Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support of the Ocean Tourism Coalition. support of the Ocean Tourism Coalition.
• </c> strongly support 2599. strongly support 2599. Mahalo. Mahalo. Mahalo.
• </c> stand on my written testimony in support stand on my written testimony in support of<00:12:49.960
• Thank you, Chair. support for this measure to transfer to support for this measure to transfer to DBED
• </c> in support. in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you do a great job, and that's to support—at least speaking for myself—I will always support.
• Certainly, there may be some folks who are not supportive.
• And we're here to support you.
• They are all separate supports in some way.
• So, is that support...

Transcript Highlights:

• We are neutral on the bill as filed, but very supportive of the concept.
• So we are strongly in support of it.
• And so it's just really load that support can support the grid and doesn't always have to be on.
• Here in support of HB 3826.
• I'm here today in strong support of HB 3511.

Bills: HB 1951, HB 2715, HB 3092, HB 3237, HB 3278, HB 3511, HB 3592, HB 3675, HB 3778, HB 3782, HB 3826, HB 3970, HB 4016, HB 4049, HB 4341, HB 4344, HB 4406, HB 4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying in support of House File 412.
• I would ask members to support it. You know, very different tone and tenor here.
• </c><00:24:38.799><c> of</c> opportunity to testify in support of opportunity to testify in support of
• </c><00:48:35.040><c> many</c> working with um and supporting many working with um and supporting many
• you to support house file 1607 to ensure you to support house file 1607 to ensure students<00:58:35.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And those policies relate to supporting our schools, supporting our teachers, and supporting our students
• </c> Representative Meers and I am in support Representative Meers and I am in support of<00:36:52.960
• This bill has something for everybody if you support educators, if you support kids, paraprofessionals
• support support okay<01:08:50.719><c> uh</c><01:08:51.000><c> we</c><01:08:52.000><c> will</c><01:08
• </c><01:23:31.560><c> the</c> now uh we wholeheartedly support the now uh we wholeheartedly support the

Bills: HF550, HF412, HF796, HF140

Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, HF412, Minnesota legislature, education committee, K-12 education, school observation, teacher observation, administrator observation, legislative transparency, legislator accountability, House rules, Senate rules, Legislative Reference Library, public reporting, education finance, education policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Leah Missick, with Climate Solutions, here in strong support.
• Leah Missick, with Climate Solutions, here in strong support.
• So I urge you to support this bill. Thank you. Thank you. Please begin.
• WSAC is committed to supporting the state in pursuit of its clean energy goals.
• Nearly all legislators pledged to support public schools when they ran for office.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee held public hearings on several bills and took executive action on House Bill 2747. HB 2747 would change how Washington estimates future revenue in its four-year balanced budget outlooks by using the official revenue forecast instead of the current 4.5% growth assumption for the next two biennia. Staff described the bill as a technical change with indeterminate fiscal effects, and supporters said it would make budgeting more realistic and sustainable. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation by a vote of 26 ayes, 3 nays, and 2 excused. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 6182, which would create an abortion savings program funded by a new annual assessment on health carriers offering exchange plans. Staff said the bill would generate about $10 million in fiscal year 2027 and about $2.1 million annually thereafter, with most funds going to grants for abortion care providers and some administrative costs for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Department of Health. Supporters said it would stabilize access to abortion care and help low-income patients, while opponents argued it would force taxpayers and insurers to subsidize abortion and raised concerns about oversight, morality, and premium impacts. Substitute Senate Bill 6355, which would create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority to support new transmission projects and related tribal clean energy work, drew testimony from utilities, labor, clean energy advocates, counties, and landowners. Supporters said the state needs faster transmission buildout to improve reliability, support clean energy, and reduce congestion costs; opponents and county representatives raised concerns about eminent domain, loss of local tax revenue, board accountability, and the need for stronger landowner and county involvement. Staff estimated the bill would have a several-million-dollar general fund impact and noted possible indeterminate local revenue effects. The committee also received a briefing on engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, which would reduce funding or eligibility for several K-12 programs, including bus depreciation, Running Start, and transition to kindergarten; public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with school officials, educators, community college representatives, students, and rural districts warning of reduced opportunities and harm to small and low-income districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I, too, support scissor stairs.
• We are here in support of the bill.
• But if the vesting pieces come out, we are in full support of this bill.
• I urge us to support HB 2418. And thank you, Chair Dewar.
• We do support the bill.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several housing, building code, and permitting bills. HB 2228 would direct the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group to recommend code amendments allowing scissor stairs in buildings with more than two dwelling units. Supporters, including architects, builders, and housing advocates, said scissor stairs could improve safety, reduce corridor and stair footprint, lower costs, and allow more efficient and denser housing layouts. The bill was then closed to public hearing. HB 2381 would create a performance-based code pathway for low-rise residential buildings and allow recognition of third-party certifications. The chair described it as a move from prescriptive to performance-based standards, with flexibility for builders and potential alignment with clean building goals. The Building Industry Association of Washington opposed the bill as written, saying the main need is a performance pathway in the energy code rather than the IBC, while FutureWise supported the concept but urged caution about the complexity and timeline of converting code to performance-based standards. The public hearing on HB 2381 was closed after testimony. HB 2418 would change permit review processes, including vesting rules for residential project permits in urban growth areas, pausing review clocks in certain circumstances, extending timelines to other fee-charging reviewing entities, and requiring a single permit responsible official and point of contact by 2027. Builders, developers, and housing advocates generally supported the bill’s coordination and timeline provisions, saying they would reduce delays and costs, though several groups raised concerns about the vesting section and completeness definitions. FutureWise and county representatives warned the vesting changes could create litigation or records issues, while the sponsor said the vesting portion might be reconsidered. The committee also heard HB 2273, which would require embodied carbon reduction standards for larger building projects through reuse, product-based reductions, or whole-building life-cycle assessment. Support came from architects, Commerce, and environmental justice advocates, who said the bill would reduce climate impacts and encourage innovation; opponents from the concrete and aggregate industry and a taxpayer group raised concerns about costs, supply-chain issues, conflicts with other legislation, and exemptions such as for schools. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, the Port of Vancouver supports House Bill 2179 and asks for your support.
• We'd appreciate your support. Thank you. Aaron Hike, SEIU 925.
• We directly support all our local communities in Washington State.
• Our community supports us, and that makes it viable.
• Our schools can't function without support staff.

Bills: HB2124, HB2125, HB2160, HB2179

Keywords: retirement, lump sum payment, financial security, pension reform, monthly benefits, retirement system, investment earnings, trust funds, public pensions, financial management, education, benefits, school employees, membership eligibility, employment, public employees, port workers, federal retirement plan, pension, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• That is our new state-supported service and the newest service in the Amtrak network.
• </c> But we also have a stateup supported But we also have a stateup supported network<00:03:18.000><
• of that business line—we operate about 30 routes supported by 22 states.
• </c> give you an idea Amtrak state supported give you an idea Amtrak state supported business<00:09:28.160
• So, it are are all state supported.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, January 14, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are proud to be able to support AB 748.
• Are there any other witnesses in support? Any me-toes?
• Are there any other witnesses in support?
• Are there any other witnesses in support of this measure?
• So, anyway, I'm looking forward to supporting this bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about reimagining how we teach and support our students.
• We're making support more visible, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
• It enjoys MnDOT's full support.
• We plan to repair the supports and substructure units.
• We respectfully request your support for HF 1711.

Bills: HF2418, HF1666, HF232, HF344, HF402, HF431, HF468, HF547, HF583, HF1476, HF1711, HF2787, HF2788, HF3207

Keywords: capital investment, political subdivisions, state assistance, funding, project grants, child care, Slayton, state bonds, economic development, extended time revenue, school funding, state aid, career and technical education, CTE, STEM, secondary credit, after-school programs, summer school, learning year program, extended day

Transcript Highlights:

• We support the smart development of passenger rail and freight rail in Texas, and we do support House
• Yes sir, I am supportive of the bill.
• The goal of modernizing these lines is to support higher speeds.
• I want to further say that, uh, we have a support letter.
• Uh, so I do support House Bill 3080.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> need to plan effectively and support need to plan effectively and support students<00:15:18.440>
• for the support to provide services to support those students despite our slight decline.
• um to provide services to the support um to provide services to support<00:39:16.280><c> those</c><00
• to support these teachers.
• Are they getting support in the class, in school, or outside of school support with the families?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would appreciate your support today.
• Anyone would like to add on in support? Name, organization, position.
• Any members of the public that would like to step up in support? You'd like to support?
• So I do just want to mention I had committed my support to the author today, so I will be voting in support
• I had committed my support to the author today, so I will be voting in support, but I do have some concerns

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, by Senator Jones, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. Supporters from the debt collection industry said the bill would reduce duplicative costs and fix issues with the advisory committee process; an opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said concerns remained. After discussion about preserving consumer protections while reducing burdens on licensees, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1131 and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water companies by removing the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information such as consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including environmental justice advocates and Los Angeles County, described problems with access to water quality information, meeting notices, and board accountability in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems. Members discussed the need for transparency while acknowledging concerns about compliance burdens; the committee then voted 7-0 to pass SB 1291 and re-refer it to Environmental Quality.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT THE LAW, BILL I SHOULD SAY.
• IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE SUPPORT THIS AND PASS THE LAW.
• I'M HERE TO SUPPORT HB 197 MOTION ON E-VERIFY.
• I THINK THAT SUPPORTS, THE E-VERIFY WOULD SUPPORT THIS WOULD HELP US WITH THE SYSTEM.
• SOMEONE TURNED IN A CARD WAIVING IN SUPPORT ALREADY. SUPPORT E-VERIFY, THE IDEA E-VERIFY.

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you for supporting military families. Your testimony.
• I'm here to express our strong support for House Bill 1939.
• programs. ...and it supports the state's financial management.
• Thank you for the opportunity to support House Bill 1939.
• Thank you very much for your support. To me, it's just a common-sense reform.

Bills: HB123, HB5606, HB549, HB2757, HB4359, HB5381, HB1939, HB123

Keywords: HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention, math intervention, teacher academy, literacy academy, mathematics academy, interventionist academy, K-3 assessments, school readiness, prekindergarten, tutoring grant, parent-directed tutoring

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the policy director for the Workers Defense Action Fund, and I'm here to speak in support
• Please support HB669. It brings so much. ...transparency and accountability to the issue.
• I'm here testifying in support of HB380.
• I was doing some of my own research on how Texas could support our child care workers, but also...
• On behalf of our members and the young people they serve, I'm here to speak in support of HB3173.

Bills: HB669, HB 1306, HB3173, HB3807

Keywords: healthcare, Medicare, insurance, financial assistance, families, wage theft, employers, penalties, Texas Workforce Commission, employee rights, employer database, worker rights, death investigation, emergency services, medical benefits, exposure claims, public safety, workforce development, TWC, youth workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, students at my institution are supportive of the substitute.
• I urge your support. Thank you. That's all choosing to testify. Thank you. Thank you.
• I urge your support. Thank you. That's all choosing to testify. Thank you. Thank you.
• We should support default safeguards inside apps, things like teen accounts.
• We urge your support. Thank you. Thank you. Please begin.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held public hearings on several bills related to artificial intelligence, student employee bargaining, and online safety. For HB 1170, staff explained that the bill would require certain large generative AI providers to offer provenance detection tools and include latent or optional manifest disclosures in AI-generated audio, image, and video content, with enforcement by the Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill would apply to AI-generated text code, and staff clarified that it would not. Testimony from the Washington Technology Industry Association opposed the bill as written, citing enforcement ambiguity, definition changes, and interoperability concerns, while noting support for continued work on the issue. For HB 1570, staff described the underlying bill as extending collective bargaining rights under the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act to student employees at several state higher education institutions, with a striking amendment narrowing the bill to non-academic student employees at Western Washington University and listing covered job classifications. Staff estimated the original bill’s fiscal impact at about $1.5 million per biennium, reduced to roughly $200,000 per biennium under the striking amendment. Testimony from labor and student representatives supported the narrowed bill, emphasizing student worker safety, organizing support, and the need to move forward after prior union votes. The committee also heard substitute HB 1833, which would create the Spark Act grant program in the Department of Commerce to support innovative uses of AI, with grants requiring a state benefit and shared technology, and with Commerce consulting the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Staff estimated administrative costs of about $160,000 per year plus grant funding that could bring total annual program costs to roughly $660,000 to $1.6 million. Representative Keaton said an amendment would update dates and incorporate changes. Testimony was generally supportive from industry and retail representatives, who framed the bill as a pro-innovation public-private partnership. Finally, the committee heard a proposed third substitute for HB 1834, which would prohibit addictive feeds for minor users and restrict push notifications during evening and school hours unless parents consent, while allowing all users to limit feeds and privacy settings. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s Office, Children’s Alliance, and a parent who lost a child to social media harms, argued the bill would protect children and reduce behavioral health costs. Opponents from technology, civil liberties, and industry groups raised constitutional, privacy, and vagueness concerns, warning that age determination could function like age verification and that the bill could restrict access to beneficial content. No votes or executive action were taken; the committee concluded public hearings and announced amendment deadlines for upcoming executive sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I support FHP, and you can show your support for FHP as well by voting on this very good bill today.
• I see your support. And I know Bill Smith. Yes, we all do.
• We'll be waving in support once again. Yes, sir. Great bill. All right.
• I'd appreciate your support. Thank you for that.
• I'd appreciate your support. Thank you for that.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development considered a full agenda of transportation, economic development, housing, emergency services, and specialty license plate bills. Several measures were explained and advanced without opposition, including the Department of Transportation agency bill (CS/CS/SB 1662), a Purple Heart toll exemption bill (CS/SB 574), a Florida Highway Patrol specialty plate bill (CS/SB 824), a construction disruption assistance loan program for small businesses (CS/CS/SB 324), a manufactured housing assistance bill for local housing plans (CS/SB 1714), a foreign agents registration bill (CS/CS/SB 766), military academy specialty plates (CS/SB 1024), a Safe Coastal Wildlife specialty plate (CS/SB 1246), an emergency services warning-light bill (CS/SB 1644), the Florida Wildflower specialty plate (SB 1152), and a toll exemption bill for 100% disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients (CS/SB 532). The committee adopted amendments on several bills. On CS/CS/SB 1662, Senator Collins’ strike-all amendment made a range of DOT-related changes, including the Florida Transportation Academy, seaport and airport accountability provisions, and allowing cranes to move under special blanket permits at night. On CS/CS/SB 324, the committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and a further amendment removing liability language; the bill would create a revolving loan program for small businesses harmed by public works construction, with members raising concerns about eligibility, verification of losses, and public records issues for financial documents. On CS/SB 766, an amendment clarified definitions and aligned the bill with federal FARA standards, including a 20% beneficial ownership threshold. On CS/SB 532, an amendment added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Testimony and debate were generally supportive, with several outside witnesses appearing in favor of the bills, including Florida PBA, the Florida Manufactured Homeowners Federation, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, the Center for Security Policy, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Members highlighted constituent impacts and policy concerns on a few measures, especially the construction disruption loan bill and the disabled veteran toll exemption, where some senators suggested narrowing the scope or adding protections. All bills considered were reported favorably, and senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected tabs before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The National Guard is also in support of the bill.
• I look forward to your support. Thank you.
• We fully support this.
• Funding and support from the Legislature helped the Department support work that led to five additional
• and respite care, financial counseling, homeless supports, and other peer support.