Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> sector</c><00:04:46.000><c> of</c> Transportation is the leading sector of Transportation is the
• </c> in on the transportation omnibus bill. in on the transportation omnibus bill.
• </c> transportation dollars are being funded. transportation dollars are being funded.
• </c> transportation infrastructure, right? transportation infrastructure, right?
• He says a good transportation bill funds all modes and aspects of transportation.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill appropriates $250 million for the grant program.
• This bill also replaces the existing unauthorized alien transport program with a new program where transport
• It is a federal issue to transport, but the new unauthorized alien transport program under the direction
• So we could say... must transport them to a federal facility.
• It is a federal issue to transport, but the new unauthorized alien transport program under the direction

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• For education, grant them the wisdom to prioritize the enlightenment of our children and support of our
• money to hire a lobbyist, then maybe you don't need the grant funding.
• grant.
• HB 4285 by McQueenie relating to the transportation of beverages by an airline passenger.
• on a roadway, for the Committee on Transportation.

Bills: HJR4 , HJR6 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135

Transcript Highlights:

• Freight rail is the safest form of ground transportation in the United States.
• Freight rail is the safest form of ground transportation in the United States.
• Well, that bill fails, and is there an objection to granting reconsideration?
• I think if we have grant money to prosecute those cases, that would be helpful.
• Grant money to prosecute those cases. Yeah, yeah. And I would agree with that.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue-related bills. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, and utility costs. Supporters argued it would help families struggling with affordability, while opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and CTA members, said California’s tax system already provides relief and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenue and harm schools. After extended debate, the bill was put on call and later failed on a 1-4 vote, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1287, by Senator Retado, would create a performance-based tax credit for short-line rail investments; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural access, while opponents preferred direct grants. The bill was placed on call and later passed 5-0 to Transportation. SB 1407, by Senator Archuleta, would exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state taxes; the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The bill passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1349, by Senator Gonzalez, would direct the LAO to review major tax expenditures for effectiveness and impacts on schools and the budget; CTA and CTRA supported it as a way to increase accountability, and it passed 4-1 to Governmental Organization. SB 1120, by Senator McNerney, would extend the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and make credits refundable for certain strategic industries; business and industry witnesses said this would help startups and manufacturers monetize credits and attract investment, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1275, also by Senator McNerney, proposed converting the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden; the LAO provided technical testimony, and the bill passed 4-0 to Transportation. The committee also heard SB 1078, by Senator Laird, to let Santa Cruz County voters consider a temporary local tax increase for health and safety-net services, but it was put on call. Later, the committee returned to SB 1314, by Senator Min, addressing youth tobacco and illicit smoke shop sales, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Transportation Committee is called to order. Welcome, everyone.
• well as our FY10 grant, has been rescinded.
• So this was a smaller grant that was already in the works.
• Government Accountability Office and the Department of Transportation.
• Recent polling and serve both local transportation and high-speed rail.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee held an oversight hearing on California High-Speed Rail, focusing on the authority’s supplemental project update report and the newly released 2026 draft business plan. Committee leaders emphasized transparency, the project’s funding challenges, and the need for clear answers on costs, schedule, and scope. The High-Speed Rail Authority said the project has made major progress in the Central Valley, including substantial construction completion, right-of-way acquisition, and railhead development, and highlighted over $14 billion in savings from a rebased project plan, plus an additional $2 billion in savings in the draft business plan. The authority also said it expects to begin laying track by the end of the year and continues to pursue private-sector partnerships and clean-energy opportunities. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Inspector General both raised concerns about whether the current funding plan is sufficient and whether the authority has clearly identified the timing of future expenditures versus revenues. The LAO said the project likely still faces a funding gap for Merced-to-Bakersfield once financing costs and the loss of $4 billion in federal funds are considered, and warned that cap-and-invest revenues are volatile and may not be well suited for borrowing without additional safeguards. The Inspector General said the authority still has not provided a precise funding plan, estimated the project is about two years away from lacking funds on hand to stay on schedule, and urged lawmakers to focus on financing costs, procurement timing, schedule risks, and distinguishing true cost cuts from scope changes. Members questioned the authority about proposed statutory changes, including CEQA and permitting streamlining, court resources, third-party process changes, sales tax exemptions on materials, and expanded land-use/value-capture tools. They also pressed the authority on the loss of federal funds, the withdrawal of litigation over those funds, and whether the project’s revised savings depend on moving station locations away from downtown Merced and Bakersfield and on other scope changes such as more single-tracking and blended operations south of Palmdale. The authority said it is still committed to Merced-to-Bakersfield, believes the business plan shows a path to completion with sufficient funding, and will work with the Legislature on any needed changes before the final plan is submitted.

Transcript Highlights:

• them to transport the chemical.
• Another important aspect is that kitchen grants can also be applied for.
• Of this grant is that kitchen grants can also be applied for.
• It funds a coordinator to help facilitate the Farm to School grant program.
• One other change to the Livestock Investment Grant is that under current policy, grants are limited to

Committee: House Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development will now come to order
• CS for SB 1220 is a comprehensive transportation bill that expands...
• CS for SB 1220 is a comprehensive transportation bill that expands FDOT's authority across multiple sectors
• Federal funds and federal grants tend to be very prescriptive.
• Water facilities, transportation, public facilities, and impact fee credits.

Bills: S0002 , S0026 , S0354 , S1112 , S1192 , S1220 , S1352 , S1670

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the most recent 12-month grant period, Inspire Olympia distributed $2.3 million to 60 local cultural
• In order for a county, however, to be eligible for this new Commerce grant program, they would need to
• In order for a county, however, to be eligible for this new Commerce grant program, they would need to
• So, yeah, Section 204 deals with the tribal capacity grant program, which I mentioned at the beginning
• are really and support for the Washington Tribal Energy Capacity Grants are really important and it

Bills: HB1960 , HB2194 , HB2089

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: HB1960, renewable energy, clean energy, solar, wind, battery storage, energy storage, excise tax, property tax exemption, local investment, county revenue sharing, local taxing districts, school districts, Department of Revenue, Department of Commerce, model ordinance, siting, permitting, tribal consultation, tribal capacity grants

Transcript Highlights:

• Then it's not taxable, and it doesn't become part of the grant.
• So, I'm Secretary Cerna from the Department of Transportation.
• The Transportation Project Fund is a local government infrastructure grant program that we manage.
• We pulled this group together, called the Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Team.
• I’ll give you an example of one: the Transportation Trust.

Committee: House Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES OF TRANSPORTATION ARENA.
• I WANT TO START WITH SETTING THE STAGE WITH FLORIDA'S WORLD CLASS TRANSPORTATION PORTFOLIO.
• MANAGING A TRANSPORTATION PORTFOLIO THIS LARGE TAKES A LOT OF WORK.
• THAT RESULTED IN AN AGGREGATE GRANT PROGRAM.
• TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY IS CONTINUOUSLY AND RAPIDLY EVOLVING.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had some grant appropriation questions last session. I'm a little unclear.
• that Transportation was in being sold, and I don't remember us passing anything to do that.
• <00:45:44.559><c> was</c><00:45:44.839><c> talking</c> Transportation was talking Transportation was
• <01:00:57.119><c> then</c><01:00:57.319><c> the</c><01:00:57.559><c> transportation</c> Transportation
• then the transportation Transportation then the transportation and<01:00:58.319><c> Public</c><01:00

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Grant funds.
• There's pieces in the grant that deal with that.
• We already know how to do the grants.
• Meds, transport, every discipline in the home.
• What we learned, we got a $2 million grant from the Department of Health to do non-medical transport,

Bills: HB1623

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then home-to-school transportation, the state changed, The ASES program.
• And, you know, districts should be able to use the same format for grants.
• You know, you got to write a grant application...
• I'd like to invite Grant Schimel Finning, okay, it's almost as long as Marisucci...
• And Lindsay hit it on the, okay, your name, Grant, hit the nail on the head.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wanted to give you an opportunity as transportation aficionados to hear about Transportation Day tomorrow
• </c> the Minnesota Transportation Alliance. the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.
• :02.800><c> affixion</c> opportunity as transportation affixion opportunity as transportation affixion
• </c><00:05:06.479><c> day</c> uh to hear about transportation day uh to hear about transportation day
• </c> Metropolitan Transportation Services. Metropolitan Transportation Services.

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes. our competitive grants and we basically our competitive grants and we basically just<00:13:46.480
• </c><00:38:20.240><c> That</c> Department of Transportation. That Department of Transportation.
• </c> have uh increased transportation trips. have uh increased transportation trips.
• Yes, we work with the Office of Transportation Delivery in the cabinet, or the Transportation Cabinet
• transport, but also medical as well.

Summary: The committee met after several reschedulings due to flooding, welcomed a new assistant, and confirmed a quorum. It first approved the March 11 minutes, then reported that the day’s agenda included 310 items totaling about $139.4 million, with all vendors registered with the Secretary of State. The committee then approved deferred items involving the Transportation Cabinet/Department of Highways, including one routine PSC green-list item and one PSC amendment item, after hearing from the Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Professional Services and noting prior questions had been answered. The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Education contracts tied to reading and literacy initiatives. Officials described a competitive grant program for high-quality instructional resources and related professional learning, explaining that resources are selected through evidence-based reviews and a quality curriculum task force, and that districts apply using an instructional resources alignment rubric. Members questioned the program’s reach, whether districts opt in, how many schools applied, and whether the effort is producing measurable reading gains. Department witnesses said about 155 schools applied and were awarded, the program is voluntary, and the University of Louisville’s Reading Research Center is collecting qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate effectiveness. Several members expressed concern that the state has repeatedly funded literacy efforts without improving reading scores, though the committee ultimately approved the education items, with Senator Meredith noting support but frustration about the lack of progress. The committee also approved an MOA amendment item supporting the Principal Partnership Project, which provides tools, resources, and professional learning for administrators and helps meet statutory evaluation-training requirements. Members asked about the use of nonrecurring federal funds and whether the arrangement affects retirement benefits; staff said the contract pays districts based on daily wage and additional workdays, which does increase retirement packages. Representative McCool voted yes but voiced caution about possible supplanting. Finally, the committee took up an Office of the Controller contract for a brokered insurance-related procurement. Representative Balman moved to disapprove the contract, arguing the winning broker was not the low bidder and that the committee lacked answers about how technical scoring outweighed a roughly $600,000 price difference. The motion to disapprove did not prevail, and the contract was approved after further discussion about procurement scoring and the committee’s limited information.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finance and Appropriations; Transportation and Technology.
• Finance and Appropriations; Transportation and Technology.
• Appropriations; Transportation and Technology.
• Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.
• SB 1505, Transitional Housing Grant Program Appropriation.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge of allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 26 members present and four excused. The journal for January 29, 2026, was approved, and the chamber recognized Lucid Motors Day at the Capitol, highlighting the company’s Arizona operations, investment, and job creation. The Senate also received a gubernatorial nomination for Troy L. Campbell to the State Liquor Board, which was referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. A large number of bills were introduced and read for the first time, covering topics such as commerce, E-Verify, municipal self-certification, voter registration text notices, immigration enforcement training, school eligibility and testing, campaign finance, vulnerable adults, temporary vehicle plates, tribal flags, water projects, public works apprenticeships, housing and water supply, special plates, controlled substances research, and election-related resolutions. One bill, SB 1429, was further referred to the Committee on Finance. The Senate also placed many measures on second reading, including bills on roads, labor and collective bargaining, tax relief, education data, assisted living, liquor policy, public pensions, housing, utilities, and election and redistricting proposals. The President noted that it was the final day to submit bills by the 5:00 p.m. deadline and announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings for February 3. During a personal privilege statement, the Majority Leader criticized the Attorney General’s recent remarks as dangerous and confusing, argued she should retract them, and said elected officials should lower the temperature around rhetoric that could contribute to violence. The Senate then adjourned by motion until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• McClatchy Foundation as our third-party grant administrator.
• for new grants.
• Our grant awards ranged from $11,471 to $296,295. That was the largest grant.
• percentage of the grants because we wanted to have this grant money have the most impact on the organizations
• The full $55 million requested will go toward grant awards.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Osterville in the town of Barnstable, to the Committee on Transportation.
• House Bill 5345, authorizing the town of Westford to grant one additional license for the sale of all
• An act authorizing the town of Westford to grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic
• and Osterville in the town of Barnstable to the Committee on Transportation.
• Barnstable to the Committee on Transportation. Mr.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted several resolutions, including commendations for Praxia Awareness Day and congratulations to an Eagle Scout. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a Barnstable petition concerning regulation of vessel transportation in Marston Mills and Osterville to go to the Committee on Transportation. The House then took up a Steering, Policy and Scheduling report and advanced three bills: a Westford local option liquor license bill, a Westfield liquor license conversion bill, and a sick leave bank bill for Carla Johnson of the Department of Unemployment Assistance. All were ordered to a third reading. The House later considered and passed several measures, including a sick leave bank for Courtney Cochran of the Department of Children and Families, a Senate bill allowing Taunton to establish a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing, and a Hope Dale bill creating the office of town administrator. It also engrossed a Chelmsford bridge naming bill and a Sudbury senior property tax exemption bill. On Senate 2544, concerning the number of registered voters needed to petition for a special town meeting in Andover, the House adopted an amendment adding an immediate effective date before passing it to be engrossed as amended. The chamber observed a moment of silence in memory of Phyllis Simon of South Boston, described as a longtime educator and public servant. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to adjourn and then adjourned to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Diggs for legislation to further regulate the transportation of vessels in the villages of Marston Mills
• and Osterville in the town of Barnstable, to the Committee on Transportation.
• Second reading of the bills: An act authorizing the town of Westford to grant one additional license
• and Osterville in the town of Barnstable to the Committee on Transportation.
• Barnstable to the Committee on Transportation. Mr.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted two resolutions: one commending individuals and families across the Commonwealth and designating May 14, 2026 as Praxia Awareness Day, and another congratulating Galvin Trautman on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition by Kip A. Diggs concerning regulation of vessel transportation in Marston Mills and Osterville in Barnstable to go to the Committee on Transportation. The House then advanced several local and personnel bills. It scheduled and gave second reading to bills authorizing Westford to grant one additional off-premises alcohol license, allowing Westfield to convert a seasonal off-premises alcohol license to an annual one, and establishing a sick leave bank for Carla Johnson of the Department of Unemployment Assistance. These bills were ordered to a third reading. The House also took up and passed to be enacted Senate 2652, authorizing Taunton to establish a separate billing rate for water supply to a manufactured housing community, and House 4784, providing for a town administrator in Hope Dale. On third reading, the House passed to engrossment House 4723, designating a bridge in Chelmsford as the Ferreira Brothers Bridge, House 4755, amending the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in Sudbury, and Senate 2544, regulating the number of registered voters who may petition for a special town meeting in Andover, as amended by adding an immediate effective date. The House also adopted the emergency preamble and later passed to enact House 5245, establishing a sick leave bank for Courtney Cochran of the Department of Children and Families. The session included a moment of silence for Phyllis Simon of South Boston before adjournment to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that was granted. So we now have until February 18.
• DOT agency, any grants going into the state of Washington.
• So that puts us in the ballpark of $1.2 billion of transportation grant funds... ...billion dollars of
• transportation grant funds that could be withheld by the federal government if they chose to take that
• Approximately $500,000 in state grant funds with the leverage of $16 million in federal grant funds over

Summary: The committee began with a work session on aircraft fuel taxes, hearing from WSDOT Aviation about the FAA’s aviation fuel tax rules, Washington’s compliance history, and the potential consequences of noncompliance. WSDOT said the state has collected roughly $210 million in aviation fuel taxes since the federal compliance period began, and that FAA has questioned some of the state’s claimed offsets. Members asked about the federal authority behind the rules, who pays the taxes, and whether Boeing is affected. The committee then moved to public hearing on several bills tied to aviation fuel tax revenue. SB 5989 would redirect a small share of state sales and use tax on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account and require reporting on airport project funding. Supporters, including port, airport, and pilot groups, said it was a measured step toward FAA compliance and airport investment; the bill’s staff summary said it would reduce general fund revenue and increase DOR costs. SB 5898 would redirect hazardous substance, petroleum products, and oil spill-related taxes on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account. Supporters said it would bring Washington into compliance and help airports, while Ecology, counties, and ports warned it would significantly reduce MTCA and related environmental funding. SB 6240 would create a new noise and air quality mitigation account funded by a portion of hazardous substance tax revenue; airport and aviation groups opposed it as duplicative or noncompliant with FAA rules, while community and environmental advocates from Sea-Tac area cities supported it as a needed mitigation source. The committee also heard SB 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for certain pesticides used in Washington agriculture through 2038. Agricultural and logistics witnesses supported it as important for food security, storage, and competitiveness, and staff said it would have a small revenue loss and administrative cost. SB 6231, a governor-request bill, would repeal the sales tax exemption for data center refurbishments while keeping the exemption for original server equipment; OFM and local government groups supported it as a revenue-raising budget measure, while data center, labor, and business representatives opposed it, warning of lost investment, jobs, and competitiveness. SB 6228 would repeal the preferential B&O rate for prescription drug resellers; OFM supported it as an outdated preference, but pharmacies, wholesalers, and business groups argued the cost would be passed through to pharmacies, hospitals, insurers, and patients and could worsen pharmacy closures. The committee then heard SB 6220, which would narrow and clarify a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income homeownership property by allowing temporary community use and preserving the exemption when property is transferred to another exempt nonprofit. The sponsor said the bill was intended to let a community land trust host local performances without jeopardizing affordable housing plans. Finally, the committee heard SB 5880, which would allow blood and breath toxicology results to be admissible if tested by ISO/IEC 17025-certified labs, in addition to the state toxicologist process. Seattle’s city attorney supported it as a way to reduce a long toxicology backlog and speed DUI cases, while counties raised concerns about shifting costs to local governments and creating unequal access based on local resources. No votes were taken in the transcript provided.