Transcript Highlights:

• wells for domestic purposes, to revise the provision regarding the applicability of law related to water
• In the Senate: Senate Bill 1223, by Resources and Environment Committee, an act relating to water districts
• , to revise provisions regarding water district budgets and provide that water users may authorize a
• water district to charge a fixed fee to cover administrative costs associated with property ownership

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal from the previous day. The chamber then received gubernatorial appointment messages for several boards and commissions, including the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, Idaho Commission on Human Rights, Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, State Board of Education, and Commission of Pardons and Parole. Those appointments were referred to the appropriate committees for confirmation review. The Senate also received and signed Enrolled House Concurrent Resolution 20. In the motions and resolutions portion, the chamber considered a motion to elect a list of legislative attaches and staff to constitutionally and statutorily provided offices. The list was approved by roll call vote, 33 in favor with two absent and excused, and the attaches were then sworn in by the Sergeant-at-Arms. During first reading, the Senate introduced Senate Bills 1221, 1222, and 1223, all from the Resources and Environment Committee, dealing respectively with employee definition technical corrections, domestic wells, and water district budgets and administrative fees tied to property transfers. The bills were referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing. The session ended with announcements, including ice cream provided by the Idaho Farm Bureau and notice of an optional security training for members, followed by adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please tell me this has nothing to do with selling water to Texas. I know, sir. Thank you.
• Water Sector review and approval. He's going to do it from Carrier. Okay. All right. Chairman S.
• The Water Sector Commission met this afternoon to consider its posted agenda as part of the business
• The commission recommended $619,850 in additional Water Sector Fund funding for the St.
• Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5. The project has no local match requirement.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee received the May fiscal status statement from the Office of Planning and Budget, which reflected the updated Revenue Estimating Conference forecast. The revised forecast reduced the FY26 general fund excess available from $292.6 million to $179.7 million and lowered projected revenues across the five-year baseline, including a drop in FY27 available funds and larger out-year imbalances. The statement was approved without objection. Members then considered several Facility Planning and Control items and approved them without objection: a $3 million LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans project to build out space in the Center for Advanced Learning and Simulation; a $343,600 increase for HVAC upgrades at the Louisiana War Veterans Home warehouse in Jackson; and a $700,000 increase for Southern University’s A.A. Lenoir Law Center addition. The committee also received, for information only, five change orders over $50,000 but under $250,000. The committee approved contract extensions and funding actions for several agencies. Louisiana Economic Development received approval for one-year extensions and increases for marketing contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group. The Department of Education’s contract amendment for the Louisiana Gator ESA program with Odyssey was reported favorably after questions about the procurement process and how the contract amount relates to student enrollment. The Sabine River Authority’s $9.5 million operating budget increase and its 2026–2027 budget were approved favorably, with members discussing the planned takeover of Cypress Bend Resort operations. The Department of Health’s HERO Fund round of 15 grant awards, totaling about $4.6 million and projected to create 541 new health care credentials, was also approved favorably. Finally, the Water Sector Commission’s recommendations were adopted, including an additional $619,850 for St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5 and $1.5 million in emergency subfund assistance for the city of Tallulah, conditioned on a limited fiscal administration order. The committee also reviewed a cooperative agreement between the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and its facilities corporation related to Act 35 projects, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please tell me this has nothing to do with selling water to Texas. I know, sir. Thank you.
• Water sector review and approval. He's going to do it from Carrier. Okay.
• The Water Sector Commission met this afternoon to consider its posted agenda as part of the business
• The commission recommended $619,850 in additional Water Sector Fund funding for the St.
• Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5. The project has no local match requirement.

Summary: The committee first heard a fiscal status statement from the Office of Planning and Budget showing that updated Revenue Estimating Conference forecasts reduced the FY26 general fund excess available from $292.6 million to $179.7 million, with lower revenues across the five-year baseline and larger out-year imbalances. With no questions, the statement was approved. Members then reviewed several Facility Planning and Control items, including approval of a new $3 million LSU Health Sciences Center project in New Orleans funded by self-generated revenues, a $343,600 increase for HVAC upgrades at the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, and a $700,000 increase for Southern University’s A.A. Leno Law Center addition. The committee also received informational change-order reports and approved Louisiana Economic Development contract extensions for Zender Communications and Graham Group, as well as a Department of Education contract amendment for the Louisiana Gator ESA program with Odyssey after questions about the contract’s up-to amount and procurement process. The Sabine River Authority sought approval for a $9.5 million increase to its operating budget and its 2026-2027 budget, explaining the increase was tied to taking over the Cypress Bend Resort hotel and related property; members asked about long-term self-sufficiency and local support, and the items were approved favorably. The Louisiana Department of Health received approval for 15 HERO Fund grant awards totaling about $4.6 million to support 541 new health care credentials statewide. The Water Sector Commission’s recommendations were also approved, including $619,850 more for St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5 and emergency subfund support for the city of Tallulah, conditioned on a limited fiscal administration order. Finally, members reviewed an agreement between the LCTCS Board and its Facilities Corporation under Act 35, and the meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is House Bill 63, emergency clause, NMFA Water Project Fund projects.
• It authorizes the New Mexico Finance Authority to make loans or grants from the Water Project Fund for
• We are the staff to the Water Trust Board, which is making the recommendation this year for the 113 projects
• We currently have four soil and water districts involved in this, so we strongly support it.
• We only have four soil and water districts involved in this, so we strongly support it. Excellent.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up several House bills, mostly related to funding for conservation, housing, education health insurance, and public projects. HB 184 as amended made technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and Investment Fund to prevent trapped balances and improve distributions to the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund; public testimony from conservation groups strongly supported it, and the committee voted due pass. HB 200 as amended created an incentive program for starter-home construction and homebuyer assistance; supporters said it would help low- and moderate-income buyers, address the shortage of starter homes, and support local builders, and the committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation because funding was already included in House Bill 2 before voting due pass. The committee then considered a substitute for HB 47, the school employee health insurance “80-20” bill. The substitute kept the 80% employer contribution but added statewide participation in NMSIA, removed waivers, added reference-based pricing, and expanded oversight to control costs and stabilize the risk pool. Supporters, including school employees, unions, and educator advocates, said it would improve recruitment and retention and reduce take-home health costs; the committee approved the substitute and moved do pass on the substitute while not passing the original bill. The committee also approved HB 63, authorizing NMFA Water Project Fund loans or grants for 113 water projects recommended by the Water Trust Board, and HB 64, which appropriated $13.3 million from the Public Project Revolving Fund for drinking water, local planning, and cultural affairs facilities. HB 48, a straight appropriation already included in the budget, was tabled. The meeting ended after those actions, with no opposition recorded on the final motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates Fort Bend County Water Control and... Improvement District Number 12.
• It proposes the addition of road powers to the existing Fort Bend County Water Control Improvement District
• The bill provides for the standard powers of financing for water, sewage, and drainage infrastructure
• County MUD Number One was originally created in 2021 as a template bill that provided for finance and water
• House Bill 5665 is a template bill to create Water County MUD Number 70.

Bills: HB103

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Water and Land is on its hearing notice for Wednesday, April 9th, and we are in Room
• However, it um we're very good at Water and Land because those who are actually very important on this
• Okay, members, let's go ahead and complete the rest of our work here on the Committee on Water and Land
• Senator Dort. committee of water and land and the committee of water and land and the chair's chair's
• And this ends the Committee on Water and Land's agenda.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard GM 735, a nomination for consideration and confirmation to the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) of Michael Chia for a term ending June 30, 2029. HCDA Executive Director Craig Nakamoto testified in support, saying Chia had served on the board over the past year and brought experience in financial planning, client advising, and a willingness to serve the community. The committee also noted written testimony in support from DBEDT Director James Tokioka, Mike Ozua, and Ianaka LLC. Members discussed Chia’s role as the Kakaako business representative on the HCDA board and noted that his business is located in the Kakaako Community Development District. The chair praised HCDA’s work and said the agency’s responsibilities appear to be expanding beyond Oahu to the neighbor islands, including Maui. Chia thanked the committee and said he looked forward to the next four years. The chair recommended advise and consent on GM 735. There was no discussion against the motion, and the recommendation was adopted by vote, with the chair and vice chair voting aye; Senator Chang voted aye; Senator McKelby and Senator Dort were excused. The committee then concluded its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is from the multi-purpose water resource program fund. Mr. Briggs: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• I think you have several amendments that pull from the multi-purpose water resource program.
• Well, I know it's there for projects because it's a water resource program fund. Okay.
• Well, I know it's there for projects because it's a water resource program fund. Okay.
• Can you, this multi-purpose water resource program, what is this decrease? What is it from?

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The House Budget Committee met with a quorum and began by taking up a series of budget bills and committee substitutes, including House Bills 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, which were laid over. The chair then walked members through a committee amendment package, explaining a mix of technical corrections, fund swaps, and adjustments involving highway patrol fringe costs, summary budget timing, rural health care, the CCBHO FMAP correction, and marijuana-fund reallocations. Members adopted the chair’s decrease amendments and later adopted the corresponding increase amendments, including partial restoration for Care to Learn, a Title I grant language change, an Overpass and Seymour road project, technical corrections for DPS and health-related items, and restorations for Jordan Valley and FQHC substance abuse funding. After a brief recess for session and lunch, the committee returned to House Bill 2 and began considering member amendments. On House Bill 2, the committee adopted Representative Lewis’s amendment making the curriculum transparency and parent portal item a pilot program, and Representative Davidson’s amendment adding $2 million in federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds for One-Time Wonder School. Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to shift funding from Missouri Star Solutions and WorkKeys to the Success Ready Student Assessment failed, as did Representative Taylor’s proposal to move $1.2 million from career ladder to community college nursing programs. The committee then rejected Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to redirect Title I Innovation and Improvement Grant funds back to the governor’s recommendation, and later adopted Representative Steinhoff’s vocational rehabilitation amendment, which restored the department’s request and drew down additional federal matching funds. The committee also adopted Representative Hyne’s language amendment to allow flexibility between the MOQPK pre-K grant program and the Child Care Works tri-share program, though members discussed concerns about cross-bill flexibility and whether funds would actually be available. Representative Fogle’s amendment to require budget communications sent to committee chairs to also go to the full Budget Committee was defeated after members expressed concern about information overload and the difference between required distribution and requested information. The committee then took up a lengthy debate over Representative Fogle’s amendment to remove language barring Parents as Teachers participation for children already enrolled in public pre-K. Supporters argued the programs serve different purposes and that families should not be forced to choose between them, while opponents said the language was intended to prevent duplication of services and preserve resources for children without other options. After extensive discussion, the amendment failed. The committee continued with additional House Bill 2 amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on the remaining items.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2031, relating to grandfather water rights.
• on Natural Resources and Conservation, having under consideration HB 2031, relating to grandfather water
• House Bill 2102, relating to domestic water improvement districts.
• improvement program and water hauling, submits the following report: The committee recommends that the
• improvement program and water hauling, submits the following report: The committee recommends that the

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized several guests and community groups, including Central Arizona Aging and visitors connected to the Santa Rosa Barrio/Washington Park community. Senator Bravo read a proclamation honoring the legacy of the Santa Rosa Barrio and celebrating the Washington Park community in Phoenix, recognizing its cultural history, labor heritage, military service, and the unveiling of a commemorative mural. The chamber also received introductions of other guests, including Ken Berger and John Elvis Taska. The body then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first calendar, the Senate considered and advanced House Bills 2050, 2176, 2189, 2195, and 2584, all receiving do-pass recommendations, with amendments adopted on HB 2050, HB 2176, HB 2189, and HB 2195. The discussion on these bills centered on health care and licensing issues, including radiologic technologies, health care institutions, licensed health aide rules, nursing facility records/timelines, and public money-related provisions. Several amendments were described as stakeholder-requested or clarifying supervision, timelines, or related requirements. On the second and third calendars, the Senate advanced additional measures including HB 2003, HB 2006, HB 2226, HB 2378, HB 2693, and HCM 2007, along with HB 2013, HB 2031, HB 2102, HB 213, HB 2117, HB 2262, and HB 2278. Topics included driver license destruction permits, elections and sample ballots/mail-in dates, arrest/processing and veteran status, school facilities oversight, accountable health plans, air pollution control and wildfire-related waivers, water rights and water improvement districts, natural resource conservation, geological survey matters, and a memorial urging a geographic name change for State Route 16. HB 2029 was retained on the calendar. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills, then adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations include maintaining the $19.9 million in GR and general revenue dedicated to water resource
• commitment to the PUC and ensuring we have the resources to support Texas's growing electricity and water
• This is for rate paying for both electric and water.
• Some of you were on Sunset and may remember... ...the troubled waters that these agencies and boards
• I want to ensure we don't return to those troubled waters again, so that's the essence of that request

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an act relating to the drinking water state, allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority to provide
• grants for the construction or rehabilitation of drinking water facilities.
• Finance Authority, extending repayment period requirements for loans made pursuant to the Drinking Water
• The next item on the agenda is that it do not pass, but that the House Agriculture and Water Resources
• Speaker, your Agriculture, Asekias, and Water Resources Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so as simple as that water off.
• </c><00:27:01.679><c> main</c> Street, and a bailing water main Street, and a bailing water main extension
• <00:27:10.039><c> infrastructure</c> original water and sewer infrastructure original water and sewer
• </c> public plaza, a playground, a water public plaza, a playground, a water features,<00:35:10.320><
• </c><01:26:52.080><c> These</c> public storm water pond. These public storm water pond.

Bills: HF474 , HF218 , HF210 , HF441 , HF691 , HF720 , HF1068 , HF1314 , HF1465 , HF1860 , HF2046 , HF1389 , HF2404 , HF2854 , HF2985 , HF3128 , HF3103 , HF778 , HF3125

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice, Statuary Hall, United States Capitol, statue replacement, capital investment, general fund appropriation, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Historical Society, public art, commemorative statue, National Statuary Hall Collection, commissioner of administration, cultural heritage, monument, Washington D.C., HF218, Minnesota, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Long days in the heat of Kern, Delano, Tulare, Taft, too often without reliable water, without rest,
• That means reliable water, because with where water flows, food grows, and...
• That means reliable water, because where water flows, food grows, and if it doesn't flow, then fields
• That means reliable water, because with where water flows, food grows, and That means reliable water,
• because where water flows, food grows, and if it doesn't flow, then fields go fallow, and jobs and food

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of guest introductions, including Canadian diplomatic visitors and youth soccer champions from Senator Niello’s district. The body also recognized guests connected to arts education and later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Caitlin “Katie” Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The President announced the Senate would enter a one-week spring recess and return on April 6, 2026. On the floor, the Senate adopted SR 89 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day in California. Supporters emphasized the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and services for people with profound autism and their families. The resolution passed by a 35-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SCR 147 by Senator Allen, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with remarks stressing the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success; it passed 37-0. The chamber then adopted SCR 141 by Senator Wahab, recognizing March 26, 2026 as Women’s Equal Pay Day. Senators discussed the gender pay gap, its impact on families, and the need for transparency and enforcement; the resolution passed 37-0. The Senate also approved AB 2156, an urgency measure to proclaim March 31 as Farm Worker Day, with extensive debate about farm workers’ historical contributions, labor conditions, and the decision to rename the day in light of recent allegations involving the prior honoree. The bill passed unanimously, 37-0, including the urgency clause. Finally, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 968, SJR 11, SB 1005, and SB 1080, by unanimous vote. A committee announcement noted Budget Subcommittee 3 would meet upon adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Long days in the heat of Kern, Delano, Tulare, Taft, too often without reliable water, without rest,
• That means reliable water, because with where water flows, food grows, and...
• That means reliable water, because where water flows, food grows, and if it doesn't flow, then fields
• That means reliable water, because with where water flows, food grows, and That means reliable water,
• because where water flows, food grows, and if it doesn't flow, then fields go fallow, and jobs and food

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several guest introductions, including a Canadian diplomatic delegation visiting for Canada Day at the Capitol and the undefeated Under-11 San Juan Spirits soccer team. The chamber also recognized guests connected to later resolutions, including families and advocates tied to profound autism and farm worker issues, as well as arts education leaders. The Senate adopted SR 89, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day, after remarks emphasizing the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and lifelong services for people with profound autism and their caregivers. Members also adopted SCR 147, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with support focused on the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success. Both resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up AB 2156, an urgency measure renaming Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day and proclaiming March 31 as Farm Worker Day. Supporters from multiple caucuses and regions spoke about the history of farm labor, the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers, and the need to honor the broader movement and its diverse participants; some speakers also referenced recent allegations and the desire to center survivors and workers rather than one individual. The bill passed with 37 ayes and 0 noes, including the urgency clause. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of several items without objection, then adjourned in memory of Caitlin Mardell Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The session concluded with announcements of a committee meeting and a one-week spring recess, with the next floor session scheduled for April 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Long days in the heat of Kern, Delano, Tulare, Taft, too often without reliable water, without rest,
• That means reliable water, because with where water flows, food grows, and...
• That means reliable water, because where water flows, food grows, and if it doesn't flow, then fields
• That means reliable water, because with where water flows, food grows, and That means reliable water,
• because where water flows, food grows, and if it doesn't flow, then fields go fallow, and jobs and food

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , projects to expand and increase the safety at juvenile rehabilitation facilities, and an ongoing water
• Our management of these lands is specifically designed to produce more cold, clean water for summer spawning
• All the rain and surface water in the forest and general area drained directly into the Carbon River,
• the community forest would be maintained as a working forest but managed to absorb as much surface water
• I think Representative Waters has a question for you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr.

Bills: HB2295

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• , projects to expand and increase the safety at juvenile rehabilitation facilities, and an ongoing water
• Our management of these lands is specifically designed to produce more cold, clean water for summer spawning
• All the rain and surface water in the forest and general area drained directly into the Carbon River,
• the community forest would be maintained as a working forest but managed to absorb as much surface water
• I think Representative Waters has a question for you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr.

Summary: The House Capital Budget Committee opened its first hearing of the session on HB 2295 and briefly heard a presentation from OFM Senior Budget Advisor Jen Masterson on Governor Ferguson’s proposed supplemental capital budget. She said the proposal uses about $396 million in new appropriations, leaving roughly $5.4 million in remaining bond authority, and includes major investments in housing, urgent state facility needs, climate-related projects, K-12 school safety and modernization, and higher education minor works. The housing package was the largest share, with $225 million for the Housing Trust Fund, plus funding for homeownership, preservation, manufactured housing communities, and flood-impacted home repair. Committee members asked follow-up questions about Rainier School and juvenile rehabilitation projects, and staff said Rainier School was on the plan and that juvenile rehabilitation funding included flexible capacity funding and facility improvements. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s housing, education, climate, and natural resources proposals, while several speakers urged changes. Housing advocates, Habitat for Humanity, community land trusts, and service providers backed the Housing Trust Fund and homeownership funding, including support for manufactured housing preservation and transit-oriented affordable housing. School and college representatives supported small district modernization, seismic safety, lead remediation, and minor works funding, while some asked for additional support for specific projects such as Cascadia College’s new building, Central Washington University’s feeder line replacement, and WSU Spokane health education renovations. Natural resource and tribal witnesses supported salmon recovery and community forest investments, but asked for more funding for RCO community forest and estuary programs. A major recurring concern was the proposed $75 million transfer from the Public Works Assistance Account, which cities, counties, sewer and water districts, and the Public Works Board said would jeopardize low-interest loans already awarded for local infrastructure projects and shift costs onto distressed communities. Other testimony opposed the budget’s omission of certain projects, including the University of Washington’s power plant decarbonization work and a Spokane cultural hub, while some local governments requested funding for wastewater and flood-control projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed the public hearing after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Waters wants to take that one out. Who wants to take out 226?
• Senator<00:21:01.120><c> Waters</c><00:21:01.679><c> knows</c><00:21:02.480><c> that</c><00:21:02.720
• ><c> I</c><00:21:02.960><c> like</c> Senator Waters knows that I like Senator Waters knows that I like
• >> HB 77 pass all amendment that I would like to also offer. >> I have seconded by Senator Waters. >>
• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:26:27.760><c> Waters.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Waters. &gt;&gt; Senator Waters.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the last several years, he served as president of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority, For the
• last several years, he served as president of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority, a collection
• of five tribes that won a 50-year-long lawsuit to regain tribal water rights.
• On the water issues, no one else has led development for their community.
• water, sustainable groundwater management act, Sigma, and making sure that the rights of tribes were

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum present after a roll call and prayer, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Members recognized several guests, including local district officials, Japanese business leaders, and students/interns, and the chamber also observed remarks about the Texas flooding tragedy during the prayer. The body then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items and concurrence votes on AB 390, which expands the slow-down/move-over law to stationary vehicles, and AB 1478, which allows retailers to absorb mattress recycling fees; both measures had Senate amendments concurred in by recorded vote. The Assembly adopted AJR 12, a bipartisan resolution recognizing Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding. Multiple members spoke in support, emphasizing the program’s role in early education, health, nutrition, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities; the resolution received 70 ayes and no noes after 69 co-authors were added. The chamber also adopted ACR 96, designating a portion of Highway 101 in Humboldt County as the Patty Berg Memorial Highway, and SCR 50, which calls for state review of climate adaptation and maladaptation criteria to improve climate resilience planning; both measures passed without opposition. On the consent calendar, the Assembly added co-authors to ACR 81 and adopted the second-day consent calendar and remaining consent items, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body also approved a motion to return AB 529 from engrossing and enrolling to the Senate for further action. The session concluded with numerous adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for Rincon Tribal Council Chairman Bo Mazzetti and former legislative secretary George Steffes, followed by a moment of silence for each and adjournment until Monday, July 14 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We completed that project: 1.6 million. for a water system in Maxwell.
• Water is the lifeline. We're going to complete water projects.
• We put an additional 200 million into the Water Trust Board to complete those projects.
• That's going to be drinking water.
• It's going to have to be filtered out of that drinking water before it can come into the Clovis area.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s difficult to have an auditable—well,” “The waters a lot.
• Thank you, Chair Mena, Ranking Member Waters, and committee members.
• Good afternoon, Chair Waters, myself. Good afternoon, Chair, Ranking Member Waters, myself.
• Good afternoon, Chair, Ranking Member Waters, myself.
• Waters. Thank you, Madam Chair. Rep. Stearns, thank you.

Summary: The committee opened with member introductions and then heard House Bill 2123, which would change Washington’s foreign-national certification requirements for election contributions and political advertising. Staff explained that the proposed substitute would only require certifications for campaigns or sponsors exceeding a $5,500 threshold, with an amendment raising that threshold to $6,000, which would largely limit the requirement to ballot measure activity. Prime sponsor Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon said the current paperwork burden makes campaigns harder without solving a real problem, and that his proposal would preserve protections where federal law does not already cover ballot measures. Testifiers supporting the bill, including campaign treasurers, said the certification requirement is burdensome and ineffective; one witness raised concern that a related repeal provision might unintentionally allow foreign participation in state elections, and staff/leadership indicated follow-up would occur. The hearing on HB 2123 was then suspended and later reopened with additional supportive testimony from campaign professionals and others before the committee moved on to other bills. The committee then took up House Bill 2210 on ranked-choice voting for local elections. Staff said the bill would replace the current top-two primary structure with a top-five process for jurisdictions using ranked-choice voting, allow counties and other local governments to adopt the system through 2032, and set ballot, tabulation, rulemaking, and public education requirements; Seattle would be exempt because it is already moving toward ranked-choice voting. Rep. Gregerson, the sponsor, framed the bill as a temporary tool to protect free and fair elections amid federal uncertainty and potential Voting Rights Act changes. Supporters from Fair Vote Washington, the Washington Bus, Sightline Institute, and others argued ranked-choice voting can improve representation, reduce vote splitting, and help young, military, overseas, and underrepresented voters. Opponents, including Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, county auditors, and several citizens, said the system is confusing, costly, harder to audit, and may increase ballot rejection or lower participation, especially among communities of color and voters with limited English proficiency. The committee heard extensive debate but took no final action during the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2411, which expands the state shared leave program to cover employees who are victims of hate crimes or whose absences stem from immigration enforcement actions affecting themselves or family members. Rep. Osman Salahuddin said the bill responds to real cases where state workers faced detention or family separation and could not use shared leave under current law. OFM, the Office of Equity, and the Washington Federation of State Employees supported the bill, describing it as a humane, low-cost way to help employees remain employed during traumatic disruptions. A Republican member asked whether the change would apply to people not legally present or working under a visa; witnesses said they believed it would not, or would be extremely unlikely, and would follow state hiring documentation requirements. The hearing then closed on HB 2411. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2281 on government-to-government consultation with tribes regarding state actions affecting tribal traditional cultural places. Staff said the bill would require mutually agreed consultation processes, timely notice, meaningful consultation before action, and a heightened legal standard requiring the state to show a compelling interest and least restrictive means if it would burden tribal cultural practices; tribes could sue in superior court. Rep. Chris Stearns said the bill is intended to protect Native identity, sacred sites, and religious practices from further loss, while tribal leaders and faith advocates strongly supported it as enforceable protection for sacred places and sovereignty. Some business and industry groups said they supported the goal but worried the bill’s broad definitions and cause of action could create permitting uncertainty, project delays, and significant costs, especially for clean energy and industrial projects. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2206, which would adopt the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act; supporters said it would streamline absentee voting for overseas and military voters, while opponents argued it could allow never-residents or duplicate registrations and raised constitutional concerns. No votes were taken in the transcript.