Transcript Highlights:

• Lake, State Representative for the 39th District.
• I will say Washington State is a national leader in addressing the issue of preventing and ending youth
• and outside of our state.
• That tip represents our state-operated facilities, our residential habilitation centers, and our state-operated
• I'm also the president of the Washington Federation of State Employees, who represents public employees

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee opened its 2026 session with member and staff introductions, then took up four bills. HB 2185 would expand the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include more members with lived experience of homelessness or involvement in public systems, broaden youth representation up to age 25, and allow members who turn 25 to finish their terms. The prime sponsor and testifiers from homeless youth advocacy organizations supported the bill, saying it would improve representation and the quality of advice to the Office of Homeless Youth. The hearing on HB 2185 was then closed. The committee next heard HB 2319, which renames Washington’s residential habilitation centers by removing the word “school” from their titles and updating related statutory references. The sponsor said the change is meant to reflect current services and reduce confusion, and advocates from The Arc of Washington, Disability Rights Washington, and self-advocates supported the bill as a needed terminology update that would better describe the facilities and avoid misleading the public. No opposition was heard. HB 2230 would limit DSHS to one annual routine review in specified subject areas for community residential service providers and require more document-sharing across divisions to reduce duplicate oversight. The sponsor and provider witnesses said the bill is intended to cut redundant audits and site visits so staff can spend more time on client care, while still preserving investigations and required oversight. HB 2200 would direct JLARC to review safety and stability outcomes across developmental disability residential settings and require a public dashboard comparing data such as 911 calls, ER boarding, placement terminations, and staff retention. The sponsor and several witnesses supported greater transparency, while provider representatives raised concerns about raw data being misleading without per-client or percentage-based context and about possible fiscal impacts. The committee did not take final votes on the bills in the transcript and adjourned after public hearings and caucus time were announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Randy Dungey, State Rep from the 44th. Thank you so much.
• Senator Ramos committed his life to public service and the improvement of the state of Washington and
• continuing to bolster the number of state troopers.
• of Washington and keep our transportation... ...can for the state of Washington and keep our transportation
• When you work with a variety of individuals and a variety of needs that we see all around the state,

Summary: The House and Senate Transportation Committee conferees met to consider the conference report for SB 5161, the transportation budget for the 2025-27 biennium. Staff explained that the underlying 2023-25 transportation budget was revised downward by about $1.3 billion, from $14.5 billion to $13.2 billion, and the report included a dedication honoring the late Senator Bill Ramos for his service to Washington and its transportation system. Members from both chambers spoke in support of the budget and praised the work of committee staff, noting the difficulty and length of the negotiations. Several conferees said the budget was responsible and cautious given uncertainty around costs and federal funding, while still advancing major priorities such as ferry procurement, fish barrier removal, safety improvements, State Patrol staffing, preservation and maintenance, and key projects including the North Spokane Corridor, SR 520, Gateway, and other Connecting Washington and mega projects. After discussion, the committee adopted the conference report by voice vote, with members then recorded as recommending it. The report was advanced to the House and Senate, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• "...scope of the Safer Products for Washington process on this.
• Excuse me, I'm sorry, I've got a tickle... ...state. Excuse me, I'm sorry, I've got a tickle.
• state are finding things that are too costly.
• And we can have quality cookware available in Washington State. So vote yes. Representative Soto?
• And that's just not a state that we want to be in.

Summary: The Environment and Energy committee met to executive three bills. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the period a non-certified person may review designs and inspect on-site wastewater treatment systems under supervision of a certified individual; the committee adopted a striking amendment making a technical correction to the definition of an on-site wastewater treatment system and then passed the bill 18-0 with three excused. ESB 6246 concerns no-cost allowance allocations for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act; the striking amendment added an Ecology-contracted independent third-party report due in 2028 on emissions and job leakage, revised reporting and disclosure provisions, required unaffiliated licensed professional engineers for certain assessments, and clarified penalty language. Members discussed leakage, third-party review, and costs to industry, and the bill passed 11-7 with three excused after the amendment was adopted. The committee also took up ESSB 5975, which sets lead standards for certain cookware and adjusts the Safer Products for Washington process. Members described the bill as the result of multiple years of negotiation balancing public health concerns about lead exposure with industry concerns, and noted the striking amendment set specific 2030 and 2034 standards for pots and pans. After brief supportive discussion, the committee adopted the striker and passed the bill 18-0 with three excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• like mine, Missouri State University, and those technical community colleges in Springfield, and make
• University of Central Missouri, that the state supports that individual at the same amount.
• . campus and where I attended Harrisville State University for one semester.
• Did you know 70% of Harris-Stowe State University students stay in Missouri?
• Louis University, put out some disturbing demographic trends, not just in my part of the state, but in

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Washington, Senator Perchick. Washington, Senator Perchick.
• </c> granted by the applicable states granted by the applicable states statutes<00:25:03.679><c> annotated
• </c> phrasing established by Vermont by state phrasing established by Vermont by state law. law. law.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington. &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington. &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Regulating CO2 in high concentrations and in the supercritical state is new, something that the state
• That's 50% more than a year of in-state tuition.
• The increase from out of state, the rest will come... ...come from Alaska, the increase from out of state
• This will... 25% is in-state oil production.
• Design Kids at Stanford University, Carter.

Summary: The committee heard several climate, environmental, and housing bills. AB 1425, dealing with pit dewatering near the San Joaquin River Parkway, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the river, groundwater, floodplain conditions, tribal and cultural resources, and public access from a proposed mining project near the river. Opponents, including Cemex, labor representatives, and industry groups, said the bill would bypass the CEQA process before it was complete, threaten jobs, and create uncertainty for an existing operation. Members questioned both sides about hydrology, blasting, dewatering, and the adequacy of the ongoing environmental review. The bill was moved, but several members expressed concern about preempting CEQA and some did not vote or voted no. AB 881, which would allow California to move forward with carbon capture and sequestration pipelines, was presented as a way to advance state climate goals and capture federal funding. Supporters, including SMUD, labor, and industry groups, said the bill would help deploy carbon capture safely and preserve jobs. Environmental justice opponents supported stronger safety direction and warned that CO2 pipelines pose serious risks and that the state should not move ahead without clearer standards. The bill received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 1207, on the cap-and-trade allowance price ceiling and the social cost of carbon, was presented as a science-based update to California’s climate policy. The author and EDF said the bill would keep the program aligned with current economic and climate data and protect it from federal political interference. It received broad support and a due-pass recommendation. AB 1106, creating a coordinated network of air quality incident response centers, was also approved after testimony about wildfire smoke, toxic emissions, and the need for better real-time monitoring during disasters. AB 28, the Landfill Fire Safety Act, focused on the Chiquita Canyon landfill fire and related health impacts in Castaic and Val Verde; residents described serious illnesses and contamination concerns, while landfill and county representatives warned about costs and asked for more study. The committee nonetheless advanced the bill with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard AB 357, which would speed Coastal Commission review of student and faculty housing projects, with supporters citing student homelessness and opponents urging caution but acknowledging the need for more housing; the bill was presented and discussed, with the committee emphasizing the need to balance housing production and coastal oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, I am Senator Barbara Washington.
• That throughout the state.
• We want to thank Senator Washington for bringing this forward, as she succinctly stated earlier.
• Some states, like Nebraska, that's more than 90%.
• Some states, like Nebraska, that's more than 90%.

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and heard testimony on several measures focused on agriculture, broadband, public health administration, and utility eminent domain. Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, sponsored by Senator Barbara Washington, would expand a DESE agricultural education pilot program from 20 schools to allow voluntary K-12 agriculture curriculum statewide. Washington said the bill builds on a successful pilot and is intended to help students understand agriculture as a STEM field and broader community issue. Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri N.A., Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Pork Association all testified in support; there was no opposition, and the hearing closed without a vote. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 38 from Representative Louis Riggs, which urges that Missouri’s broadband funding remain in the state and be used for deployment. Riggs said Missouri received $1.7 billion in broadband funding but that more than half had been cut or left uncertain, and he argued the money should stay in Missouri to bridge the digital divide. Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Electric Cooperatives supported the resolution, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1699 from Representative Maisie Christensen, a constituent-driven bill to clarify when county health officers/directors’ authority ends if they are not reappointed. Christensen explained the bill addresses ambiguity in older statutes governing different county public health structures; no witnesses testified for or against the bill. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2169 from Representative Brad Pollitt, which would bar electrical corporations from using eminent domain for wind or solar generation facilities while still allowing grid connection. Pollitt and Farm Bureau argued the bill closes a loophole and protects landowners from having property taken for large renewable projects; Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Corn Growers Association also supported the measure. Ameren testified for informational purposes only, saying it has no plans to use eminent domain for wind or solar and appreciates the grid-connection language. Several members debated whether the bill should also address nuclear energy or broader utility siting concerns, and one witness noted transmission and battery-storage limitations as reasons renewable projects are not built everywhere. The hearing on HB 2169 closed with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• nursing and assisted living facilities in Washington State.
• Melanie Smith said she is representing the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds Program.
• She said the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds Program has been around for almost 60 years and is
• You know, Washington State has literally led the nation in making home care possible.
• And Washington State, starting 30 years ago, went a really different direction with that.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2299, which would create a state senior independent living ombuds program. Staff explained that the bill would direct the Department of Commerce to contract with a nonprofit to provide ombuds services for residents of senior independent living facilities, including complaint handling, data collection, referrals, training, and protections against retaliation and disclosure. The bill also sets qualifications and conflict-of-interest rules for ombuds staff and requires facilities to post notice of the services. The chair noted that, although executive session was on the agenda, the bills would not be voted out that day because amendments were still being worked on. Representative Christine Reeves, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure was intended to address gaps in protections for seniors in independent living settings, which are often treated under multifamily housing law rather than senior housing or long-term care statutes. She described constituent concerns about poor communication, delayed maintenance, safety issues, and a lack of a clear place for residents to seek help. Committee members asked about the bill’s scope, including whether it would apply to 55-plus communities, condominiums, and rented versus owned units, and staff clarified that the bill defines covered facilities as age-restricted apartment buildings, condominiums, or residential neighborhoods where residents rent the unit or land, plus certain portions of CCRCs and assisted living buildings not actively used for assisted living. Testimony was mixed. The Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington said they support the goal but raised concerns about the bill’s structure, funding, overlap with existing landlord-tenant and long-term care ombuds systems, and the need for a broader stakeholder process and a resident bill of rights first. The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds Program supported the concept and said it could potentially absorb the work, but emphasized that current funding is already below recommended staffing levels and that additional resources would likely be needed. Residents and advocates testified in support, saying the bill would provide a neutral outside authority and help address real problems in senior communities. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> promote public confidence in state promote public confidence in state government<00:01:32.040><c
• </c><00:24:54.520><c> agency</c> legislature can turn to a state agency legislature can turn to a state
• </c> broadly all of the cities of the State broadly all of the cities of the State uh<00:49:52.119><c
• </c> dollar a year problem with no State dollar a year problem with no State support<00:57:48.319><c>
• Some states actually administer social services directly at a state level.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State condo law changed between when we exec'd this bill out of committee and the vote today
• There were many people who believe that Washington State's housing crisis is a direct result of state
• Washington State's housing crisis is the direct result of state government, new taxes, new regulations
• State.
• As you know, we are blessed with so many businesses and employers that want to call Washington State

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and announced caucuses before moving through introductions, committee reports, and second reading bills. The chamber considered three bills on second reading: HB 1175, allowing small business establishments in residential zones; HB 1376, allowing voluntary prepayment of capital gains tax up to six months early; and HB 1500, concerning resale certificates for units in common interest communities. HB 1175 received Amendment 1461, which added a population-estimate reference for small communities, and then passed 94-2. HB 1376 passed 97-0 after supporters said it would let taxpayers capture a federal deduction by paying earlier, while still preserving state revenue. HB 1500 received a technical striking amendment updating condo-law language and then passed 85-12; supporters said it would improve access to complete resale certificates for condo sales, while some members raised concerns about added regulation and costs. The House then took up third reading bills. Substitute HB 1302, which would let local governments waive utility connection charges for certain green technology or industrial symbiosis projects, passed 76-21 after supporters emphasized environmental benefits and opponents warned it could shift costs to other ratepayers. HB 1796, allowing school districts to bond against capital levy collections to speed projects and reduce inflationary costs, passed 78-19; supporters said it would save taxpayers money and help districts complete needed construction sooner, while opponents argued it could bypass voter intent and increase indebtedness without renewed approval. Finally, Substitute HB 1980 was returned to second reading for a striking amendment, which was adopted, and then passed 97-0. Supporters described it as a pilot program to help employers and transit agencies work together to move workers more efficiently in congested areas, using existing transit/HOV infrastructure. The House also re-referred HJM 4010 and HB 2402 to different committees, then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, I am Senator Barbara Washington.
• We want to thank Senator Washington for bringing this forward, as she succinctly stated earlier.
• It's all accredited to national and state standards.
• It's all accredited to national and state standards.
• Some states, like Nebraska, that's more than 90%.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that, I think, ran through state government.
• Curtis Steinhauer, with the Washington State Association of Counties and State Association of County
• Washington State was one of two states at that time that did not have this economic development tool.
• Washington State was one of two states at that time that did not have this economic development tool.
• Travis Dutton here representing the Washington State Association of Counties in support of 2451.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii and nine states provide state ID cards: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia
• , Illinois, Texas, and Washington.
• </c> Employee Retirement System of the state Employee Retirement System of the state of<00:29:23.159>
• state.
• </c><02:49:38.920><c> Canada</c> States Washington DC and Ontario Canada States Washington DC and Ontario

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Finance will meet at 1:00.
• Senator<00:16:21.440><c> from</c><00:16:21.920><c> Washington.
• </c> Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr. Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator<00:16:38.440><c> from</c><00:16:38.640><c> Washington.
• </c> Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr. Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been all over the state.
• This isn't the state to practice in," which is my home state, the state that I chose to practice in.
• doctors from our state.
• Medicaid in the state.
• One of the best experts on state taxes I know, Dick Pomp from the University of Connecticut School of

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the history of what the court's done, not just in our state, but other states and some even
• I also serve as an adjunct professor of law at Washington University School of Law.
• If a Secretary of State who is bound under Missouri law... ...State, if a Secretary of State who is bound
• all the people of the state of Missouri?
• Dinoff, State Public Advocate.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3146, sponsored by Rep. John Simmons, which would expand legislatively written ballot summary statements from 50 to 100 words and create a revised process for court challenges to ballot language. Simmons said the bill is essentially the same as last year’s Senate Bill 22, minus the section the Supreme Court struck down, and argued it would preserve the General Assembly’s role while allowing the Secretary of State and courts to work through objections to ballot summaries. Supporters said the longer summary would better inform voters and that the back-and-forth process had worked in the recent Amendment 3 litigation. Members raised concerns that the bill would encourage misleading or argumentative ballot language, create extra procedural steps, and potentially let the clock run out before challenges are fully resolved. Rep. Woods and others argued the courts are needed to prevent “ballot candy” and dishonest summaries, while supporters countered that the legislature and Secretary of State should have primary authority and that courts should not act as a “super legislature.” The sponsor and supporters also pointed to the recent Amendment 3 process as evidence that the revised procedure can work and produce agreed-upon language. Testimony was split. Campaign Life Missouri, Missouri Right to Life, and a representative from the Secretary of State’s office testified in favor, emphasizing transparency, voter information, and the elected status of the officials drafting ballot language. Opponents included the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, League of Women Voters, Jobs with Justice, Missouri Right to Education, and private citizens, who argued the bill is unconstitutional, undermines separation of powers, and would allow misleading language to survive by dragging out litigation. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the history of what the court's done, not just in our state, but other states and some even
• It's the same with the Secretary of State. They don't like what the Secretary of State is doing.
• University School of Law.
• all the people of the state of Missouri?
• Dinoff, State Public Advocate.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin is the Homeland Security Advisor for the State of Texas, as designated by the United States Department
• to another state.
• That's vastly more than most other states across the United States.
• I don't know of a sheriff's office one in the state. state of Texas that is completely at maximum staffing
• I'm on... state 10, and I can give you all kinds of horror stories from sheriffs all across the state

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• at the state level.
• </c> state level. state level.
• </c> state, Okay. state, Okay.
• </c> the State Board. the State Board.
• </c> out-of-state convictions. out-of-state convictions.

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through the state.
• Our state cemeteries, we've adopted the state cemetery in Taos and are moving quite well on a glide path
• But three out of 30, so 10% of every state cemetery that you own in the state of New Mexico, that represents
• As a state, we only have somewhere between 250 to 300 full-service grocery stores in our entire state
• Our state is taking this very seriously.