Transcript Highlights:

• So we are talking about the ecosystem of the whole system.
• We have to prioritize that. the ecosystem of the whole system.
• We the ecosystem of the whole system.
• The thing that I really want to focus on is the health care ecosystem completely.
• </c> ecosystem of the health care completely. ecosystem of the health care completely.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Weapons Station Yorktown, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Colonial Behavioral Mental Health
• resolution, it shall be in order to consider in the House a bill, H.R. 261, to amend the National Marine
• RESOLUTION, IT SHALL BE IN ORDER TO CONSIDER IN THE HOUSE A BILL, H.R. 261, TO AMEND THE NATIONAL MARINE
• , and making it easier for multinational tech company monopolies to build undersea cables through marine
• Maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary, if such

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a unique thing that we do down there with ecosystem restoration.
• It is about all of South Florida's ecosystem.
• lots of direction from the state and federal governments and our own governing board to get this ecosystem
• tree, and after we did the eradication effort, and that's what we're striving for in all of our ecosystems
• Just do maintenance and have a great ecosystem thereafter on those million acres of land.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Community and the ecosystem should funding for Mass Save seize up.
• But the investment is real from any business, whether you're in the Mass Save ecosystem...
• The broader ecosystem. So some of the numbers that Senator—or Elizabeth Mahoney—reviewed...
• I mean, it's a massive ecosystem, hence the 87,000.
• I mean, it's a massive ecosystem, hence the 87,000 people that are employed.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends. Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding. Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• By codifying criteria, For balanced ecosystem management, by codifying criteria, WDFW biologists and
• Drought stresses ecosystems.
• It begins to look at the ecosystem holistically, not only from managing the grasses to the ungulates
• to the predators, but looking at the ecosystem as a whole.
• We understand robust ungulate herds play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems and understand

Bills: SB5838 , SB5960 , SB6097

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability, Indian tribes, conservation futures program, federal recognition, environmental protection, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I hope Colonel Garrison doesn't wrap me out to my fellow Marines.
• So I hope Colonel Garrison doesn't wrap me out to my fellow Marines.
• So I hope Colonel Garrison doesn't wrap me out to my fellow Marines.
• If I demoted you, I sincerely apologize, Colonel. wrap me out to my fellow Marines.
• Good job, Marine. A soldier complimenting Marine. Okay. This is a rare day. Airborne soldier.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville Veterans Memorial Overpass.
• , he shipped off to Parris Island, the Marine Corps training base in South Carolina.
• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville Veterans Memorial Overpass.
• , he shipped off to Paris Island, the Marine Corps training base in South Carolina.
• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0. The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill. In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.

Transcript Highlights:

• My hometown of American Falls sits near the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
• My hometown of American Falls sits near the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, often described as the last
• nearly intact temperate ecosystem on Earth.
• Each new road divides ecosystems, disrupts migration routes, and invites invasive species.
• Each new road divides ecosystems, disrupts migration routes, and invites invasive species.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without grizzly bears, California's ecosystem has been impacted.
• This species was critical... ...bears, California's ecosystem has been impacted.
• But A, it would destroy our ecosystem... ...it would destroy our ecosystem, and B, it's not the kind
• Do we want to have healthy ecosystems?
• And that having these types of top predators is a really important part of that healthy ecosystem.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair Central Valley subsidence damage and Delta levees to protect State Water Project deliveries. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to safeguard water for 27 million Californians, prevent threats to life and billions in infrastructure, and address long-standing levee and canal vulnerabilities. Testimony in support came from Restore the Delta, the Central Coast Water Authority, and a broad coalition of water agencies, environmental groups, local governments, and business interests; one organization, the California Chamber of Commerce, supported if amended to include federal conveyance infrastructure. No opposition witnesses appeared. Members from both parties praised the bipartisan coalition and discussed funding, beneficiary-pays concerns, and the need to prioritize water infrastructure. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 872 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author and tribal co-sponsors framed the measure as a science-based, consultation-driven roadmap that would not authorize reintroduction but would evaluate habitat, impacts, and implementation. Supporters, including tribal representatives, conservation groups, and animal welfare organizations, emphasized the grizzly’s cultural significance, ecological role, and the value of planning for coexistence. Opposition came from retired and current law enforcement, county officials, ranching and hunting groups, and rural representatives, who raised public safety, staffing, livestock, and wildlife-management concerns, arguing the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks resources for another apex predator. Committee members debated whether risk, public safety, local control, and potential reintroduction areas should be addressed earlier in the process. The author agreed to consider amendments on those points and on funding and local authority. The committee voted 4-1 to pass SB 1305 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee also heard SB 1079, which would create a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to identify firefighter needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful wildfire tools. The author said the bill would formalize a pipeline from pilot projects to statewide use and build on existing Cal Fire technology efforts. Support came from Megafire Action, Fireworks, Aurora Tech, and the Orange County Fire Authority; the California Association of Realtors supported if amended to allow nonprofits to administer grants directly to homeowners. With no opposition testimony, the bill was moved on a 2-0 vote and held on call pending additional members. The committee later took up SB 997, a district bill for the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency that would grant lien authority so it can enforce groundwater fees and sustainability plan requirements without relying on civil litigation. Support came from water contractors, rural counties, and county associations; members discussed whether similar authority should be extended to other GSAs. The bill was moved on a 2-0 vote to Judiciary and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torval Veterans Memorial Overpass.
• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torval Veterans Memorial Overpass, comes up for a third reading.
• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torval Memorial Overpass. House number 4374. Mr.
• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torval and overpass in the town of Sandwich as the U.S.
• Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torval Veterans Memorial Overpass, House number 4374. Question.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They work on salmon issues and fisheries issues, marine issues.
• but what they were designed to do, to work alongside with the other states, with the Pacific States Marine
• State legislators, it works alongside other regional bodies such as the Pacific States Marine Fisheries
• Commission, PSMFC, and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, PSMFC, and...
• Fisheries Commission, PSMFC, and, and, and the Pacific State's Marine Fisheries Commission, PSMFC, and

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also the Marin County United Veterans Council president, past commander of VFW, and American Legion
• out of Marin County.
• I'm also the Marin County United Veterans Council president, past commander of VFW, and American Legion
• out of Marin County.
• Byron Lamb, retired disabled Marine, I strongly support this one, please. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard several veteran-focused measures, with extensive testimony in support from veterans’ organizations and individual veterans. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, addressing a situation where disability benefits can disqualify veterans from tax relief. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s express permission, while preserving Title X activity, training, and mutual aid arrangements. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize a $1.25 billion general obligation bond for the CalVet Home Loan Program, which supporters said is nearing depletion of bond authority and remains a critical path to homeownership for veterans and military families. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps, as a retention measure to keep military retirees in California. Supporters for the bills emphasized housing stability, affordability, retention of veterans in California, and the economic benefits of keeping military retirees and their income in the state. SB 888 and SB 623 drew broad support from veterans’ groups, county veterans service officers, and related organizations, with no opposition testimony. SB 1354 also received support from veterans’ advocates, while committee members sought clarification on training, mutual aid, and the bill’s scope, and the author agreed to work on amendments. SB 1407 drew strong support from veterans and military organizations, but also formal opposition from the California Tax Reform Association, which argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the tax break would be unfair to other public servants. The committee voted to advance all four measures. SB 888 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation; SB 1354 was approved as amended and re-referred to Public Safety; SB 623 was approved as amended, given urgency, and re-referred to Housing and Community Development; and SB 1407 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The consent item, SCR 143, was adopted unanimously. After the initial votes, the committee later took add-on votes to confirm passage of SB 888 and SB 1354, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deserts are among the most vibrant yet least understood ecosystems in the world, home to unique and endangered
• recognize California's great deserts, but to raise general awareness about the importance of desert ecosystems
• ACRA honors the unique beauty and importance of desert ecosystems, it raises public awareness, supports
• This remarkable new monument will preserve a unique desert ecosystem, celebrate its cultural heritage
• All part of an intricate and resilient ecosystem.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without grizzly bears, California's ecosystem has been impacted.
• This species was critical... bears, California's ecosystem has been impacted.
• destroy our ecosystem, and B, it's not the kind of people we want to be.
• Nowhere in their range, they are not serving as a useful apex predator in an ecosystem.
• Do we want to have healthy ecosystems?

Summary: The committee first heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair subsidence damage in the State Water Project and to fund Delta levee repairs. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to protect water deliveries for 27 million Californians, prevent major infrastructure and flood risks, and address long-term threats to California’s water supply. Support came from a broad coalition of water agencies, local governments, environmental groups, and business interests; there was no opposition testimony. Members discussed the scale of the funding, the beneficiary-pays issue, and whether the bill should more clearly address risk and identify likely project areas. The committee adopted amendments, and SB 872 passed 5-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author, tribal sponsors, and conservation supporters framed the bill as a science-based roadmap that would examine habitat, impacts, and implementation, while recognizing the grizzly’s cultural significance to tribes and its ecological role. Opponents, including sheriffs, cattle groups, county representatives, and a former Fish and Wildlife law enforcement official, argued that California lacks the staffing, funding, and public-safety capacity to manage another apex predator and that the state is already struggling with wolves and mountain lions. Members raised questions about the scope of the feasibility study, local control, and whether the bill should address conflict risk earlier in the process. The author agreed to work on additional amendments, and the bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations and remained on call. SB 1079, creating a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to speed the testing and deployment of wildfire technologies, was heard next. The author and supporters said California has strong wildfire innovation but lacks a formal pipeline to move promising tools from pilot projects into statewide use. Supporters included Megafire Action, Fireworks, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the California Association of Realtors, which sought amendments related to nonprofit administration of grants. There was no opposition testimony. The bill passed 5-0 to Emergency Management and was placed on call. The committee also heard SB 997, which would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to collect fines and fees tied to its groundwater sustainability plan. Supporters said the change would allow more efficient enforcement and avoid lengthy civil litigation; no opposition appeared. Members asked whether the authority should be extended more broadly to other statutory GSAs, and the author said discussions were ongoing. SB 997 passed 2-0 to Judiciary and was placed on call. The committee later caught up on votes for the earlier bills and then moved to SB 894, a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on Go Green to help homeowners finance home-hardening measures; it passed 5-0 to Emergency Management and was placed on call. Finally, SB 1229 was introduced by Senator Allen to strengthen coastal protections for rebuilding after disasters, beginning with the Palisades fire context, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without grizzly bears, California's ecosystem has been impacted.
• This species was critical... ...bears, California's ecosystem has been impacted.
• But A, it would destroy our ecosystem...” “...would destroy our ecosystem, and B, it’s not the kind of
• Nowhere in their range, they are not serving as a useful apex predator in an ecosystem.
• Do we want to have healthy ecosystems?

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are eager to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship, all while supporting the global ecosystem for
• All of this really requires an activated multi-sector ecosystem.
• For industry, and these would be very pilot-scale facilities that will feed into our existing ecosystem
• And this is just to understand a little bit about the ecosystem that is being built in this corridor.
• This is from our latest 2040 strategic plan: agricultural and food systems, natural ecosystems, working

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are eager to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship, all while supporting the global ecosystem for
• All of this really requires an activated multi-sector ecosystem.
• And this is just to understand a little bit about the ecosystem that is being built in this corridor.
• This is from our latest 2040 strategic plan: agricultural and food systems, natural ecosystems, working
• We've heard a lot from today in this ecosystem, particularly in the SAC corridor here.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're very unique in the state of Florida in that we actually have four distinct marine terminals.
• The largest terminal that we've got is our Blount Island Marine Terminal. It's about 750 acres.
• We are the global leader in marine LNG at Jaxport.
• We are the global leader in marine LNG at Jaxport.
• They do still have marine diesel, but they primarily do use LNG.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee held a panel discussion focused on Florida seaports and their role in the state economy. Florida Ports Council CEO Mike Rubin opened with statewide figures from a 2023 economic impact study, saying Florida seaports support about 1.2 million jobs, generate roughly $195 billion in economic value, and produce about $7.4 billion in state and local taxes. He emphasized that ports are critical for fuel, food, medical supplies, construction materials, and hurricane response, and argued that continued state and federal investment is needed to expand capacity and move projects forward faster. PortMiami Director Heidi Webb described Miami’s cruise and cargo operations, noting the port generated about $61 billion in economic impact and 334,000 jobs. She highlighted record cruise activity, major private investment by cruise lines, the launch of shore power at cruise terminals to reduce emissions, and ongoing capital projects including a new Royal Caribbean terminal, berth reconstruction, and an inland port concept to reduce congestion. Members asked about security, hurricane procedures, AI use, infrastructure planning, collaboration among ports, and smuggling prevention; Webb said the port uses layered security with local law enforcement, CBP, Coast Guard, and radiation monitors, and that hurricane planning is coordinated in advance with county and federal partners. Port Tampa Bay’s Raul Alfonso said Tampa is the state’s largest port by land area and a major energy hub for Central Florida, with an estimated $34.5 billion economic impact. He discussed diversification into containers, food distribution, fertilizer, and construction materials, along with major needs such as a deep-dredge project and more warehouse space. He also addressed resilience and fuel distribution during hurricanes, and said the port is preparing for future LNG and alternative-fuel demand through partnerships, land planning, and education. Jaxport’s Nick Primrose then described Jacksonville’s container, auto, breakbulk, aggregate, military, and LNG businesses, including 1.3 million TEUs last year, major state-funded crane purchases, harbor deepening, auto-processing expansion, and its role as a strategic military port. He said Jaxport is a leader in marine LNG and has trained all employees on human trafficking awareness. The discussion ended with Port Panama City being introduced as a smaller but important Panhandle economic engine, with Rubin noting its cargo, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects and its continued need for state and federal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marine Resources will meet at 1:00 in room 114. Education will meet at 1:00 tomorrow in room 204.
• Marine Resources at 1:00 in room 103.
• Marine Resources at 1:00 in room 114.<00:24:49.200><c> Education</c><00:24:50.320><c> 1:00</c><00:24:
• Marine Resources, 1:00 in room 114. Education will not meet.
• </c> Marine Resources, 1:00 in room 114. Marine Resources, 1:00 in room 114.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 24 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The same bill prohibited districts and authorities from using funds to purchase fully automated marine
• We represent 5,000 workers at 11 ports around our state and workers in our Marine Division, the Inland
• An association that includes among its members the marine terminal operators, the companies that lease
• Local 52 has 120 members that cover marine clerk work, checking, tallying, directing cargo, planning
• Every lane had a booth with a marine clerk to properly check in a driver and their container.

Summary: The committee heard four bills. On kit homes (ESSB 5552), staff explained the bill would direct the State Building Code Council to adopt rules for residential kit homes of 800 square feet or less by March 31, 2027. Prime sponsor Sen. Jeff Wilson said the bill would add housing options and asked that kit homes be treated as a distinct category from modular or factory-built structures; members asked whether current rules exist and whether the bill would cover 3D-printed homes. The public hearing was postponed, and later one supporter testified that the bill would help create clearer statewide standards without changing local zoning or safety requirements. On SB 5467, staff said the bill raises the thresholds for water-sewer districts to sell surplus property without notice or by private sale, increasing the personal property threshold to $5,400 and the real property threshold to $7,500. Sen. Keith Goehner said the change simply updates outdated limits to reflect inflation and improve efficiency. A representative of the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts supported the bill, noting the thresholds had not been updated since 2011 for real property and 1993 for surplus property. The committee closed the public hearing without action. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County’s authority to apply a freight rail-dependent use overlay to certain lands under prior law. Sen. Adrian Cortes argued the existing exemption has harmed agricultural and forest lands, led to environmental violations, and cost taxpayers money, while local supporters said the overlay has not produced promised economic benefits and should be removed. Opponents, including a railroad operator, the Association of Washington Business, and others, said the rail line supports economic development, rail-served industrial demand, and existing contractual and public investments, and warned repeal could strand investments and limit future freight and climate-friendly transportation options. The hearing was closed with no vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset from the existing prohibition on using public port funds to buy fully automated marine cargo container handling equipment, while continuing to allow zero- and near-zero-emission equipment purchases. The sponsor and labor witnesses said the bill protects family-wage jobs, keeps taxpayer money from subsidizing automation, and preserves human oversight for safety and efficiency. Port and shipping industry opponents argued the bill is premature, could reduce port competitiveness, and should remain subject to the current sunset so the policy can be revisited later. The public hearing was closed with no action taken.