Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I like that part.
• Yeah, I like that part.
• Since they’re not affected by it, they shouldn’t be a part of that.
• That's part of the reason why this was developed this way.
• This happened in the northeast part of the state.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journals for the 65th and 66th legislative days. Members also spent time on personal privilege and special guest introductions, including a recognition of law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty and several interns serving in House offices. The chamber then took up several fiscal review committee reports and moved to conference and Senate bills. House Bill 2818, dealing with annexation and related local government language for St. Joseph Airport, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, was explained as a compromise on voluntary annexation standards; after debate it was adopted and then third read and passed by a vote of 136-7. House Bill 1825, concerning county salary commissions and county classification changes for Lafayette, Pettis, and Saline counties, drew debate over county pay and the exclusion of coroners, but the Senate substitute was adopted 109-35 and finally passed 106-39. The House also considered House Joint Resolution 87, the so-called constitutional sheriff resolution, which would place sheriff duties and the office itself in the Missouri Constitution. Members debated its scope, including concerns about the term “traitors,” possible effects on Kansas City’s police governance, and whether the measure was necessary; a St. Louis City amendment clarifying the City of St. Louis sheriff provisions was adopted. The resolution then passed 100-47. Finally, Senate Bill 878 on pharmacy practice and rural health access, including pharmacist treatment for common illnesses, emergency waivers, and access to certain medications and supplies, passed 132-13 after an amendment on blood pressure cuffs for pregnant women and opioid-alternative language was adopted. Senate Bill 903, addressing telecommunications infrastructure and copper theft, passed 137-5. The House then announced upcoming committee work, including a born-alive bill, and adjourned until May 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will note that under the statute, Section 972, Part 2, Lieutenant Governor or his designee.
• And certainly this commission is part of that, and the work that you all are doing.
• It was part of an initiative for the America 250 working towards the America 250.
• It was part of an initiative for the America 250 working towards the America 250.
• We need people to take part in government. We need to take people to get connected.

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support. The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events. LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I used my Southwest points and I was going back in every night, and I chose to become a part of this
• I'm part of a nonprofit organization that's working every day to provide support to veterans and their
• As part of this Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to Social and emotional well-being.
• SB 990 follows a proven model already used responsibly in other parts of the state.
• The program... ...responsibly in other parts of the state.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dempster joins us today after a weekend in Sacramento as part of a delegation with Liberian President
• Because those questions are part of the problem. They're what keep people quiet.
• I was proud to be a part of the We Said Enough movement.
• I've been part of supporting legislation that has failed here.
• And so on this day we ask that everyone be a part of that solution and ensure that we are a part of that

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But an important part of it for folks who are dealing with these vehicles.
• We're pulling our hair out and trying to get parts for it. Even do it anymore.
• So trying to get a part called OEM, which means original manufacturer's parts, they're not out there.
• And if you've got to get a used part from an auto wrecker, I mean, we're not fixing the...
• I think autos and classic cars are part of our culture here in California.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on transportation planning, freight, emissions, and vehicle regulations. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon would modernize SB 375 by extending regional plan cycles from four to eight years, improving coordination with CARB and other state agencies, and aligning funding and guidelines more closely with climate and mobility goals. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, other MPOs, cities, and environmental groups, said the current process is costly and inefficient; opponents from clean air and housing groups warned it could weaken accountability for climate targets and shift focus away from vehicle miles traveled reductions. The committee also heard SB 1315, which would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner so the state can better track safety and policy impacts; there was no opposition testimony. The committee also considered SB 1275 by Senator McNerney, a tax proposal to replace the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden. A Legislative Analyst’s Office witness explained the tax-policy mechanics and estimated savings, and the bill drew support from the author and no formal opposition. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a targeted tax credit for short-line railroad infrastructure investment; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, reduce truck traffic and emissions, and help rural and agricultural economies, with no opposition testimony. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road vehicles; supporters called it a practical affordability measure, while clean air advocates said they wanted to see the amended text and CARB analysis before taking a final position. The committee also heard SB 1375 by Senator Cortese, which would limit duplicative environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review; supporters said it would save time and money while preserving other environmental protections, and there was no opposition. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for certain older collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic-car and lowrider supporters said the bill protects automotive heritage and reflects limited actual use, while air-quality groups argued it would increase emissions and weaken smog-check accountability. After testimony and committee discussion, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced all measures, including consent item SB 1213, to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with SB 1392 receiving the most divided vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Love being part of this board and serving on the state. Seen a lot of work that we've done.
• </c><00:04:41.440><c> Love</c><00:04:41.680><c> being</c><00:04:41.919><c> part</c><00:04:42.160><c>
• Love being part of this board and to do.
• I was fine with all that until the last part of what you said, Senator, about if I was a legislator.
• of what you said, Senator, about if part of what you said, Senator, about if I<00:14:34.640><c> was<

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 24 March, 2026; 11:15 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, as I said, I think they missed the part that there is another section that that is covered
• And I certainly think that deserves to be on the list as a part of the possible choices.
• And I think the good part about this, we inserted a cure period.
• In essence, usage needs to be accounted for as part of the existing water rights process.
• To ensure that if water is used as part of these facilities in the future, it is accounted for as part

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an important part for all of our taxpayers to have that appeals process and a group to go to for
• That's the part that is stricken from this bill. So now we are down to two component pieces.
• I've got a bill later to talk about the seniors part of it. Okay, great.
• You know, this is a part where I really struggled.
• It's just part of the process that's already in place.

Bills: HB287, HB340, HB412, HB440, HB514, HB515, HB521, HB543, HB553, HB570, HB961

Keywords: HB 287, Louisiana Tax Commission, ad valorem, property tax, property assessment, assessment fees, fee extension, sunset extension, public service property, utility property, insurance company property, financial institution property, tax administration, R.S. 47:1838, Act 296, reappraisal, ad valorem tax, valuation, Louisiana tax law, homestead exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• This is all part of our special education program.
• This is all part of our special education program.
• We've just eliminated it from some parts of state law.
• We've just eliminated it from some parts of state law.
• We want to keep that sovereign part of our nation.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a complicated bill, with multiple parts in it.
• Again, complicated bill, multiple parts to it.
• couple of questions about some of the mechanics of the meetings and other things that would occur as part
• We have Austin online, I think, as part of your panel if you want to hang tight.
• I can understand the hate crimes part of it. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several bills. On Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, members considered amendments affecting tribal meeting requirements and an electronic ballot portal; one amendment to study the portal rather than authorize it was adopted, while the tribal-meeting amendment was not. The bill was then reported out with a due pass as amended recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6081, concerning nondisclosure of sex designation records, saw an amendment adopted to limit the privacy protections to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, but the amendment was later rejected on final passage and the bill was reported out due pass. Substitute Senate Bill 6034, codifying the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, was amended to require Senate confirmation of the executive director and was reported out due pass as amended. Senate Bill 6084 on repeat voting was reported out due pass without amendment. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5968, implementing Executive Order 25-03 on agency credentials, had one amendment adopted on annual ORIA reporting and another rejected; it was reported out due pass as amended. Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering was amended to restrict certain prop bets and to make threats tied to wagers a gross misdemeanor, then reported out due pass as amended. The committee then opened public hearings on a number of bills. The most extensive testimony was on Gross Substitute Senate Joint Memorial 8014, which calls for a U.S. investigation into the death of Aishanur Ezgi Eygi; family members, University of Washington students and staff, advocates, and others testified in support, emphasizing accountability and the need for an independent investigation, while one speaker opposed the memorial as a misuse of legislative time. The committee also heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5840, which would change campaign finance reporting schedules and participation rules; Public Disclosure Commission staff supported the bill as a transparency and consistency measure, while campaign treasurers and compliance officers opposed it, arguing the added reporting would be burdensome and costly. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, expanding Public Records Act exemptions for certain survivors, anonymized demographic data, and Healthy Youth Survey responses, drew support from OFM and opposition from a public-records advocate who warned against adding more exemptions. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, reducing or changing the frequency of numerous agency reports, was supported by OFM as a way to right-size reporting requirements. The committee also heard brief testimony on Senate Bill 5000 designating “The Evergreen State” as the official state nickname, Senate Bill 5325 designating the state cactus, Senate Bill 6044 recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as a legislatively recognized day, Senate Bill 6313 creating a Capital Centennial Stewardship Account, and Substitute Senate Bill 5827 expanding veterans’ preference documentation to include pre-discharge certification. No votes were taken during the public hearing portion, and the meeting adjourned after closing testimony on the final bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• price or rent amount that does not exceed 30% of income, and the affordable housing development is part
• I just missed that part.
• We don't want to focus poverty in one part of a city, but we also know that sometimes there are some
• We don't want to focus poverty in one part of a city, but we also know that sometimes there are some
• And as a part of that, there was a lot of learning that happened.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on several measures and two gubernatorial appointments. At the start, the committee waived the five-day notice rule for Substitute House Bill 2354, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, and Second Substitute House Bill 2590. The committee also heard public testimony on House Bill 1859, which would expand affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold needed to qualify for a density bonus. Supporters, including the sponsor, faith leaders, and local officials, said the current 100% affordability requirement has made projects difficult to finance and that the bill would better unlock underused church land for housing. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, which would further standardize where and how permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and shelters can be sited, while limiting local barriers and allowing some negotiated conditions near schools or when local governments provide significant support. The sponsor and supporters from King County, housing providers, the Attorney General’s office, disability advocates, medical professionals, and others argued the bill would reduce discriminatory or inconsistent local siting rules and expand needed housing. Some local government representatives supported the bill but asked for additional amendments to preserve local flexibility, require on-site contacts, and clarify how operating conditions and funding agreements would work. The committee also heard House Bill 2590, which would revise rules for limited equity cooperatives so they can better function as a long-term affordable homeownership model and remain exempt from certain Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act requirements. Supporters said the bill would help preserve manufactured housing communities and other cooperative housing while maintaining affordability and oversight. House Bill 2354, a trailer bill to WACOIA, would make technical changes affecting common interest communities, including EV charging and heat pump cost responsibility, reserve studies, and audit thresholds; the Washington State Community Association’s Institute testified in support. In executive session, the committee confirmed gubernatorial appointments Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone and voted do-pass recommendations for EHB 1687, SHB 2269, and HB 2304, all subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are parts of this bill that I don't love, and I'm concerned about the potential loss of revenue
• If you look at the fiscal note, there are a lot of moving parts in the fiscal note.
• If you look at the fiscal note, there are a lot of moving parts in the fiscal note.
• If you look at the fiscal note, there are a lot of moving parts in the fiscal note.
• I think that's part of our due diligence as a body. ...is correct.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests and student groups at the Capitol, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university groups, nursing students, and several legislative interns. The chamber also handled a point of order about an unauthorized prop in the room, which was removed. The first major bill taken up was House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction calculations. Supporters argued it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits and provide fairness to taxpayers, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. After debate, the House passed HB 1766 by a vote of 94-50. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming measure that would criminalize illegal gaming machines, create a regulated framework for video lottery terminals, give local governments an opt-out, and expand enforcement authority for the Attorney General and prosecutors. Members debated whether the bill was a needed enforcement tool or an inappropriate expansion of gambling, with concerns raised about addiction, local control, revenue distribution, and whether the bill should have gone to Fiscal Review. A motion to refer the bill to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill itself passed 83-66 with one present. The chamber next took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provided just over $3 billion in additional authority, including tax refund authority, disaster relief, St. Louis tornado recovery funding, and major MoDOT funding, along with other smaller items. Members from both parties supported the bill, while also noting concerns about reliance on supplementals and the need to budget more accurately in the future. The House adopted an amendment reducing some general revenue authority, then adopted the bill and perfected and printed it. The meeting ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this part of your organized support? You can choose to recognize people.
• It's part of your organized support if you wish to do so.
• I've got some that are part of Somersum Polo Unito.
• That all the time, and that's part of this, this again, revolving door effort.
• And so the state owns part of that Midtown campus.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• What about Floridians as part of that leg?
• I think former Representative Payne, too, parts of, or— Yes.
• This is a big part of what we do on a daily basis. Thank you.
• But this is a very important part of what we do. Yes.
• We have manpower limitations as well, which are part of the factor.

Bills: S0468, S0822, S1234, S1260, S1580, S1706

Keywords: animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably. The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But what's Representative Black: most alarming is part of the impetus of this bill, members, is that
• How is the bill, the open container part of it relevant to me taking one of my prescription medications
• That's part of the problem. And it's part of the supporting impetus for this bill.
• Part of the reason is in my time as a prosecutor, you know, depending on your county.
• Even for the state, we are - part of our responsibility is to be fiscally responsible.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this just kind of shows you that interchange that we're proposing building as part of this project
• Also, as part of this project, we'll be looking at doing a route jurisdictional transfer.
• Also, as part of this project, we realigned a portion of the BNSF railroad.
• As part of this project, there was displacement that occurred in and around this community.
• of the NSC project and as part of our NEPA requirement, some of which we ...and as part of our NEPA

Bills: SB6131, SB6155, SB6238, SB5824, SB6110, SB5839, SB6032, SB6148

Keywords: traffic safety, roadway fatalities, Washington traffic safety commission, policy update, road safety, accident prevention, disability, parking privileges, accessibility, special parking, local government, oil tankers, restricted waters, environmental safety, maritime regulations, state law, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I've always understood that part of the statute to protect citizens from some... ...part of the statute
• I've always understood that part of the statute to protect citizens from some. part of the statute to
• Even though it didn't address all of our concerns, I wanted to be a part of that.
• I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of that.
• I wanted to be a part of that.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including Challenger Learning Center representatives, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, local officials, students, and members of the Florida School Board Association. Senators also noted President Albritton’s recovery and offered remarks honoring the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which revises criminal penalties involving law enforcement officers and other personnel. Sponsor Senator Leek said the bill responds to the Officer Jason Rainer case by clarifying resistance to officers, shifting fault determinations to the courts, changing “lawful performance” to “official duties,” and imposing mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Senators Rouson and Bracy Davis offered amendments that were withdrawn. Senators Pizzo, Berman, Smith, Polsky, and others questioned the bill’s effect on self-defense, off-duty conduct, prosecutorial discretion, and the removal of language limiting unlawful force by officers. Supporters argued the bill corrects confusion and honors Officer Rainer; opponents said it removes civilian protections and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. The bill passed 31-4. The Senate then passed SB 168 on public nuisances, expanding nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increasing penalties; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, narrowing statutory ambiguity while preserving consumer protections; SB 292 creating a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and their families; SB 296 and SB 298 addressing domestic violence and dating violence, including a feasibility study for a secure alert system and expanded address confidentiality protections; SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure pathways; SB 386 creating protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserving or extending public records and meeting exemptions (SB 7000, 7002, 7006, 7008, 7012, 7014, and 7016). Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, though some sunset-review measures drew a few dissenting votes. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and the motion was adopted. The Senate also heard announcements about upcoming executive appointments, State of Black Florida Week events, and a motion to adjourn until the next meeting on February 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you know if those 450 security guards are the, would they be part of this bill?
• You know, that's part of the industry.
• It is part of the reason why San Juan County has gone to a third— And in many places, it is part of the
• They're part-time jobs because they don't want to give health care.
• So dropping from a part-time at 32 hours to a part-time at 32 hours is actually keeping them the same

Bills: HB2513, HB2524, HB2611

Keywords: plumbing contractor, plumber, license suspension, credential suspension, administrative penalty, infractions, repeat violator, consumer protection, residential plumbing, construction licensing, Washington Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, plumbing certificate fund, code enforcement, professional licensing, trade regulation, security, regulation, employment standards, security guards

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a critical part of the process.
• I am part of it.
• He'll be part of a California veteran.
• I'm fully personally committed to being a part of that.
• I'm fully personally committed to being a part of that.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guest delegations, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming Dr. Hernando Garsohn as Chief Medical Officer at the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, both by 39-0 votes. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. Measures approved included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on prompt payment for public works contractors, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 strengthening protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 expanding support for community land trusts, SB 479 authorizing city-based homeless response multidisciplinary teams, SB 719 extending a reporting sunset on automated decision systems, SB 722 protecting mobile home park residents from demolition-related displacement, SB 832 updating the Upper Los Angeles River working group, SB 342 limiting forfeiture when a contractor’s license lapses, SB 490 allowing local inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities with state approval, SB 828 requiring permit-data verification for fireworks and explosives facilities, SB 849 barring physicians who committed sexual misconduct from license renewal, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electric lines in response to the Altadena fire, SB 96 regulating amplified advertising on streaming and related platforms, and SB 58 updating hydrogen sulfide monitoring and response standards. Most passed unanimously; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some opposition, and SB 222 passed 38-3. A major floor debate centered on SB 694, which would restrict unaccredited private firms from charging fees to assist veterans with VA benefits claims and align state law with federal accreditation rules. Supporters argued the bill would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and preserve access through accredited providers, while opponents said it would limit veterans’ choice and could reduce access to needed help. After a motion to pull the bill from Rules and take it up immediately passed 29-9, the Senate approved SB 694 by a 39-0 vote. The session ended with unanimous approval of the consent calendar items and adjournment until January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, within that, part of that holdback was the provider rate cuts that were done.
• Part of it, we look at it as the population increase.
• Well, we should have seen during, and part of this was the pandemic-driven aspect, but even after the
• That's part of the reason why we need to look at the budget and look at statutes and figure out what
• And so that will be part of our responsibility.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard an extended presentation from Representative Josh Tanner on the Health and Welfare budget, with a focus on Medicaid, supplemental spending, and the governor’s proposed holdbacks and cuts. Tanner said the state is facing major budget pressure, including a 3% holdback, provider rate cuts, and a projected need for additional reductions in Health and Welfare. He argued Medicaid growth is a major cost driver, described the program as difficult to control because of federal rules, and urged the committee to identify real savings, especially in programs he viewed as less essential than services for children and people with disabilities. He also emphasized that any recommendations to JFAC should be backed by actual numbers and fiscal notes, not assumptions. Members asked Tanner about cost shifting to other budgets or local governments, the role of fiscal notes, how JFAC handles minor budget changes, the effect of House Bill 345 and Medicaid eligibility changes, and whether expansion cuts could be redirected to other Medicaid needs. Tanner repeatedly said JFAC’s job is to balance the budget and that the germane committee should develop policy and identify savings before JFAC is forced to make cuts. He also discussed ongoing versus one-time funding, saying the state is short in ongoing revenue and that the committee should not rely on hoped-for savings. On revenue forecasting, he explained that EROC uses multiple projections and that JFAC ultimately adopted a revenue number near the middle of the range. The committee then received a detailed overview from Legislative Services staff Alex Williamson and Morgan Poloni on budget tools and resources, including the base budget dashboard, the Legislative Budget Book, the Legislative Fiscal Report, the Fiscal Source Book, session records, and performance reports. They demonstrated how members can drill down by agency, division, program, fund source, and enhancement history, and noted that staff can provide deeper detail on specific line items if requested. Keith Bivey also presented inflation-adjusted and per-capita budget trend information, showing long-term general fund growth and noting that similar agency-level analysis is still being developed. The chair asked members to review the Health and Welfare divisions, identify possible cuts or programs to protect, and return with recommendations; the committee was told it would not meet the rest of the week, and the JFAC presentation was tentatively moved to the first week of February.