Transcript Highlights:

• All right, staff, can you bring forth HCR 2059? Mr.
• All right, staff. HB 2270. Mr.
• Staff, HB 4018. Mr.
• Staff, can you bring up HB 2253? Mr.
• Staff, can you bring HB 4044? Mr.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority in their jurisdictions. Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while some members objected to language describing sheriffs as having “supreme constitutional authority,” calling it overly broad or tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution received a due-pass recommendation on an 8-3 vote. Members then considered HB 2811, which expands obstructing governmental operations to cover interference with a lawful arrest when violence or force is used. The sponsor said the bill closes a gap and should make such conduct a felony, while an opposing attorney argued existing statutes already cover much of the conduct and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. Despite concerns about the drafting and interaction of subsections, the bill received a do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard HB 4129, a proposed DPS-run mental health and wellness program for law enforcement funded with $15 million; the sponsor described it as confidential counseling and support for officers, but several members said it duplicated existing services and was too costly, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the bill before a vote. The committee next took up HB 2270, which would expand protections for county seals and office insignia to include logos and other identifiers, and give sheriffs exclusive rights over posse names and dissolution. Sheriffs and county representatives said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of official names and to avoid litigation after disputes over posse identities; some members raised First Amendment and vagueness concerns about broad language such as “could imply” affiliation. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, a $20 million appropriation for border-related law enforcement support, drew strong support from sheriffs and county law enforcement groups who said the funds help with drug interdiction and border-related crime, and strong opposition from speakers who argued the money should go to schools, housing, health care, and other needs; it passed 7-5. Finally, the committee heard HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserve organizations. MCSO and county officials said it was meant to clarify existing authority and protect public safety operations, while an opponent warned it could expand posse use into immigration enforcement and increase militarization. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, also passed after a chairman’s amendment removed one voiding provision. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund funded by forfeited digital assets and redirected investment deposits.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, this is Corey Patton, staff to the committee.
• Do members have any questions of staff about the bill? All right.
• Again, this is Corey Patton, staff to the committee.
• This is difficult for the staff.
• And we'll have a staff report, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills, with testimony limited because of the large number of sign-ups. House Bill 2146 would expand the crime of sexual exploitation of a minor to include causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct that is being photographed or shown in a live performance. The prime sponsor, Olympia police, and Pierce County prosecutors described cases involving adults masturbating in front of children and argued the current law leaves a gap by treating such conduct as only misdemeanor indecent exposure or communication with a minor. Committee members asked about comparisons to other states, forensic interviews, and whether related offenses could be enhanced. House Bill 2349 would expand notice requirements for sexually violent predator releases, conditional releases, address changes, discharges, and escapes to include local elected officials such as sheriffs, county executives, city officials, and legislators. The sponsor said the bill would codify a practice already occurring in some cases and help officials respond to community concerns with accurate information. DSHS supported increased communication but requested technical amendments. Several city officials testified in support, saying they had not always been notified in advance of placements in their communities. Defense advocates opposed the bill, warning that broader notification could fuel public pressure, vigilante responses, and constitutional problems for the civil commitment system. The hearing on the bill was left open for amendments. House Bill 2532 would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters or similar containers, with exemptions for medical, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses. The sponsor and supporters described rising misuse among youth and young adults, public health harms, and incidents involving impaired driving and overdose deaths. Tribal representatives, the Attorney General’s Office, the Washington Poison Center, and public health officials supported the bill, while veterinary representatives asked for clarification or an amendment to preserve veterinary use. The committee also heard testimony on House Bills 2430 and 2457, which both concern the crime victim penalty assessment. Representative Barno’s bill would restore the assessment for certain offenses involving victims, while Representative Davis’s bill would increase the assessment and add a surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources. Victim advocates, prosecutors, and sheriffs supported the bills as needed to restore funding for victim services, while defense groups opposed them as burdensome fees on indigent defendants. The chair directed the two sponsors to work together on a single proposal, and the hearings were held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think I have other staff members. Thank you.
• Over 34 years, Liz has helped more Assembly staff than we could possibly name here today.
• Anyone who wants to Assembly staff than we could possibly name here today.
• His staff were one of the tightest I've ever seen.
• His staff were one of the tightest I've ever seen, and so many of his staff have been there since the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you as well to the Speaker's staff, particularly Michelle Whitney, and the rest of your staff.
• As well as to the Speaker's staff, particularly Michelle Whitney, and the rest of your staff for your
• And finally, to my staff, whom I’ve relied on at every step of the way in working on this bill.
• I thank you, Jacob, and the rest of the staff as well. You guys have been really, really great.
• And your staff. I thank you, Jacob, and the rest of the staff as well.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you for your staff for handling all that information.
• I'd now like to turn it over to the staff of the Public Service Commission.
• Byron DeCoteau and his staff with me if you have any questions. Okay, good morning.
• Yeah, we have staff that continually does market rate studies throughout the year.
• I'm going to call me—get my staff to check on it. Okay, if you'll do that.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And staff and resources to create versus creating new administrative bodies.
• Staff, please explain HB 2592. Mr.
• Any questions for staff? Seeing none, Mr. Garrison, come back up.
• Staff, final bill on the calendar, please. Mr.
• Any questions for staff? Thank you. Any questions for staff?

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued AI should be treated as software, with agencies proactively identifying use cases, tracking outcomes, and avoiding unnecessary agency-level regulation or new bureaucratic structures. Members questioned him about workforce impacts, privacy, agency involvement, and the balance between innovation and guardrails; he said AI would likely augment workers in the short term and create new jobs over time, while legislative oversight should focus on specific harms and gaps in law rather than broad agency rules. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Arizona Department of Administration to require budget units to identify AI opportunities, reduce administrative duties, streamline procurement, and establish AI governance, while also sending emergency or temporary AI rules to the legislature for approval. An amendment added reporting requirements to the governor, legislative leaders, and Secretary of State on efficiency measures and barriers encountered. After limited testimony, including support from Jeannie Magdua of Conservative Ladies of America, the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill as amended on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent. The final bill, HB 2452, would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning considerations and adjust county planning requirements for land use and energy-related development. Supporters, including Russell Smolden of the Arizona Municipal Power Users Association and Dave Morris of Americans for Prosperity Arizona, said the bill would improve long-term planning for data centers, energy infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The County Supervisors Association opposed it, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred comprehensive planning with zoning, and reduced local control. The committee passed HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff, please explain 2592.
• Staff, please explain 2592. Mr.
• Any questions for staff? Seeing none, Mr. Garrison, come back up.
• Staff, final bill on the calendar, please. Mr.
• Any questions for staff? Thank you. Any questions for staff?

Bills: HB2452 , HB2592

Committee: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Keywords: comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning to all the committee members, to the staff, and to everyone here.
• Good morning, Chair Kaufman, committee members, and staff.
• I'm John Kim, committee staff.
• Any questions for staff? Thank you. Thank you.
• Any questions for staff? Thank you.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on an amended and restated tribal-state gaming compact with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact amendment process and said the restatement consolidates six prior amendments, updates several appendices, and adds new provisions including high-limit room options and electronic table games. Squaxin Island representatives said the changes clarify the existing compact, improve casino regulation and management, and support tribal economic development and community services. Committee members expressed support, and the compact will next go through additional commission and legislative review before possible governor approval. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5831, which enacts the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure creates safe harbors for common mortgage modifications, clarifies when modifications must be recorded, and preserves the priority of modified mortgages in foreclosure without preempting other mortgage or lending laws. A Uniform Law Commission representative testified that the bill would advance protections by reducing uncertainty and costly attorney opinion requirements. There was no opposition testimony, and the public hearing closed without a vote. Senate Bill 6178, requested by the Insurance Commissioner, would prohibit contractors and others from soliciting or requiring post-loss assignments of property insurance benefits from insureds, making such agreements void and enforceable by the commissioner with civil penalties. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner, and several supporters said the bill would protect homeowners after disasters from losing control of their claims and help prevent contractor abuse; a consumer attorney, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also supported it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6031, which expands and modernizes the state’s insurance fraud laws, classifies insurance fraud as a Class B felony, broadens reporting and investigative authority, and extends the fraud program to related crimes affecting insurers and consumers. The Insurance Commissioner, anti-fraud groups, and industry representatives supported the bill, while the Washington Society of CPAs said concerns about CPA language would be addressed by amendment. After public hearings, the committee moved to executive session, adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5928, and voted do-pass recommendations for SB 5928 as amended and SB 5919, sending both to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a question for staff to follow up.
• Just a question for staff to follow up.
• Alex Fairfortune, staff to the committee.
• Alex Fairfortune, staff to the committee.
• Can we ask staff? We can ask staff. Okay. Chair, can I have staff? Yes, please.

Bills: SB5841 , SB5922 , SB5858 , SB5943

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: financial aid, postsecondary education, student support, application process, higher education access, school transportation, school buses, pupil transportation, transportation vehicle fund, school district finance, fund transfer, reimbursement schedule, depreciation schedule, zero-emission buses, electric school buses, bus electrification, charging stations, fueling stations, vehicle replacement, major repairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m Kelly Simpson with the committee staff, and I am the staff coordinator for the committee, as you
• Hi, Brandon Popovac, staff counsel to the committee, staffing the budget overall.
• I’d be negligent not introducing our excellent administrative staff.
• I’m staff to the committee.
• Hanson and the staff report.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on January 13, 2026, for a work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental transportation budget and a public hearing on Senate Bill 6005, which makes supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025–27 biennium. Committee staff reviewed the transportation budget outlook, noting that the 2025 session had balanced the transportation budget over four years with significant new revenues, but that recent fuel-tax and Climate Commitment Act forecasts had softened the long-term outlook. Staff and the governor’s budget team said the proposal still leaves the budget in positive shape while addressing major needs such as preservation, ferry replacement, maintenance, and the state self-insurance account. The governor’s office described a $16.8 billion transportation budget proposal centered on preservation and maintenance, including $3.1 billion in bonding for eligible preservation projects, $1.1 billion for three new ferries, additional ferry preservation funding, pavement and bridge work, maintenance funding, County Road Administration Board startup money, State Patrol communications upgrades, DOL service access improvements, dredging for the Lower Columbia River, and restored regional mobility grant funding. Committee members asked about ferry capacity, DOL mobile offices, self-insurance costs, and whether additional preservation money could be used in 2026. Testifiers from cities, counties, labor, ports, construction, business, and environmental groups generally supported the emphasis on preservation, ferry reliability, local road funding, and freight projects, while some urged broader transit and rail investment and one witness criticized the budget’s spending approach. During public testimony on SB 6005, speakers from Bainbridge Island and ferry communities supported ferry investments and reliability improvements; local government and labor representatives backed preservation funding and better working conditions for transportation workers; business and construction groups endorsed maintenance, paving, bridge repair, and the Lower Columbia dredging item; and port and environmental advocates supported freight, port electrification, and rail funding. One witness raised concerns about the cost and long-term implications of hybrid-electric ferry maintenance, and another urged restraint in spending. The hearing ended after testimony, with the chair noting the sign-in tally and adjourning the committee without a vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that, in the past three or four weeks since returning to the commission, he has pushed staff
• He added that, as a commissioner, he will make sure staff works to have those early conversations.
• He said staff should work to have those conversations early so that, long before an application is filed
• He said staff understands the importance of bears and many other species managed by the state, and that
• But what I will say is that we have an amazing staff. We have an amazing staff.”

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes. The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:42:30.120><c> who</c> you and also all of the MPCA staff who you and also all of the MPCA staff
• fish and wildlife staff and forestry staff<01:12:40.560><c> as</c><01:12:40.720><c> a</c><01:12:40.800
• </c><01:13:59.400><c> were</c> age class imbalance, and staff were age class imbalance, and staff were
• </c> When<01:15:13.400><c> DNR</c><01:15:13.800><c> staff</c> When DNR staff When DNR staff were<01:15
• . staff. staff.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:03:07.599><c> funds</c><00:03:08.080><c> our</c><00:03:08.560><c> desk</c><00:03:08.879><c> staff
• </c> that this bill funds our desk staff that this bill funds our desk staff here.<00:03:10.000><c> it
• funds the chief sergeant-at-arms<00:03:12.560><c> and</c><00:03:12.879><c> their</c><00:03:13.280><c> staff
• </c><00:03:13.760><c> there</c> sergeant-at-arms and their staff there sergeant-at-arms and their staff
• </c><00:03:15.920><c> that</c> and that it funds the staff that and that it funds the staff that supports

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up the conference committee report on Senate File 3045, an act relating to state government operations. The authors described the bill as a broad agreement on government operations that funds state functions, limits growth in government, and includes elections and campaign finance provisions that were characterized as common-sense and bipartisan. Members also noted the bill supports legislative staff and other government operations, and one speaker highlighted that the final product reflected technical changes and input from counties and other election stakeholders. During debate, several members praised the conference process and the bipartisan work between the House and Senate co-chairs. One member specifically emphasized that the elections portion was developed to address technical fixes and to respond to concerns from those involved in election administration. Another speaker, in a lighthearted aside, referenced a “giant beaver bill” and thanked a colleague for bringing it forward again, before urging members to vote green. The House adopted the conference committee report and then repassed Senate File 3045 as amended by conference. The final roll call was 116 ayes and 18 nays, and the bill’s title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• The DE nonpartisan staff walked through the amendment on Tuesday.
• I'm going to have nonpartisan staff walk through the A 4 to the DE.
• Staff will walk through the A 4 to the DE.
• I want to thank our pages and our nonpartisan and partisan staff.
• I especially appreciate the work of all the staff, both partisan and nonpartisan.

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:20:40.880><c> in</c> to check with our nonpartisan staff in to check with our nonpartisan staff
• and staff, and they lack access to training.
• ><c> challenges</c> School staff face increasing challenges School staff face increasing challenges meeting
• </c><01:26:51.440><c> and</c> with limited resources and staff and with limited resources and staff and
• </c><01:33:00.880><c> with</c><01:33:01.040><c> more</c> all staff are equipped with more all staff are

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Advocates in California report doxing of staff.
• Thank you, Chair, committee members and staff.
• Thank you, Chair, committee members and staff.
• This places a significant burden on the staff and everyone else.
• This place a significant burden on the staff and everyone else.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness said that Maine had 14 staff in 2020 and currently has 15.
• The more staff and investigators they have, the more cases they can close.
• I don't think the HRC needs a full staff of lawyers.
• </c> the peak when they were at peak staff the peak when they were at peak staff and<01:39:47.600><c>
• </c> work for the commission and its staff work for the commission and its staff later<01:44:04.320><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to hear the Legislative Budget Assistant Office’s performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Auditors said the commission was inefficient and ineffective in investigating discrimination complaints and closing cases in a timely manner during fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The report contained 25 observations; the commission fully concurred with 24 and concurred in part with one. Auditors highlighted major problems with case processing delays, inaccurate case data, lack of a case management system, weak strategic planning and risk assessment, outdated and disorganized policies, confidentiality issues, expired administrative rules, fee-setting practices, incomplete financial-interest filings, and failure to complete required reports and reconciliations. Two recommendations, involving complaint screening and conciliation, may require legislative action. Several observations focused on the commission’s intake and investigation practices. Auditors said complaints may have been screened out before docketing, potentially preventing commissioner review required by statute, and that the investigation process lacked clear rules and guidance. They also found investigators were assigned non-investigative tasks, training was inadequate, interview requirements were unclear, supervisory duties were burdensome, and confidential information was not always protected by encrypted email. The audit recommended clearer administrative rules, better internal controls, more focused staffing, a supervisory investigator position, and improved training and documentation. Commission representatives said they had already made progress on several items since the audit began, including posting overdue biennial reports and moving toward a case management system expected to go live in June. They said they were working with EEOC counterparts and legal counsel, but emphasized staffing shortages and high turnover, noting the commission currently had nine people working out of 15 authorized positions, with three investigator vacancies and a vacant paralegal position. Committee members thanked the auditors and commission staff, discussed the history of the audit request, and raised concerns about how long the recommended corrective actions might take. The committee took no vote or formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some years ago, we laid off 40 percent of our staff.
• How would the bill impact the county and staff? It will impact the county and staff.
• It will impact the county and staff. First of all, the financial burden.
• So again, we need to retain our staff.
• So, again, we need to retain our staff that are a critical part. Thank you. Anybody else?

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a new staff member with the council.
• And there's a place for fees, especially if you're limited staff.
• And there's a place for fees, especially if you're limited staff.
• Whoever wants to be on that is just going to email staff.
• Whoever wants to be on that is just going to email staff.

Keywords: Freedom of Information Advisory Council, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of work is going on with staff, you know, Senator Housley is working with staff, I'm working with
• staff, the House is working with staff and to make sure just be prepared.
• ,</c><00:13:25.360><c> you</c> lot of work is going on with staff, you lot of work is going on with staff
• ,</c><00:13:27.920><c> the</c><00:13:28.000><c> house</c> staff, I'm working with staff, the house staff
• ><c> sure</c> is working with staff and to make sure is working with staff and to make sure just<00:13

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate leaders and supporters held a press availability focused on passing a state capital investment, or bonding, bill this session. Chair Sandy Pappas said the state has received more than $7 billion in project requests and is pushing for a $1.4 billion bonding package to address infrastructure needs such as clean water, state parks and trails, college and university repairs, sewer capacity for housing growth, and other public facilities. She and other speakers stressed that delaying projects raises costs and that they do not expect a special session, making action before adjournment especially important. Testimony from labor and legislative leaders emphasized the economic benefits of bonding. Anthony Wilkie of SMART Local 10 said public bonding projects create work hours for skilled trades and cited Fraser Hall at the University of Minnesota as an example of a project that employed union members. Senator Nick Frentz argued that bonding supports jobs, especially in greater Minnesota, and highlighted water infrastructure needs, including communities facing manganese contamination and high water rates if they must finance treatment plants alone. Senator Ann Johnson Stewart pointed to PFAS-related water treatment costs in Minnetonka Beach and said she would support higher education and water projects. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the Senate is working toward the $1.4 billion target, noting the state’s AAA bond rating and the need to keep borrowing costs low. She also said the recent Metro Surge period led to about 4,000 lost construction jobs, strengthening the case for a bill this year. In response to questions, Pappas said negotiations with Senator Housley and House leaders were underway but still early, with no final target set yet; she said staff are preparing project lists and language, and that some items, such as HCMC, may move separately. No formal vote was taken in the exchange, but the speakers expressed optimism about reaching a bipartisan agreement before session end.