Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the 28th legislative district. And Chair Dhingra is absolutely correct.
• I represent the 28th legislative district. And Chair Dinger is absolutely correct.
• Chair Dhingra, members, I'm Michael McKinley, 28th Legislative District. I'm for SB 5962.
• He passed away at 12:30 a.m. the first day of this legislative session.
• Thank you, legislators, for your attention to these really important issues.

Bills: SB5962 , SB6105 , SB6203 , SB6296

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any questions for staff on this legislation?
• Are there any questions for staff on this legislation?
• In respect to this legislation, that has resulted in a loss of resources through the U.S.
• Whether that is in other legislation happening in this space, this—you know, guys.
• The legislation before you helps address that challenge.

Bills: HB2279 , HB2463 , HB1941 , HB2238

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: PFAS chemicals, agriculture, environmental impact, regulation, food safety, farmers, food security, Washington, support for farmers, cannabis, cooperatives, marijuana industry, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• that impacts health care and facility regulation work at the Department of Health. ...of legislation
• Concerning the Legislative Executive Poverty Reduction Task Force. Luke, thanks again. Mr.
• It renames it to the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force.
• I'm asking for your support in reviewing and sponsoring this legislation.
• That means more than legislation. It means shifting culture.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on recommendations from the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group. Tisha Kirshbaum of the Health Care Authority described the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan, a prenatal-to-25 system-of-care framework meant to reduce fragmentation, improve coordination across multiple state agencies, and expand early, community-based behavioral health supports. Members asked about duplication among agencies, simplification of the system, and upstream services such as community health workers, school-based supports, and crisis access. The committee then heard House Bill 2429, which would direct the governor and state agencies to align with the Washington Thriving plan, create an executive coordination officer and leadership council, extend the work group, and require broader alignment by state, tribal, local, and nonprofit entities. The bill received strong support from the governor’s office, the Health Care Authority, parents, youth, providers, and advocates, while a few testifiers raised concerns about government overreach, cost, or the need to address non-psychiatric causes of distress. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2364, which renames and expands the Legislative Executive Work First Poverty Reduction Oversight Task Force into the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force and updates the related advisory council to align with the state’s 10-year plan to dismantle poverty. Staff and the prime sponsor said the bill reflects the evolution of the poverty-reduction effort and adds agencies such as the Department of Revenue, Health Care Authority, and Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. Testimony from DSHS and advocates was uniformly supportive, emphasizing bipartisan collaboration and the need to update statute to match current work. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2171 on supporting foster youth. The bill would create an endangered foster youth alert system, require county rapid-response protocols, establish a foster youth empowerment account, create an oversight board through the Ombuds office, and expand training for foster parents and child welfare workers. The prime sponsor and several advocates described the bill as a response to lived experience and a way to improve accountability and long-term support. DCYF said it supports the intent but raised legal and cost concerns, and some youth advocates warned that public alerts could increase risk or trauma for youth who run away from unsafe placements. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2314, which would create a pilot allowing certain community-based clients with developmental disabilities to receive dental care at residential habilitation centers. Supporters said the bill would use existing dental capacity to address severe access gaps and long waits in the community, while opponents from disability advocacy groups argued it would pull people back into institutional settings instead of building community-based dental capacity. Testimony on the bill was mixed, and no final committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bateman from the 22nd Legislative District.
• Senator Bateman from the 22nd Legislative District.
• Retailers strongly support the goal of the legislation.
• For the record, I'm Michelle Short, State Senator for the 7th Legislative District.
• I don't really know this draft legislation.

Bills: SB5965 , SB6030 , SB5975 , SB5941

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: environment, retail bags, sustainability, pollution, customer impact, plastic bags, retail, waste reduction, cookware safety, lead regulation, consumer protection, interstate trade, health standards, SB 5941, Washington State Energy Code, State Building Code Council, renewable energy, solar panels, school district exemption, public school construction

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve the 22nd Legislative District, which you all are sitting in right now.
• David Hackney, representing the 11th Legislative District, South King County.
• Legislative District, which covers parts of Klickitat, Yakima County, Benton, and Franklin.
• Hi, Representative Chris Stearns, 47th Legislative District, Kent, Auburn, and Covington.
• We work with legislators and coalition partners across the country to pass this legislation.

Bills: HB2272 , HB2285 , HB2296

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes, carbon capture, clean energy, environmental regulation, sustainability, green technology, distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, energy policy, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, within that piece of legislation, there was the establishment of a 10-person statewide CTE task
• It has earned, I think, the respect of legislators, certainly of schools.
• It has earned, I think, the respect of legislators, certainly of schools.
• Legislative modifications: there were two bills that modified it.
• Yes, from one of our veteran legislators.

Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State Legislative Assembly Days.
• Nicole Macri, House Rep., 43rd Legislative District, Seattle.
• Hello, Lisa Callan, Fifth Legislative District, House.
• I don't think we have a legislative need at this point.
• And the other theme is, and I know this is probably hard for legislators, having been a legislative staffer

Committee: Joint Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight

Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who introduced herself and described her background in public service, federal and state legislative work, and health and human services leadership. Members emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with her and noted her focus on protecting services, using strategic approaches in a tight budget environment, and improving partnerships with the Legislature. Ramirez said she wanted to keep communication open and that her priorities would be shaped by what she learns from lawmakers and agency partners. The next work session focused on the West Coast Health Alliance and the broader Governor’s Public Health Alliance. Department of Health and governor’s office staff said the West Coast alliance, involving Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, was formed to coordinate science-based public health guidance, especially around vaccines, return-to-work guidance, and responses to federal changes. They said the alliance is intended to reduce confusion, counter misinformation, and preserve access to evidence-based recommendations, with early actions including vaccine guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, a statement rejecting any vaccine-autism link, and preparation for possible ACIP changes. Members asked about workload and coordination with other regional alliances, and staff said there is informal coordination but no formal regular meetings. The committee then heard from the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange about open enrollment and the effects of federal policy changes. Exchange leaders said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, HR1 provisions, and immigration-related eligibility changes are affecting affordability and enrollment, with some customers facing large premium increases and some counties becoming harder to serve. They reported early open-enrollment traffic increases, nearly 10,000 new sign-ups, and nearly 12,000 active coverage drops so far, while noting that many more people may disenroll later if subsidies are not extended. They also described mitigation efforts such as silver loading, Cascade Care Savings, outreach through navigators and community partners, and planning for future HR1 requirements like ending auto-renewal and adding verification steps. In the final work session, staff from the Health Care Authority and Insurance Commissioner’s office reviewed Washington’s health reform history and the state’s current affordability and access efforts. They highlighted past ACA-related coverage gains, continued work on prescription drug affordability, PBM oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, and a pending legislative proposal to preserve access to preventive services. They also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and the exchange, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, and the need to coordinate across agencies to implement new rules. Members raised concerns about network adequacy, provider access, and the complexity of the health care system, while staff said they are trying to mitigate harm, simplify administration, and keep coverage and access as stable as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation to authorize a person to purchase ivermectin at a pharmacy; legislation relating to a groundwater
• So, members, I'm really grateful for this piece of legislation.
• So that is what is in this legislation. Is there any amendments? No. I move passage.
• We're going to adjourn in a few minutes to start a new legislative day.
• Darby moves to excuse those members on this legislative day who were excused on the previous legislative

Bills: HB1 , HB2 , HB3 , HB5 , HB20 , HB22

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Summary: The House convened in special session with a gubernatorial proclamation adding subjects related to penalties for legislators who absent themselves, ivermectin access, and groundwater study authority. The chamber also handled routine motions, committee scheduling, and first-reading referrals before moving to the main floor calendar focused largely on disaster response and public safety legislation. The central theme throughout the day was the July 4 flooding and related tragedies, with repeated references to families of victims and the need for stronger preparedness and prevention measures. House Bill 1, on youth camp emergency plans and preparedness, was the most emotional and heavily amended measure. Members adopted changes requiring annual emergency plans for resident youth camps, staff training, parent notification, evacuation maps, floodplain-related disclosures, restrictions on sleeping quarters in flood-prone areas, and funding for enforcement. One proposed amendment to require air conditioning or heat in sleeping quarters failed, while another amendment on floodplain restrictions passed after debate over floodplain versus floodway language. HB 1 ultimately passed the House 136-1 on second reading and later 135-1 on final passage. Senate Bill 2 / House Bill 2 on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery also advanced after extensive discussion. The bill creates training for justices of the peace in mass-fatality events, establishes an emergency manager licensing system, sets local succession procedures, creates a statewide volunteer management system, authorizes drone interdiction in disaster zones, expands disaster loan eligibility, and adds review and planning provisions for certain infrastructure and weather-related issues. Members debated the scope of the training, drone impacts on press coverage, volunteer registration, and infrastructure-related amendments; some proposals were adopted and others tabled or withdrawn. SB 2 passed the House 130-4 on third reading and later 132-4 on final passage. The House also passed House Bill 3 creating the Texas Interoperability Council and a grant program for emergency communications equipment, House Bill 20 addressing disaster-related scams and fraudulent charitable solicitations, House Bill 22 expanding allowable uses of the broadband infrastructure fund for emergency communications, and Senate Bill 5 providing supplemental appropriations for disaster relief, including funds for local warning systems and weather monitoring. Each of these bills passed overwhelmingly, with only one or a few dissenting votes, and members repeatedly emphasized the need to improve coordination, communications, funding, and fraud prevention in the wake of recent disasters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also in our Center for Healthcare Quality is our public policy and legislative branch.
• Will Owens, Analyst with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• So, I'm going to move along to the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• We have CDPH, the Department of Finance, and the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• My name is Maral Farsi, Deputy Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• affairs for the office of the state treasurer and legislative counsel for the Office of Legislative
• affairs for the office of the state treasurer and legislative counsel for the Office of Legislative
• reimbursement</c> are legislating broad reimbursement are legislating broad reimbursement authority<
• </c> was incorporated in the legislation. was incorporated in the legislation. not<01:03:50.000><c> in
• </c> legislation to make that easier. legislation to make that easier.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:59.840><c> need</c> loud and clear that legislators need loud and clear that legislators need
• </c> also are concerned that the legislation also are concerned that the legislation could<00:18:18.640
• ><c> specify</c><00:18:55.760><c> some</c> While the legislation does specify some While the legislation
• </c> The omnibus bill provides legislative The omnibus bill provides legislative direction<00:21:54.160
• legislation legislation to<01:33:55.080><c> also</c> to also to also either<01:33:56.760><c> not</c>

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:55.920><c> bodies,</c> um provisions to our legislative bodies, um provisions to our legislative
• </c> working group into a legislative working group into a legislative oversight<00:33:11.519><c> body
• And I going uh with this legislation.
• c> authority</c><02:04:28.880><c> to</c> legislative committees new authority to legislative committees
• </c><02:23:49.439><c> staff</c> all legislators and leaderships. staff all legislators and leaderships

Bills: SB141 , SB124 , SB56 , SJR116 , SB94 , SB37 , SB127 , SB197 , SB66 , SB70 , SB133 , SB160 , SB214 , SB312 , SB52 , SJR62 , SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> transferred to the joint legislative transferred to the joint legislative historical<00:06:56.800
• Historical Commission. the legislative historical fun. the legislative historical fun.
• </c> It shows on the joint legislative It shows on the joint legislative historical<00:17:29.520><c>
• The legislative facilities. right? The legislative facilities. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.
• </c> legislators get. legislators get. &gt;&gt; Right<01:57:01.360><c> here.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation legislation SB247.<01:21:54.880><c> Um</c><01:21:55.360><c> and</c><01:21:55.600><c> so<
• </c> today um and support this legislation today um and support this legislation with<01:22:02.800><c
• </c> this legislation is trying to achieve. this legislation is trying to achieve.
• </c><01:42:26.800><c> and</c> 5 was in the original legislation and 5 was in the original legislation
• </c><01:43:17.920><c> Got</c> back into the legislation. Right. Got back into the legislation.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's hearing is focused on legislation that relates to tax credits, annuities, and other financial
• A couple of good things to report about some of the legislation in front of us today: in the passing
• This legislation was passed by the Legislature in FY 26 and signed into law.
• This important legislation repealed the language in Massachusetts General Laws that prevented Gold Star
• Have we posed to the room the question if anyone is here who wants to testify any of the legislation

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fifth public hearing of the 2025-2026 session, chaired by Senator John Velis and Representative Joe McGonagle. The chairs said the hearing focused on legislation involving tax credits, annuities, and other financial benefits for veterans, service members, and military families. Senator Velis highlighted recent action on the HERO Act, which increased the annual annuity for 100 percent disabled veterans, Gold Star parents, and Gold Star spouses from $2,000 to $2,500, and noted that legislation to ensure eligibility for Gold Star spouses had been enacted and signed into law, removing a remarriage restriction on receiving the annuity. No members of the public had pre-registered or appeared to testify in person or virtually on the bills on the agenda. After confirming that no one was present to offer testimony, the committee briefly acknowledged attendance and then moved to adjourn. The motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, that ends the hearing on Senate Bill 1544, and seeing no more legislation in front of this
• committee, the Committee on Legislative Review is adjourned. of our fallen first responders.
• Seeing none, that ends the hearing on Senate Bill 1544 and seeing no more legislation in front of this
• The Committee on Legislative Review is adjourned.
• Legislation in front of this committee, the Committee on Legislative Review is adjourned.

Committee: House Legislative Review

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hey, check to see if people are coming to verbal legislation, trying to get more.
• Where we have one of the affected legislators of that county who has chosen not to sign off on the bill
• an amendment for local legislation.
• There still is an extra layer for the citizens of that county to vote on the local legislation.
• But there will be another local legislation committee meeting a week from today.

Bills: HB590

Committee: House Local Legislation

Keywords: lodging tax, Winston County, road improvements, fire departments, local elections, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On the last page, we have some key issues for legislative consideration, and this is where I'll spend
• So in terms of legislation, I think that the, what is the right legislation that we should focus on?
• The coordination of a statewide marketing campaign is future legislation we ought to work on.
• What role should we then have other legislation feed through that or do something else?
• In my mind, whether it's additional legislation or not, additional legislation is only to try to ensure

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's important and legislation.
• This is a conformity bill that allows legislators who take legislative leave from the executive branch
• And grants legislators and grantees.
• So we sought some legislative solution for it.
• So we sought some legislative solution for it.

Bills: HF4364 , HF4821 , HF4543 , HF3945

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: Central and Eastern European Affairs, ethnic council, advisory council, Minnesota state government, immigrant communities, refugees, humanitarian parolees, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Czech Republic, Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Russia

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, I'd like to thank all the legislators, legislative staff, and my friends who helped make
• First of all, I'd like to thank all the legislators, legislative staff, and my friends who helped make
• Similar legislation has been endorsed by the National.
• Help us evaluate any proposed legislation or proposed changes.
• This may be one of the most sweeping changes of legislation.

Bills: HCR 16 , HB 782 , HB 2159 , HB 2288 , HB 3281 , HB 3819 , HB 4656 , HB 4696 , HB 5494

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education