bills covering tax administration, groundwater and water rights, licensing timeframes, homicide, school employee transparency, mining, retirement system cleanup, utility regulation, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, veterinary board changes, geological survey reorganization, court fees, real estate licensing, probation, and several education-related appropriations and policy measures. Many bills passed on largely party-line votes, while others passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. Several members explained votes on issues such as superintendent contract transparency, ESA administration funding, mining reclamation, water supply and drought policy, motorcycle safety, AI and adult-content verification, and abortion-pill coercion. The House also passed multiple concurrent resolutions and memorials, including measures on election administration, Judea and Samaria, Route 66, and a memorial to rename State Route 69. Election-related debate was especially pointed, with supporters arguing for precinct-based voting and opponents warning of cost, reduced access, and logistical burdens. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of measures on Calendar No. 1, starting with HB 2174 and related amendments.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 28th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Washington, our great state of Washington, is a place for all our workers.
  • Our great state of Washington is a place for all our workers to come and create a great economy and ensure
  • We have several of those in the state, and I think it's a good practice.
  • of Washington Businesses.
  • While most states have seen workers' compensation rates drop recently, Washington has experienced a continuous
Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee met on January 28, 2026, first hearing staff briefings and then taking executive action on House Bills 1571, 2144, 2191, and 2372. HB 1571 would make heart conditions a presumptive occupational disease for certain firefighters and law enforcement officers; members spoke in support of the bill as a response to the stresses and exposures of those jobs, and it was reported out 8-1 with a do-pass recommendation. HB 2144 would require notice to employees when employers use electronic monitoring for performance evaluations. The committee considered several amendments to a proposed substitute, adopting an amendment clarifying private communications protections but rejecting amendments to broaden emergency exceptions and remove the private right of action. The bill, as amended, passed 6-3. HB 2191 concerns wages in the construction industry and employer/contractor liability for unpaid wages. The committee considered a proposed substitute and several amendments. Members rejected amendments to include public entities as owners and to extend the right to cure to subcontractors, but adopted amendments removing Attorney General enforcement authority and making additional clarifying changes. Supporters emphasized accountability for unpaid wages and protecting vulnerable workers; opponents raised concerns about the scope of liability. The amended bill was reported out 6-3. HB 2372 would require workers’ compensation time loss benefits to include the full employer health care premium contribution rather than a partial percentage. An amendment to add L&I invoice and notice requirements and bar attorney fees on the health-care-premium portion was rejected, and the bill was then reported out 6-3. The committee also held public hearings on HB 2563 and HB 2188. HB 2563 would allow the Office of Administrative Hearings to automatically serve unemployment-case notices electronically during a pilot period ending July 30, 2029. OAH testified that the change would reduce mailing costs and improve service, while the Unemployment Law Project warned it would harm claimants with limited digital access and create procedural barriers; no action was taken during the hearing. HB 2188 would require L&I to publish actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rate caps shift costs to other classes. Business groups supported the transparency measure, and L&I testified it could provide the information and that the bill would have no fiscal impact; the hearing was closed without action.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-04-30 - 11:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> stated increase. stated increase.
  • </c> state general fund. state general fund.
  • </c> on accessing state property. on accessing state property.
  • Senator from Washington.
  • Senator from Washington.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Care & Wellness Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:30 am

Health Care & Wellness

Transcript Highlights:
  • Forty-seven other states recognize biosimilars and biologics.
  • This is a good little bill that will bring Washington in line with 47 other states in the country that
  • So if 47 other states can make biosimilar substitution work, Washington can.
  • So, if 47 other states can make biosimilar substitution work, Washington can too.
  • The state should work to increase utilization.
Keywords: 904, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are Gretchen Perry, Chief State Technology Officer of Washington Technology Solutions; James Galvin
  • And so we actually incorporated those in guidelines for the state of Washington in 2023.
  • workforce and our state agencies in what kind of policy will work for the state of Washington to help
  • We also have created the AI community of practice in the state of Washington, which we're very proud
  • I'd like to now talk about three specific use cases here in the state of Washington.
Keywords: 904, all
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-02-17 - 9:30AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington. &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington.
  • </c> state of Vermont. state of Vermont.
  • Many other states are doing it. We step. Many other states are doing it.
  • . state. state.
  • </c> &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington. &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the United States and of the State of Florida, that I am duly qualified to hold office under the
  • It was mentioned that our budget is a reflection of who we are as a state and what we value as a state
  • It is a reflection of who we are as a state and what we value as a state.
  • I see that we’re dedicating $23 million, which is more than some state universities and other agencies
  • Has any state agency promoted this idea with state funds? Representative McClure: Thank you, Mr.
Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.