Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Licensing estimates one-time operating expenditures of $186,000 from the motor vehicle
• First of all, they offer emergency loans to individuals.
• to a loss of utilities, a repossession of a vehicle, or an eviction if you do not have access to emergency
• to a loss of utilities, a repossession of a vehicle or an eviction if you do not have access to emergency
• So in terms of your business operation, you do more than just loan.

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee heard public testimony on several House bills. HB 2624 would expand an existing exemption in the solicited real estate transaction law to allow public entities to solicit and buy real property for any public purpose, and also for Indian tribes and nonprofit nature conservancy organizations; the sponsor said the bill is meant to fix an omission from last year’s law, while a forest landowners group opposed it as creating a loophole for low-ball offers to vulnerable owners, and Trust for Public Land supported it as a different kind of transaction with existing appraisal and public-process protections. HB 2334 would create a cash-transaction rounding system to address the end of penny minting; staff said rounding would apply after tax and be permissive for sellers, with immunity and preemption provisions, and retailers and grocery groups supported it as a practical solution to penny scarcity, while members asked about signage and mixed-tender transactions. The committee also heard HB 1269, which would shorten pawn loan terms from 90 to 60 days, raise interest and fee caps, increase storage fees, and allow online payments for extensions. Pawn industry witnesses and the sponsor said the changes are modest, overdue, and needed to reflect inflation and operating costs while serving unbanked customers; some senators questioned whether the combined changes would more than double costs for borrowers, and industry witnesses said they were willing to work on the numbers. HB 2428 would require insurers to send advance lapse notices for individual life insurance policies to policyholders and a designated third party, with proof of delivery, to prevent unintended lapses; the sponsor, the Insurance Commissioner’s office, life insurers, AARP, and a business group all supported the consumer protection goal, though insurers noted added compliance costs and the bill’s delayed effective date for new policies. Finally, the committee heard HB 1078 on pet insurance, which would bar cancellation or nonrenewal based on a pet’s age or conditions that develop during the policy term and would restrict certain affiliate-policy transfers; the Insurance Commissioner’s office strongly supported it as a consumer protection measure, and staff noted a fiscal impact estimate and a new fiscal note request. The committee also took testimony on HB 2624 from both supporters and opponents, and on HB 2334 and HB 1269 from industry and public witnesses, but no votes were taken in the meeting. The chair closed public testimony and adjourned the committee after hearing all scheduled bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• They also have their responsibility under their emergency powers to address food bank and security and
• Somewhat telling, there are more than 600 hunger relief agencies operating in Washington state.”
• “There are more than 600 hunger relief agencies operating in Washington state.
• We operated throughout that.
• response, and you cannot be necessarily fiscally responsible in an emergency.

Bills: HB2238 , HB1311 , HB1608 , HB1735 , HB1825 , HB1976 , HB2062

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum, BIPOC, tribal consultation, small farmers, diet-related health disparities, food affordability

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dye's amendment addresses purchases and generation of electricity for emergency backup
• Dolio's amendment specifies that the emergency backup electricity can only use de minimis amounts of
• In 2019, when CETA was passed, we did make sure that the co-gen facilities in operation at that time
• You know, when you're having an emergency, it's an emergency, and having backup generation is really
• Emergencies should not be drawn into this policy at all.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SSB 6269, which updates the Motor Fuel Quality Act by removing the separate definition of alternative fuel and broadening the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous products and fuels used for transportation purposes. The Washington State Department of Agriculture testified that the change would let weights and measures staff test a wider range of fuels, including hydrogen and other clean fuels, and Douglas County PUD supported the bill as necessary to help regulate the state’s first hydrogen fueling station and future hydrogen infrastructure. A question clarified that the bill concerns the purity of the final hydrogen fuel product, not certification of the production process. The committee then received a briefing on three amendments to SB 5982, which expands Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to additional entities. Amendment 170 would remove a requirement tied to affected market customers consuming the same or greater share of non-emitting and renewable electricity for the same end uses; Amendment 171 would exempt electricity used solely for emergency backup purposes; and Amendment 173 would similarly exempt backup generation using de minimis fossil fuels and related load from CETA compliance. Members discussed whether the amendments were needed to protect cogeneration facilities and emergency backup systems, while others argued they could weaken CETA’s clean-energy goals. In executive session, SB 6013 was reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation by a 21-0 voice vote. On SB 5982, Amendment 170 failed, Amendment 171 failed, and Amendment 173 passed. The committee then adopted the amendments into a striking amendment and voted 12-8 to report Substitute Senate Bill 5982 out of committee with a do pass as amended recommendation. Members supporting the bill said it levels the playing field and preserves exemptions for backup power and existing cogeneration, while opponents argued it could undermine CETA and allow continued fossil-fuel use or create loopholes.

Transcript Highlights:

• New Pathways they've been operating.
• Our career training operates through three specialized pillars.
• So we operate through a number of different funding streams.
• </c><00:47:26.480><c> shelter</c> has provided not only emergency shelter has provided not only emergency
• </c> know live downtown and at our operation know live downtown and at our operation in<00:51:08.400>

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a report from the executive subcommittee concerning emergency rules.
• Moving on to E9, DHS Division of County Operations.
• Good morning, I'm Mary Franklin, Director of the Division of County Operations.
• It could have an emergency clause. You could pass an emergency rule that would last 120 days.
• or creating an emergency rule, would you have to go to CMS?

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large slate of agency rules and related reports. The chair announced that several items were stricken from the agenda and that the maternal health providers and remote monitoring rules were pulled by the agency. The committee filed reports on emergency rules, ALC subcommittee rule reviews, and administrative directives, then moved through agency rules from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce/Insurance, Department of Corrections, and multiple divisions of the Department of Human Services. Most rules were explained as technical updates or implementations of 2025 legislation and were approved without objection. Examples included repeal of obsolete equine ID-chip rules, updates to agriculture financing and pesticide rules, removal of duplicative workers’ compensation plan language, a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities, DHS marketing rules for PASS programs, a comprehensive DCFS policy manual revision, Medicaid-related changes for fictive kin, ABLE accounts, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women, SNAP work requirements and alien eligibility, coverage for certain incarcerated youth, nurse aide training updates, and permanent rules for state employee insurance and procurement. The committee also approved requests to exclude the Insurance Department from rulemaking requirements for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting and for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would issue rules later when more guidance is available. The most extended discussion concerned DHS’s dental Medicaid rate rule under Act 1025. Members and witnesses debated whether the statute’s language covered only oral surgeons or also general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, and whether the rate increase should apply more broadly to the services rather than the provider title. DHS said it was following the black-letter language of the law and could not confirm a broader interpretation without further approvals and funding, while legislators and a Dental Association representative said the intent was to increase payment for the services, especially in rural areas. Members also discussed the possibility of fixing the language in a future session or through a new rule if approvals and CMS review allow. Despite the concerns, the committee approved the rule. The meeting ended with approval of rule review reports and monthly updates, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those is dealing with the disaster CalFresh operations that are underway in LA.
• The data dashboard that we operate will allow for information to be very accessible to the public.
• CDSS's safety net and protective services programs remain fully operational.
• Office of Emergency Services.
• services, and disaster preparedness and response efforts during times of emergency and disaster.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Work to clarify scope of practice and address emerging patient safety issues.
• I own and operate five congregate living health facilities.
• I'm an NCIDQ holder and 2025 emerging leader for IIDA Northern California.
• She unexpectedly had to fly overseas to attend to a family emergency in Ukraine.
• She unexpectedly had to fly overseas to attend to a family emergency in Ukraine.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're still going to go to emergency rooms.
• We need that emergency, indigent care reality, but also that preventative care.
• Just to keep her out of the operating room.
• to need emergency care.
• Finally, suicide prevention and crisis hotlines operate anonymously by design.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard several health-related bills, with extensive public testimony and multiple roll-call votes. SB 895, by Senator Wiener, would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support science and health research in California amid federal funding cuts. The author and UC researchers argued the measure would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership; many universities, labor groups, and patient advocates testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee members praised the bill, and it passed 6-0 to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SB 944, also by Senator Wiener, would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds. Supporters, including acupuncturists, patients, community organizations, and health access advocates, described acupuncture as effective, low-cost, and culturally important care; there was no opposition. The committee discussed access for API communities and Medi-Cal patients, and the bill passed 6-0 to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 987, by Senator Wiener, would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes cause Medi-Cal enrollment losses, with the goal of redirecting those savings to care for affected patients and providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, psychiatric, medical, and safety-net hospital groups. Committee members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and other vulnerable populations if savings materialize. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 964, by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, would limit prior authorization barriers by allowing certain dose or frequency adjustments for covered medications without repeated authorization, up to two clinically appropriate changes. The bill was supported by a Crohn’s and colitis patient and sponsor testimony describing delays in care, while health plans and insurers opposed it over safety, FDA-labeling, and cost concerns. Committee members raised questions about off-label use and clinical standards, but the author said the bill was intended to reduce delays and avoid emergency care; it passed 11-0 to Appropriations. SB 1099, by Senator Reyes, would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state and local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA-related exemptions, to reduce legal uncertainty for local safety-net programs. County counsel and city attorney representatives said the bill would preserve local flexibility to provide services such as health care, shelter, crisis response, and food distribution without unnecessary eligibility barriers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 11-0 to the Committee on Human Services. SB 1033, by Senator Padilla, would require manufacturers of protein products to test for heavy metals and disclose results. Supporters cited Consumer Reports findings of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury in protein powders and beverages, while opponents asked for narrower scope and raised concerns about naturally occurring metals and over-warning consumers. The committee discussed narrowing the bill and the need for transparency, and it passed 11-0 to the Committee on Environmental Quality. Finally, SB 1049, by Senator Weber-Pearson, would give providers a fair opportunity to correct certain claim errors after a health plan action, rather than being barred by original filing deadlines. An OBGYN testified that a missing diagnostic code led to large clawbacks and delayed payments despite appropriate care; the bill was presented as a limited fix for honest mistakes. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1049, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has a fee for livestock operations. The states are doing.
• Speaker, gentlemen, in an emergency, both of those Situations exist.
• Cruz, just a few years ago, was that open and operating? Mr.
• This center can serve as an emergency heating or cooling center. Mr.
• Floods, high winds, and other climate emergencies in the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, there's an urgency for emergency funding to keep HCMC's doors open.
• Now, there's an urgency for emergency funding to keep HCMC's doors open.
• Now, there's an urgency for emergency funding to keep HCMC's doors open.
• So medical assistance is a safety net. emergency funding to keep HCMC's doors emergency funding to keep
• So talk to emergency rental assistance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We protect emergency rooms.
• We protect emergency rooms in that emergency-type government function in a completely different statute
• room or not in an emergency room, and since we're talking about only what happens in a non-emergency
• We protect emergency rooms in that emergency type government function in a completely different statute
• room or not in an emergency room, and since we're talking about only what happens in a non-emergency

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in operations.
• I'm a rancher as well; I have a cow-calf operation out in West Texas.
• As new matters emerge like PFAS, the agency is able to react.
• Finally, these actions will make visible the state's support for emergency operation plans necessary
• records for the emergency period.

Bills: HB1341 , HB1674 , HB4028 , SB2321

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, air quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, criminal offense, chemical regulation, preproduction plastic, water quality, pollution control, industrial waste, emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:37.320><c> on</c> many of you know our counties operate on many of you know our counties operate
• </c> probate court or seek an emergency probate court or seek an emergency guardship<01:48:47.000><c>
• </c> burden associated with emergency burden associated with emergency litigation<01:51:21.280><c> to
• </c> the process of requesting an emergency the process of requesting an emergency gu<01:52:49.800><c
• </c> Allied radio Matrix for emergency Allied radio Matrix for emergency response<02:04:25.840><c> or

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would apply only to publicly operated systems.
• motor vehicle operation, investigation of fires, provision of emergency medical services, hazardous
• , emergency motor vehicle operation,<00:36:11.119><c> investigation</c><00:36:11.680><c> of</c><00:36
• :11.920><c> fires,</c> operation, investigation of fires, operation, investigation of fires, provision
• services,</c> provision of emergency medical services, provision of emergency medical services, hazardous

Bills: HF1667 , HF2526 , HF68

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Joseph: THANK YOU FOR THE BILL AND FOR THE AMENDMENT AND TRY TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE EMERGENCY
• AS REPRESENTATIVE BUSATTA EXPLAINED, WE HAVEN'T HAD A STATE MECHANISM IN PLACE FOR EMERGENCY CLAIM 2016
• SUCH AS HOSPITALS OR OTHER EMERGENCY PROVIDERS.
• THIS IS ONLY THE INSURER AND THE PROVIDER AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT EMERGENCY NETWORK CLAIMS OUT OF STATE
• FLORIDA'S ADVOCATE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> as that proper large animal operating as that proper large animal operating table<00:15:40.720><
• </c> this is really priority emergency this is really priority emergency funding<00:31:53.720><c> for
• But clearly our capacity to operate a system is dependent upon operating cash flow, and by taking the
• But clearly our capacity to operate a system is dependent upon operating cash flow, and by taking the
• But clearly our capacity to operate a system is dependent upon operating cash flow. ...and by taking

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill. 187 expanded the department's authority to issue emergency license suspension orders for
• involved in serious offenses, including human trafficking, prostitution and sexual misconduct. 50 emergency
• Hospital emergency departments and ambulatory surgical centers are required to develop policies and train
• behavior on these massage therapy, places that should be conducted. 3rd was a 30 sent undercover operations
• Some are part of bigger operations. So we don't published those are or or publicize them.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Senate Bill 1268 is an emergency measure that clarifies that the primary residence
• Can you tell me why it needs an emergency? Yes, ma'am.
• And there's also an emergency clause so that hopefully this could be signed by the governor by March
• With an emergency, it takes away the ability for citizens to challenge those laws.
• I mean, I can go through this list of large-scale smuggling operations and... ...crimes.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met for its second meeting, opened with a lengthy reminder about Senate decorum rules and the consequences for disruption, then approved the January 26, 2026 minutes. The committee first heard SB 1268, an emergency measure clarifying that a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability receives a full property tax exemption on a primary residence, including when the home is jointly owned with a spouse. County assessors said the bill was a needed cleanup to prior legislation and urged quick passage so applications could be processed before tax deadlines. The bill passed 7-0 with a do pass recommendation; one senator supported it in committee but objected to the emergency clause on the floor because it limits referendum rights. The committee then considered SB 1152, which would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until an immigration judge grants asylum. Supporters argued it would prevent state funds from going to people whose status is not yet verified and emphasized taxpayer responsibility; opponents said existing law already covers the issue, warned it could encourage racial profiling, and cited the economic contributions of refugees and asylum seekers. After debate, the bill passed 4-3. Next, SB 1156 appropriated $20 million to DPS to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs for unauthorized persons. Supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden and needed backfill funding; opponents argued the money was unnecessary, not requested by DPS, and should not be spent on detention. The bill passed 4-3. SB 1157, which would appropriate $20 million for reimbursement of local border fencing or walls in high-crossing areas, drew the most extended and contentious testimony. Supporters framed it as a response to border gaps, cartel activity, and local security needs, while opponents said it would worsen fear, harm wildlife and communities, and divert funds from education and other priorities. The meeting briefly became disorderly during public testimony, prompting a rules clarification from the committee attorney about audience decorum and the chair’s authority. After debate, SB 1157 also passed 4-3. Finally, the committee heard SB 1213, as amended, which makes unlawfully present persons convicted of state or local offenses ineligible for probation and requires ICE notification; the amendment removed CBP from the notification provisions. The sponsor tied the bill to a recent child sexual assault case and said it would ensure convicted noncitizens are not placed on probation at taxpayer expense. Opponents raised due process and equal protection concerns and said the bill would profile noncitizens. The amended bill passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, we operate under an incremental budgeting model.
• Last year, Western reduced its operating budget by 10%, or almost $23 million.
• Our Seattle campus has operated for over 13 years, graduating more than 3,000 students to date.
• Those emerging needs.
• Fully funded compensation is essential for our operations.

Bills: HB2070 , HB2671 , HB2617 , SB6258

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: funding, education, higher education, Western Washington University, state funding parity, financial aid, state funding, student support, educational reform, university procedures, academic policy, student success, Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, we allocate a $25.5 million increase in operating...
• Allocate a $25.5 million increase in operating funds for school district workforce education programs
• So can you explain to us where we are on the Emergency Management Trust Fund?
• So, you anticipate, is there money in our budget for the Emergency Management Trust Fund right now?
• Just normal operating costs for that $35,000? Chair Brodeur, thank you, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language. The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.