Transcript Highlights:

• House committees are subject to the same rules of decorum that govern House proceedings.
• House Bill 2413 is pending. Is there any objection? Hearing none, House Bill 2413 is left pending.
• House Bill 594.
• I'm here in support of House Bill 2273.
• Seeing none, House Bill 2273 is left pending.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the House. Mr. Blackman. Mr.
• So, welcome to your House, buddy. Please give him a hand. Thank you. Welcome to the House.
• Welcome to your House. Thank you. Welcome to the House. Representative Alma Hernandez. Mr.
• Thank you, and welcome to your House. Thank you. Welcome to the House. Have you all registered?
• The House will now proceed to vote. The House will now proceed to vote. Have you all voted?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through a local housing assistance plan.
• I did ask that they ...that they want to build houses.
• I like the affordable housing component.
• I like the affordable housing component.
• So I like the affordable housing component.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no. The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.

Transcript Highlights:

• A message from the House: objection.
• The message from the House listed on the calendar will not be read.
• and pricing people out of the housing market.
• Put the bill to the House.
• House. 1287.

Summary: The Senate met in several Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of bills, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations and several being amended before advancing. Early action included bills on fentanyl penalties (SB 1061), firearm suppressors/prohibited weapons (SB 1069), DCS attorney appearance and hotline/case-history access (SB 1081 and SB 1174), mandatory reporting and scrap metal theft (SB 1127 and SB 1128), and a narcotic-drug-to-minor offense bill (SB 1170). Senators Ortiz, Kuby, and others argued against the drug bills as harmful mandatory-minimum policies that would reduce judicial discretion and worsen addiction and incarceration outcomes, while supporters framed them as public-safety measures. SB 1170 ultimately failed on third reading; SB 1061, SB 1069, SB 1127, SB 1128, SB 1171, SB 1174, and SB 1188 passed, while SB 1021 later failed after concerns were raised about possible federal anti-kickback conflicts. The chamber also advanced health-care and regulatory measures, including chiropractic board compliance training (SB 1021), radiation protection and health-care institution requirements (SB 1120 and SB 1121), health care cost containment system changes (SB 1171), and pharmacy scheduling/prescription authority (SB 1188). Several of these bills were amended with technical changes or rulemaking authority, and most passed on third reading. SB 1243 and SB 1244 on court-ordered treatment also moved forward after amendments; supporters said the changes would improve notice and allow guardians or agencies to act more effectively, while opponents warned about due-process concerns and expanded coercive treatment authority. In later calendars, the Senate considered local planning and permitting (SB 1241), school access and GED preparation (SB 1166 and SB 1370), water and groundwater issues (SB 1202 and SB 1287), tax and finance measures (SB 1180, SB 1221, SB 1293, SB 1294, and SB 1429), and a constitutional resolution on legislative boundaries (SCR 1031). SB 1166 was amended to limit GED preparation to grades 11 and 12, SB 1241 and SB 1287 received technical amendments, and SB 1180 was clarified to align tax forms with federal conformity. SB 1075 on foreign entities and land sales drew the most debate: an Ortiz amendment would have shifted it toward corporate homebuyer restrictions and housing affordability, but that amendment was defeated on a roll call vote before the bill advanced as amended. Most remaining measures passed their third readings, with the Senate adopting Committee of the Whole reports and transmitting the approved bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Appropriations Committee will come to order.
• The chair lays out House Bill 188 and offers up a complete committee substitute to House Bill 188.
• I'm in support of House Bill 188.
• Additionally, the Texas Strong Defense Fund proposed through, Uh, House Joint Resolution 487 and House
• Uh, the chair withdraws the committee substitute for House Bill 188, and House Bill 188 will be left

Bills: HB188 , HB 265 , HJR35

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• Local governments across the state are approving permits for emergency shelters, interim housing, and
• It reorganizes affordable housing financing, but it does not lower construction costs, reduce permitting
• We need workforce housing.
• people who don't have housing get housing they can afford.
• Strongly encourage an aye vote. ...who don't have housing get housing they can afford.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill... House Bill... I think it's House Bill. It's my part. My apologies.
• I declare House Bill 2206 to have passed.
• House Bill 3414 is part of a larger package of purchasing accounting bills that came out of the House
• And this is one of eight bills that come over from the House, and several of our House colleagues have
• House Bill 4486 authorizes the State Capitol Preservation Commission to permit and authorize a Gold Star

Bills: HB3415 , HB2206 , HB3414 , HB3265 , HB3310 , HB3413 , HB4486 , HB1219

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Keywords: state government, vendor contracts, subcontracting, public database, contract assessment, transparency, retirement, law enforcement, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, school resource officers, public safety, public finance, contract management, service-driven contracts, state accounting, intangible assets, Oklahoma Police Pension, disability benefits, mental health, retirement system

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources met with a quorum and first took up two executive nominations for Ben Lepak, one to serve as Secretary of State and one to serve in the governor’s cabinet. Lepak described the Secretary of State office’s work on business filings, recordkeeping, and initiative petitions, and said the office’s career staff handled those duties well. Senators asked about fairness in the initiative petition process and administrative rules; Lepak emphasized transparency and ministerial, nonpolitical administration. Both nominations advanced on 8-0 votes. The committee then considered several House bills tied largely to government transparency and purchasing oversight. House Bill 3415 would require state entities to report contracts and subcontractors, include performance metrics, publicly post contracts and assessments, and document consultant outcomes; it passed 8-0 despite concerns about a $2 million fiscal impact and added OMES workload. House Bill 3414 would require OMES to identify whether contracts are service-based and create a digital warehouse for intangible assets; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3310 would authorize OMES payment-procedure rules, require invoice legitimacy checks and a 60-day payment window, and create compliance reporting with possible budget recommendations for noncompliance; it passed 7-0 after questions about appeals and penalties. House Bill 3413, requiring agencies to include more detail on contractors and consultants in annual budget submissions, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved House Bill 2206, which moves new school resource officers into a law-enforcement retirement system rather than teacher retirement, with testimony that it would help recruit officers and would apply only to new hires; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3265, which expands who can make PTSD disability determinations for first responders to include psychologists and certain licensed mental health professionals, passed 7-0 after discussion of psychiatrist shortages and concerns about diagnostic standards. House Bill 4486, authorizing a Gold Star monument at the Capitol funded by private donations, passed 7-0. Finally, House Bill 1219, barring state agencies and schools from using state funds or resources to promote LGBTQ or Pride Month events or fly the Pride flag, generated extensive debate over its impact on outreach, public health, education, and LGBTQ Oklahomans; it passed 5-2 and the committee adjourned with notice of a larger agenda the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2358.
• House Bill 37, yes, I called your name.
• Anyone wishing to testify on House Bill 913?
• Hearing none, public testimony on House Bill 1151 is closed. House Bill 1151.
• It will permit... Thank you.

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and took up several House and Senate bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The committee first heard HB 2358, a cleanup bill requested by HHSC that would repeal outdated training and conference requirements for long-term care facility surveyors and certain providers; there were no witnesses, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard HB 18, the rural hospital stabilization bill, which would create financial assessment tools, a rural hospital finance office at HHSC, an academy for rural hospital officers, multiple grant programs, enhanced Medicaid reimbursement tied to average cost, OB/GYN add-on payments, expanded pediatric telehealth connectivity, and a rural pediatric mental health program. Senator Perry and witnesses from TORCH, a rural hospital, AARP Texas, and ARCHI strongly supported the bill as a way to stabilize rural hospitals, improve OB access, and address workforce and financial pressures. Committee members discussed rural hospital closures, low-volume quality metrics, system affiliation, and the need for predictable monthly reimbursement; the bill was left pending after testimony and questions. The committee next heard HB 37, which would create a perinatal bereavement care initiative for families experiencing stillbirth, neonatal death, or intrauterine fetal demise, including counseling, staff training, and access to cooling devices, with possible grants and a recognition program for hospitals. Senator Huffman explained the bill, and several witnesses testified in support, sharing personal stories about infant loss and the importance of time with the baby, trained staff, and cuddle cots or similar devices. A neonatologist also supported the bill while suggesting clarification that hospitals should not be penalized if state funding is unavailable and recommending use of regional advisory councils to help implement training. Public testimony was then closed and the bill left pending. The committee also heard HB 879, which would create a streamlined licensing pathway for veterans with medical or nursing experience to practice in Texas, and HB 913, which would add new state hospitals to statute and split the North Texas State Hospital into two separate hospitals with their own superintendents; both bills had no opposition testimony and were left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2744, a heart disease screening bill that would update the 2009 Texas Heart Attack Prevention Act to require insurance coverage for coronary CT angiography with plaque analysis, including soft plaque detection, as a preventive screening tool. The author and invited witnesses argued the technology is more effective than calcium scoring alone, can identify patients before symptoms appear, and could save lives at a cost comparable to or lower than colonoscopy. An insurance industry witness opposed the bill, arguing the technology has not been recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for universal screening and that the mandated coverage and payment level would raise costs; the bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1151, a parental rights bill clarifying that refusing psychotropic medication or psychiatric treatment is not neglect unless the child is harmed. Supporters, including parent advocates and attorneys, said the bill would protect parents from CPS overreach and preserve medical decision-making authority, while one witness urged broader attention to physical causes of behavioral issues. Public testimony was closed and HB 1151 was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why don't we just put that authority in House Bill 12?
• The inspectors are not housed in Jefferson City.
• Well, that starts out in House Bill 10.
• Those are not contained in House Bill 5.
• Is there anyone seeking to testify against House Bill 8?

Summary: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway presented the Office of the Attorney General’s FY 2027 budget request and outlined her office’s priorities: reducing violent crime, targeting illegal and unregulated activities she described as a “vice squad” focus, protecting Missourians from fraud, and improving the office’s legal work. She highlighted major cases and enforcement efforts, including litigation over insulin pricing, Dollar General pricing practices, a criminal prosecution in Hermann, the Jackson County assessment dispute, and a new lawsuit involving Misha’s board policy. Committee members asked about cybercrime enforcement, cooperation with federal authorities, VLTs, ballot and referendum litigation, and the office’s approach to diversity-related legal issues. Hanaway said cybercrime and no-call enforcement rely heavily on multi-state and federal cooperation, and she emphasized that many cases begin with citizen reports. Members also questioned the cost and scope of ongoing election-related litigation, including redistricting and referendum cases, and Hanaway said her office is defending the laws and ballot processes as required. She estimated roughly $600,000 in staff time over about six months for the referendum/redistricting work combined. Several members raised concerns about the Misha lawsuit and whether similar statutory provisions elsewhere in state government could raise the same legal issues; Hanaway responded that the case involved a board rule, not a statute, and turned on whether the requirement functioned as a quota. The committee also discussed child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, Medicaid fraud, and the use of outside counsel and pro hac vice fees. Hanaway said the office is using non-GR funds where possible and is not requesting pay increases this year. The Missouri Office of Prosecution Services then presented its budget. Officials explained that MOPS trains and supports prosecutors statewide, including on DWIs, child sex cases, and new prosecutor training, and that its budget request matches the governor’s recommendation. Members asked about support for local prosecutors, the nine counties without elected prosecutors, and the new conviction integrity unit; staff said the unit’s positions were shifted between line items and that the office can help answer prosecutorial questions through its general counsel. The committee then moved to the Department of Public Safety budget. DPS reviewed funding for crime victims notification, law enforcement recruitment and retention, drug task forces, academy scholarships, Blue Star grants, local crime prevention, school safety, World Cup security, 988 trainings, wastewater testing in schools, and other programs. Members asked about the $59 million federal FIFA World Cup grant, school safety app funding, and wastewater testing participation; DPS said the World Cup funds require no state match, the app funding is being phased out, and schools opted into the testing program. The committee recessed before finishing the DPS book, with plans to return later.

Transcript Highlights:

• With us today from the House Republican Caucus, we have House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary of the
• It requires a three-fifths majority vote in the House; that is 59 votes.
• And this lies solely at the feet of House Democrats.
• And I just wanted to point out how successful House Republicans were in opposite House cutoff before
• Only 104 bills passed the House.

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax proposal, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans said the income tax was a major, rushed change to the tax code, argued it was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, and criticized Democrats for blocking referendum options and for what they described as a tax-first approach to affordability and budgeting. They also said the budget conference process was likely to produce another deficit and warned of future tax increases if spending is not restrained. On transportation, Republicans discussed a bond bill needed to support the transportation budget and noted it requires a three-fifths vote in the House, which Democrats could reach on their own. They said they generally support maintenance and preservation but are skeptical of bonding for those purposes. They also identified other bills likely to move at the end of session, including a data center tax, a wholesale pharmaceutical tax, a K-12 funding bill, a highway construction bill, a direct electric vehicle sales bill, and an electric transmission bill. Republicans repeatedly framed the income tax as a “millionaires tax” that could later expand to more taxpayers, and said the 24-hour floor debate was intended to slow the process and force daylight scrutiny. They also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or other public needs rather than special interests. In closing, Stokesbary said House Republicans had defeated a majority of Senate bills sent to the House and had helped stop several major Democratic priorities, including an agriculture unionization bill and other tax and regulatory measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• With us today from the House Republican Caucus, we have House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary of the
• And this lies solely at the feet of House Democrats.
• So my hats off to the House and particularly my seatmates went over on, uh,... ...off to the House, and
• I just wanted to point out how successful House Republicans were in opposite House cutoff before that
• Only 104 bills passed the House.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax on high earners, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans argued the income tax was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, would lead to capital flight and broader tax expansion, and was being rushed through without adequate public input. They also criticized the budget process as overspending revenues, relying on gimmicks, and setting up future deficits and tax increases. The leaders said the House was preparing to consider a transportation bond bill requiring a three-fifths vote, along with bills on data centers, pharmaceutical wholesale taxes, K-12 funding, highway construction, direct electric vehicle sales, abortion-related funding, and an electric transmission measure. They said Democrats could pass the bond bill without Republican votes if all 59 House Democrats supported it, but Republicans opposed bonding for maintenance and preservation. They also said the budget could be balanced even if some of the tax bills failed. Much of the discussion centered on the 24-hour House debate over the income tax, which Republicans said they extended to force daylight debate and highlight objections. They said the bill passed by two votes and that several Democrats privately opposed it. Republicans also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or the Working Families Tax Credit rather than special interests. In closing, they said House Republicans had been successful in opposite-house cutoff, killing 54% of Senate bills sent to the House and helping produce one of the lowest numbers of bills passed in years.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the House Committee, I'm sorry, House Bill 2278 do pass. Any discussion? I'm sorry, 2278.
• By the vote of 11 ayes and 7 noes, you have voted House Committee Sub for House Bill 2278 and 2403 do
• We're going to hear from House Bill 2877 by Representative Voss.
• I'd like to speak on House Bill 2877. You may approach.
• I'd like to speak on House Bill 2877. All those in favor, I'd like to speak on House Bill 2877.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• makes sense, helping address Idaho's housing crisis.
• makes sense, helping address Idaho's housing crisis.
• The part about whole-house mechanical ventilation.
• The part about whole-house mechanical ventilation. Mr. Touchstone: Mr.
• Lower insurance costs are critical to more affordable housing.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum and first considered two pending fee rules from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The committee approved Rules Docket 24-21-2501 for the Idaho State Contractors Board, which raises annual registration and renewal fees from $50 to $60 to help the board meet statutory cash-balance requirements. It also approved Rules Docket 24-2201-2501 for the Board of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety, which increases licensure fees by 15 to 20 percent to address a negative cash balance and comply with Idaho’s board solvency statute. Members asked about the causes of the shortfalls, possible consolidation of boards, and why one training fee was left unchanged. The committee then took up Rules Docket 24-2801-2501 for the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. Representative Graham moved to hold the docket subject to call of the chair, citing concerns raised by industry participants and the need to work through issues with the department before advancing the rule. The motion carried, and the docket was held in committee. The longest discussion centered on Rules Docket 24-3930-2502, the Idaho Building Safety Code rules, which would adopt the 2024 building codes with Idaho-specific amendments. Supporters said the proposal would improve housing affordability, add flexibility for builders, address lithium-ion battery fire risks, and update energy and residential provisions while preserving many 2018 standards. Committee members raised concerns about overlapping authority with the State Fire Marshal, wording on garage heat detectors, whole-house ventilation language, and whether some provisions should remain in the building code at all. After public testimony from building officials, home builders, and city representatives in support of the rule, the committee first failed a substitute motion to hold the docket, then adopted a motion to reject the rule docket. The meeting adjourned with a reminder that the next floor session would begin at 11 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides additional funding for affordable housing and the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention
• Examples include the multifamily housing program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, the HAP
• housing program.
• housing program.
• housing program.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair lays out House Bill 188 and offers up a complete committee substitute for House Bill 188.
• I'm in support of House Bill 188.
• The Texas Strong Defense Fund, created under House Joint Resolution 47 and House Bill 188, is extremely
• Additionally, the Texas Strong Defense Fund, proposed through House Joint Resolution 47 and House Bill
• The chair withdraws the committee substitute for House Bill 188, and House Bill 188 will be left pending

Bills: HB188 , HB265 , HJR35 , HJR47 , SB1901 , HB188 , HB265 , HJR35

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety, gang violence prevention, human trafficking prevention, economic development, TxDOT grants, school districts

Transcript Highlights:

• No, he's sharing housing. No, he's sharing housing.
• Oh, he's sharing housing.
• affordable housing funding is oversubscribed, as we know, and our existing housing stock is under increasing
• According to HCD, preserving this housing option is critical to meeting the state's housing needs.
• We need more affordable housing than straight-out market-rate housing. We should do both.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard SB 934 by Senator Wiener, which would extend the statute of limitations for malpractice claims arising from conversion therapy and clarify how expert testimony and scientific evidence may be used in those cases. Supporters, including a survivor, a licensed therapist, and LGBTQ advocacy groups, described conversion therapy as harmful and argued survivors often cannot come forward within current filing deadlines. Opponents, including civil justice and conservative legal groups, argued the bill was a workaround to recent Supreme Court rulings and raised concerns about free speech, evidentiary standards, and whether the bill could chill legitimate therapy. Committee members largely focused on whether the bill was limited to conversion therapy malpractice claims and not broader gender-affirming care; the bill was moved on a 7-2-1 vote to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. The consent calendar was also adopted on a 6-0 vote and placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1092 by Senator Allen, a housing bill aimed at manufactured home parks. The bill would give residents or their designated representatives a right to make a competitive bid when a park owner intends to sell, lease, or transfer a park, with notice and response periods intended to give residents time to organize financing. Supporters said the measure would preserve naturally occurring affordable housing, especially for older and lower-income residents, and help resident-owned cooperatives or nonprofits buy parks before investor buyers do. Opponents from park owner and realtor groups argued the bill would burden private property rights, devalue parks, and create unconstitutional takings and litigation risk. Committee questions centered on the bill’s timelines, whether residents would have 120 days to express interest and another 120 days to close, and whether the purchase agreement would be binding if accepted. The author and supporters said the second period was needed for due diligence and financing, while opponents said the structure could still delay sales and reduce market value. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but asked for further clarification or possible tightening of the timing and good-faith provisions; no final vote on SB 1092 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes permitting authorities to inspect work zones, issue stop-work orders, and assess civil
• But at the same time, ...try to rectify that, but at the same time the threat of having the permit pulled

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6066 would authorize counties, cities, towns, and WSDOT to designate crash prevention zones on roads with repeated serious or fatal collisions, require public hearings and engineering/traffic studies, increase enforcement, add a $73 penalty for certain infractions in signed zones, and dedicate those funds to zone-related safety work. The prime sponsor and Pasco officials cited repeated crashes on U.S. 395 and U.S. 12; supporters said the bill would help address dangerous corridors, while one member of the public argued it was unnecessary and duplicative. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6253, which would make labor-recommended seats on public transportation benefit area boards voting members while limiting participation in executive sessions on labor and personnel matters. Labor representatives and transit workers supported the change as giving frontline employees a meaningful voice, while Washington Policy Center opposed it, warning of conflicts of interest and reduced accountability. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6311, which would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during certain construction projects near hospitals, parks, and school zones, authorize inspections and stop-work orders, and direct WSDOT to adopt rules for reroutes and detours. Cities and counties said they support the safety goal but want more flexibility and less risk of added cost or liability; disability and transit advocates strongly supported the bill. Senate Bill 6262 would raise the transportation benefit district vehicle-fee exemption from 6,000 pounds to 9,000 pounds for certain trucks, allowing local districts to charge heavier vehicles a flat fee; Spokane, Spokane Valley, Port Orchard, and AWC supported it as a fairness and pavement-preservation measure, while several members of the public opposed it as another tax increase. Finally, Senate Bill 6335 would narrow and revise the statutory responsibilities of the State Transportation Commission, removing some planning and outreach duties while retaining toll, ferry fare, and other functions. Local governments, ports, and commission members opposed the bill, arguing the commission provides independent statewide planning, public input, and coordination; the sponsor said the goal was to eliminate duplication and focus the commission’s role. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the only doctoral-trained health care provider in our state not permitted to independently prescribe
• level of independent prescribing, and Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Tennessee, and other states already permit

Bills: SB6226 , SB6305 , SB5924 , SB5990 , SB5185 , SB5845 , SB6071 , SB6258

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: SB 6226, Washington, audiology, audiologist, hearing aid specialist, speech-language pathologist, telehealth, teleaudiology, clinical autonomy, clinical judgment, in-person care, remote care, Board of Hearing and Speech, hearing instruments, hearing aids, dispensing hearing aids, standards of care, professional licensure, health professions regulation, patient-centered care

Transcript Highlights:

• everything from small sheds to large-scale utility sheds that might be next to a home, ADUs, and then also house-to-house
• And we've done every configuration of... ...to use and then also house to house.
• are turned, whether the door to the shed is facing the house or away from the house, the different sidings
• Homeownership and tribal community housing are essential to tribal sovereignty, as tribal housing can
• Tribal council adopts ordinances on housing.

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs met on Barona tribal land to examine rising homeowners insurance costs affecting tribal communities, with opening remarks from tribal leaders and Assembly members emphasizing tribal sovereignty, the history of forced settlement in high-risk areas, and the need for the state to recognize mitigation work already being done on tribal lands. The committee heard that wildfire, drought, and other climate-driven disasters have sharply increased insurance premiums and reduced coverage options, especially for tribes located in rural or mountainous areas that were not chosen by the tribes themselves. Cal Fire Deputy Director Frank Bigelow described the state’s wildfire response and tribal engagement efforts, including tribal liaisons on incident management teams, a Southern Region Tribal Affairs Deputy Chief, cultural burning agreements, and more than $30 million in tribal wildfire resilience grants over the last three years. Members questioned why tribal communities receive only a small share of grants, whether Cal Fire should do more outreach and budget proposals for tribes, and whether mitigation work is being recognized by insurers. Bigelow said Cal Fire is working with insurers and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety on mitigation standards, but acknowledged that more tribal outreach and participation are needed. Tribal chairpersons and fire chiefs testified that their communities are already investing heavily in fire protection through dedicated fire departments, fuel reduction, defensible space, prescribed burns, firebreaks, and home-hardening efforts, yet premiums remain high or coverage is denied. Barona leaders said premiums can range from $6,000 to $18,000 and urged insurers to assess properties individually rather than by broad high-risk zones. Soboba, Hamu, and Pechanga representatives described similar efforts and said grant rules, environmental review, and insurer practices can make it difficult to translate mitigation into lower rates. Several members suggested short-term state assistance or a tribal insurance mitigation fund, and the committee discussed the possibility of requiring insurers to better account for tribal mitigation and sovereignty in risk assessments.

Transcript Highlights:

• President I am directed by the House to inform the Senate that the House has taken the following action
• of their house.
• And so that, as we all look at affordable housing and affordable housing.
• President, I am directed by the House to inform the Senate that the House has taken— Thank you. 1585
• House Concurrent Resolution 65. House Concurrent Resolution 119.

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.