Transcript Highlights:

• Both the LEA threshold and the tax rate used to calculate LEA are changed under the new formula.
• The second file shows the projected levy and LEA tax rates and LEA thresholds under current law, the
• 23.5% bonus to our LEA.
• 23.5% bonus to our LEA.
• bonus to our LEA.

Bills: HB2675 , HB2681 , HB2714 , HB2688 , HB2481 , HB2116 , HB1408

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• Nine LEAs and Cohort 1 have submitted 41 claims total.
• working closely with the Cohort 1 LEAs to increase the number of LEAs that are completing the onboarding
• Throughout the process, LEAs have shared a variety of reasons for the delays.
• For those LEAs that have already Submitted claims.
• We have about 29 LEAs, so it's not everybody.

Transcript Highlights:

• Leas. Liias. Lovelett.
• Leas, Leas. Lovelett. Lovelett. Lovelett. Lovick. MacEwen and Drew MacEwen, and Jim Muzzall.
• Leas. Leas. Krishnadasan. Leas. Leas? Aye. Lovelitt. Lovick. McEwen. Drew McEwen. Jim Muzzall.
• Remarks, Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Hildon, Gainer, Hansen, Harris, Asagawa, Olig, Kaufman, Koffman, King, Krishna Dawson, Leas, Leas, Lies

Summary: The Senate opened with a moment of silence for Senator Chris Gildon and his family after the death of his wife, Autumn. It then took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2020, which establishes a 3.1% B&O tax rate for payment card processing activities and allows a deduction for certain related fees. Supporters said it resolves a long-running dispute with the Department of Revenue; it passed 47-0. The chamber also passed House Bill 2039, delaying the child support pass-through expansion from 2026 to 2029, and House Bill 2040, delaying the elimination of recoveries from the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Assistance Program from October 2025 to October 2028. Supporters framed both as timing changes, while opponents argued they would postpone benefits for families and vulnerable people. Both bills passed 25-22. Substitute House Bill 2051, dealing with payment to acute care hospitals for difficult-to-discharge patients, passed 27-20 after several proposed amendments were withdrawn. Supporters said the bill helps hospitals care for patients who have nowhere else to go, while opponents argued the state should not delay payment support for these patients. The Senate also passed In Gross Substitute House Bill 2061, imposing a 10% concession fee on duty-free sales to fund tourism promotion and sustainable aviation fuel, over objections that it was a tax increase passed on to consumers. Finally, Substitute House Bill 2077, which taxes certain business activities related to zero-emission vehicle credits, passed 28-19 after an amendment to remove or narrow parts of the tax was rejected. Supporters said the measure would encourage spending of credits and support clean transportation goals, while opponents called it a targeted tax on Tesla and warned it could raise EV prices. The Senate then concurred in amended Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293, a litter and plastic bag measure that increases litter penalties and keeps the planned bag-thickness increase from taking effect, and passed it 27-20. The Senate adjourned until April 27, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Krishna Dawson, Leas, Leas, Lovelet, Lovick, McHugh and Drew, McHugh and Jim, McHugh and Jim.
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas, how do you vote? Mr.
• Please excuse Senator Leas. Senator Wilson moves that Senator Leas be excused.
• Senator Leas: Mr.
• , Leas, Krishna-Dasan.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Leas. Leas. Leis. Lovelet. Lovick. Mike you and Drew. Mick you and Jim. Mazzal. Nobles. Nobles.
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas votes no. Senator Leas, how do you vote?
• Leas.
• Leas. Leas. Leas. Lovela. Lovela. Lovela, Lovelet. Lovick. Macu and Drew. Macu and Jim. Mazzol.
• Leas. Lovelet. Lovick. McEwen and Drew. McEwen and Jim.

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of tax, economic, judicial, education, and health-related bills, often after adopting technical or clarifying amendments. Major measures included Engrossed Senate Bill 6347, which restores recent estate tax changes while preserving last year’s increase in the exclusion amount and inflation adjustment; Substitute Senate Bill 6289, directing the Department of Commerce to create a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan; and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6162, expanding and simplifying senior citizen property tax relief. Senators supporting these bills emphasized tax administration, economic growth, and relief for seniors, while opponents raised concerns about regressivity, revenue losses, and tax shifts to other taxpayers. The chamber also passed bills extending or clarifying tax preferences and fees, including Senate Bill 6244 (extending a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6113 (technical corrections to Department of Revenue tax law guidance, after removing a disputed section on advertising tax invalidation), Senate Bill 6114 (defining “fixture” and “affixed” for real estate excise tax purposes), Senate Bill 5970 (making a senior citizen center property tax exemption permanent), Senate Bill 5832 (raising the motor vehicle arbitration fee to support the Lemon Law program), and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6262 (expanding the vehicle weight threshold for transportation benefit district fees). Debate on these measures centered on whether they were modest administrative updates or additional burdens on taxpayers and businesses. Several non-tax bills also advanced. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6086 strengthened security for judicial officers and court personnel, with amendments clarifying terminology and adding industrial appeals judges to the definition of judicial officers. Substitute Senate Bill 5961 transferred early literacy programs, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Reach Out and Read, from DCYF to OSPI. Senate Bill 5868 added one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties, and Substitute Senate Bill 5923 reclassified a Skagit County hospital as a critical access hospital to improve reimbursement and help it remain viable. The Senate also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5520, revising the Wrongly Convicted Persons Act to improve compensation procedures, despite debate over whether to include civil detention-related claims. Most bills passed by constitutional majorities, with a few recorded nays and one division vote on an amendment; the Senate then adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:12.840><c> eligibility</c> education agencies or leas eligibility education agencies or leas
• </c> comprehensive support to eligible leas comprehensive support to eligible leas to<00:18:43.559><c
• </c><00:19:10.520><c> provide</c> requirements Minnesota's leas provide requirements Minnesota's leas
• I went to Green Lea Elementary. Is Green Lea Elementary getting the money?
• </c> worth noting that uh 176 of our leas worth noting that uh 176 of our leas have<00:53:05.559><c>

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• , Leas, Lovelet, Lovelet, Lovick, McEw and Drew, Lovelet.
• Leas. Leas. Leis. Lovelet. Lovick. Mike you and Drew. Mick you and Jim. Mazzal. Nobles. Nobles.
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas votes no. Senator Leas, how do you vote?
• Leas.
• Leas. Leas. Leas. Lovela. Lovela. Lovela. Lovelet. Lovick. Macu and Drew. Macu and Jim. Mazzol.

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5899 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5924 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5901 , SB5943 , SB5975 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6044 , SB6239 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6066 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6200 , SB6080 , SJM8014 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB5828 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6151 , SB6197 , SB6220 , SB6256 , SB6311 , SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• And at least 70% of the total grant funds for that program must be used by LEAs and county offices of
• The goal is for all LEAs in the state, as well as the California Community Colleges, California State
• working closely with the cohort 1 LEAs to increase the number of LEAs that are completing this onboarding
• Throughout the process, LEAs have shared a variety of reasons for the delays.
• And we have about 29 LEAs. So it's not everybody.

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives. The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure. DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities. Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Leas. Lovelett, Leas. Lovelett. Lovick. McEwen and Drew. McEwen and Jim. Muzzall. Nobles. Orwall.
• Leas. Lovelett. Leas. Lovelett. Lovick. MacEwen and Drew. MacEwen and Jim. Muzzall. Nobles. Orwall.
• Gildon, Gaynor, Hansen, Harris, Asagawa, Holy, Hunt, Kaufman, King, Krishna Degasin, Leas, Leas, Lovelet
• Leas. Leis. Lovelet. Lovick. Macu and Drew. Macu and Jim. Mazzu and Jim. Nizauveles. Mazzle.
• Leas. Lovelett. Aye. Leas. Aye. Lovelett. Aye. Lovick? Aye. McEw and Drew. McEw and Jim. Aye.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Leas. Good afternoon, members of the committee.
• Thank you, Chair Leas. Haven't we seen similar versions of this bill previously?
• Thank you, Chair Leas and Senator Lovick, for the time to testify.
• Thank you, Chair Leas, and the Honorable members of this committee.
• Chair Leas and members of the committee, my name is Danis Keeney.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several measures. ESHB 1980 would allow private employer shuttle services to use certain BAT lanes in King County under a two-year pilot, with local authority and transit-agency approval, performance standards, fee-for-use requirements, labor input, annual reporting, and a 10-year sunset. Supporters from Bellevue, transit employers, and business groups said it would improve commute options, reduce congestion, and support the upcoming RapidRide K Line; staff noted the bill differs from prior versions by adding the pilot, labor representation, vehicle markings, and reporting. The committee then heard SB 6252, which would extend the transit support grant program’s zero-fare requirement to degree- and certificate-seeking community and technical college students. Supporters said it would improve access to education and transit, especially for older and rural students, while transit groups raised concerns about fare revenue losses and implementation costs; staff estimated no state cost but significant local revenue impacts. The committee also heard SB 6081, a privacy bill that would restrict public disclosure of sex designation change records in Department of Licensing and Department of Health records, limit sharing with other jurisdictions, and keep updated credentials from showing that a change occurred. The sponsor and many supporters framed it as a safety measure for transgender Washingtonians, while opponents argued it would undermine accurate records; staff said the Department of Licensing would face about $1 million in implementation costs over four years, with other agencies expecting minimal impacts. Finally, SB 6265 would allow electronic, non-notarized signatures and printed copies for documents transferring a totaled salvage vehicle to an insurer; the sponsor and salvage-industry witnesses said it would modernize the process and reduce hardship, and staff reported no fiscal impact. No votes or executive actions were taken; the committee closed each public hearing and adjourned after a reminder about amendment deadlines for upcoming executive session bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gainer, Hansen, Harris, Osagawa, Oli, Hunt, Kaufman, King, Krishna Dasa Gahs, Leas, Leas, Leas, Leas,
• Leas, Leas, Leas, Leas, Leas, Lovelett, Lovick, MacEwen, and Jim Walsh, Nobles, Nobles, Orwall, Orwall
• President, I move to excuse Senator Leas. Senator Nobles moves to excuse Senator Leas.
• Hearing no objection, Senator Leas is excused. Further remarks, Senator Wagoner. Mr.
• King, Kristine Reeves, Leas, Lovelett, Lovick, MacEwen, and Jim Walsh, Nobles. Nobles. Orwall.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426

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

Summary: The Senate considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, a measure to terminate and restate the LEOFF 1 pension plan and use surplus funds for other state purposes if federal approval is obtained. During debate, senators discussed whether the plan should remain funded at 110% or 120% of actuarial value, whether surplus dollars should instead go to transportation or the budget stabilization account, whether members should receive an additional distribution, and whether local governments should be reimbursed for retiree health care costs. Several amendments were offered: a Gildon amendment to raise the funding target to 120% failed; a technical Robinson amendment adding a date passed; Holy, King, Harris, Schessler, and Conway amendments addressing member distributions, transportation, budget stabilization, local government health care costs, and a reconstituted board distribution all failed; and Robinson’s amendment removing Climate Commitment Act repayment language passed. The Ways and Means striking amendment, as amended, was then adopted. On final passage, supporters argued the bill was actuarially sound, had been reviewed by attorneys, actuaries, the State Investment Board, and the Department of Retirement Systems, and would allow use of excess funding for other state needs. Opponents warned it left too little in the pension fund, should dedicate surplus dollars only to one-time uses, and did not adequately reimburse cities and counties for retiree medical obligations. After debate, the Senate passed E2SHB 2034 by a vote of 25 yeas, 22 nays, with one absent and one excused. Afterward, the Senate returned to Substitute House Bill 2178, which was also passed on final passage by a vote of 39 yeas and 9 nays, with one excused. The chamber then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The intent is to help LEAs to address rising costs. ...to help LEAs to address rising costs.
• So, as proposed, the funds shall be allocated to each LEA based on the number of pupils in that LEA that
• And I do also want to add that each LEA will receive a minimum allocation of $50,000.
• So that support should be for all LEAs. I'm in an...
• It's a $30 million one-time Prop 98 grant program for LEAs.

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the May Revision’s Proposition 98 changes for K-12 and community colleges. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, full payment of the prior settle-up, and larger deposits into the school rainy-day fund. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF updates were reasonable, but urged caution about the settle-up approach and recommended using more of the available funding to protect ongoing programs and build budget resilience. Members focused heavily on the size of the proposed $3.9 billion settle-up, the $10.3 billion reserve deposit, declining K-12 enrollment, and how much of the new funding should be ongoing versus one-time. The committee then reviewed the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described the May Revision’s higher SCFF COLA, additional funding for enrollment growth, a student support block grant, apprenticeship adjustments, and continued funding for deferred maintenance, Calbright, Common Cloud, and credit for prior learning. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended prioritizing the statutory COLA increase, noted that more than half of districts are already above current-year growth targets, and said the new adult learner demonstration project should be rejected because districts already have tools to support similar services. Members also discussed a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall, which Finance said was discovered too late for the May Revision and would need to be addressed later. Finally, the committee took up the proposed implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the California Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career to build eligibility and data systems, along with trailer bill changes to set up state approval processes. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, that California lacks the needed infrastructure, and that the state will need emergency regulations, data linkages, and ongoing funding beyond the one-time proposal. The LAO agreed that some initial funding is needed but warned that the amounts and ongoing costs remain uncertain and that the Legislature should carefully draft the trailer bill language. Members asked about timing, other states’ actions, and how the state would ensure the program is ready for students and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President. Rising in strong support of this legislation. Mr.
• Hunt, Kauffman, Kauffman, King, Krishnadasan, Leas, Lovelett.
• , Leas, Lovelet, Lubick, McEwen, Drew.
• Senator Leas: Thank you, Mr. President.
• Remarks, Senator Leas: Thank you, Mr. President.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Gildon, Gaynor, Hansen, Harris, Hasegawa, Holy, Hunt, Kauffman, King, Krishnadasan, Leas, Leas, Leas,
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Aye. Senator Leas votes aye. Senator Schu— Votes no.
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas votes aye. Senator Schumake, how do you vote?
• Gaynor, Hansen, Harris, Saldaña, Holy, Hunt, Kauffman, King, aye, Krishnadasan, Leas, Leas, Leas, Leas
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas votes aye. Senator Shoemake, how do you vote?

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6170 , SB6176 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB5647 , SB6047 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005 , SB6003 , SB6129 , SB6225 , SB6228 , SB6231 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6170 , SB6176 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB5647 , SB6047 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB6129 , SB6228 , SB6231 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Leas. Kirk.
• Good afternoon, Chair Leas and senators.
• Thank you, Chair Leas, members of the committee.
• Thank you, Chair Leas, members of the committee.
• Thank you, Chair Leas, and members of the committee.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session on two major corridor projects before moving to public hearing and executive session. In the Yakima area, WSDOT, Yakima County, and Ecology described the Interstate 82/east-west connector work as a coordinated effort to add capacity, improve interchanges, and address the Boise Cascade mill site contamination that sits in the project footprint. County and Ecology witnesses said the county is ready to remove wood waste and contaminated material, but the project is stalled pending a draft work plan and a de minimis consent decree; several senators pressed for faster action and clearer direction from Ecology. The committee then heard an update on the SR 3 Belfair freight corridor, where WSDOT said environmental review is complete and the next major step is an access hearing this summer, followed by right-of-way acquisition and construction likely in late 2027 or early 2028. Local and tribal partners emphasized the project’s importance for freight mobility, housing growth, emergency access, and regional economic development. The public hearing was on engrossed substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources bill that largely tracks provisions from prior legislation but also adds or changes several tax and account provisions. Staff explained that the bill clarifies fuel tax and peer-to-peer tax distributions, treats trade-in value differently for recreational vessel and luxury vehicle taxes, provides a six-month motor home exemption and penalty waiver for the luxury vehicle tax, allows lease payments to be made over time, exempts tribal members and nonresidents, creates a Preserve Washington account, changes some transfer timing, and repeals the luxury aircraft tax. Testimony was mixed: aviation groups supported repealing the luxury aircraft tax; trucking and some citizens opposed fuel tax and diesel tax increases; Sound Transit, transit advocates, labor, and ferry interests asked for amendments such as 75-year bonding authority, mobile driver’s licenses, ferry funding, and bike education funding. Alaska Airlines and Delta also supported adding mobile ID language. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills, including SHB 1823, SHB 2114, E2SHB 2251, SHB 2323, SHB 2410, EHB 2588, 2SHB 1923, and HB 2495, all with due pass recommendations after adopting amendments where applicable. The committee adopted a striking amendment to E2SHB 2251 adjusting Climate Commitment Act account distributions and a striking amendment to EHB 2588 limiting the ferry district changes to Whatcom County and removing the voter-approval tax provision. It also adopted an amendment to 2SHB 1923 that added further conditions for passenger-only ferry districts, including whale-protection and fare-related provisions. Senator King voted no on E2SHB 2251, objecting that the bill reduced the transportation share of Climate Commitment Act revenues. The chair announced one more executive action meeting would be held Wednesday morning, with amendment requests due the prior day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fortunato, Frame, Gildon, Gaynor, Hansen, Harris, Asagawa, Holy, Hunt, Kaufman, King, Krishnerdosson, Leas
• Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President. I move adoption of the resolution.
• Leas. Leas. Thank you.
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas, how do you vote?
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Lovick, how do you vote? Mr.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer. The journal was approved, House messages were received, and several measures were introduced and referred, including Senate Joint Resolution 8212 and House Bill 2664. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 8672, honoring Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guding, who was killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing her service, the risks faced by troopers, and the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. The resolution was adopted unanimously, all members were added as co-sponsors, and the Senate observed a moment of silence and welcomed Trooper Guding’s colleagues and family. The Senate then considered gubernatorial appointments. Kerry Heaton was confirmed to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 47 ayes and 2 absent. Rebecca Chan was confirmed to the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Bethany J. Martinez was confirmed to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Senators speaking on the appointments highlighted each nominee’s community involvement, professional background, and qualifications for the board positions. After the confirmations, the Senate agreed to stand at ease for caucus until 1 p.m. The transcript also included the reading of the prior day’s journal and routine procedural motions to advance through the orders of business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fortunato, Frame, Gildon, Gaynor, Hansen, Harris, Asagawa, Holy, Hunt, Kaufman, King, Krishnerdosson, Leas
• Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President. I move adoption of the resolution.
• Leas. Leas. Thank you.
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Leas, how do you vote?
• Senator Leas, how do you vote? Senator Lovick, how do you vote? Senator Lovick, how do you vote?

Summary: The Senate convened with all members present, received the journal without objection, and took up messages from the House and first-reading referrals. It then considered Senate Resolution 8672 honoring Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guting, who was killed in the line of duty. Several senators spoke in support, reflecting on her service, the risks faced by troopers, and the importance of motorists slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the Senate observed a moment of silence and welcomed members of Trooper Guting’s family and the State Patrol. The chamber then moved to gubernatorial appointments. Kerry Heaton was confirmed as a member of the Peninsula College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 47-aye, 2 absent. Rebecca A. Chan was confirmed as a member of the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 49-aye, 0-nay. Bethany J. Martinez was confirmed as a member of the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 49-aye, 0-nay. Senators speaking in support highlighted each appointee’s community involvement, professional background, and education-related experience. After the confirmations, the Senate agreed to stand at ease for caucus and lunch until 1 p.m. No other substantive legislative action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The data I have to share on the next few slides are all from a survey that we gave out to the LEAs, and
• And then the third year is implementation, if an LEA.
• They can get access to all of Their students within the LEA or district from one login.
• For assessment, that is one way in which we will support the LEAs, particularly the smaller LEAs.
• Those 80 LEAs composed? Yes. So approximately 35% of our student population, but.

Transcript Highlights:

• . [00:12:05] Leas, Lovelet, Lovelet, Lovelet, Lovic, Meck you and Drew Mechu and Jim Mazzle, Nobles,
• Leas. Leavitt. Lovelett. Lovelett. Lovick. Muzzall. And Drew Muzzall. And Drew. And Drew. And Drew.
• Leas. Leas. Krishna Dawson. Leas. Leas, aye. Lovelett. Lovick. Muzzall. And Drew. And Jim. Muzzall.
• Remarks, Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Leas. Leas. Lies. Lovelet. Lovelet. Leas. Lovelet. Lovick. McHugh and Drew. McHugh and Jim. Mazzle.

Summary: The Senate opened with a moment of silence for Senator Chris Gildon’s wife, Autumn, who had died earlier that day. Members then took up several bills on final passage, moving most of them directly from second to third reading by unanimous consent. Substitute House Bill 2020, dealing with payment card processing activities, was described as resolving a long-running dispute with the Department of Revenue by setting a 3.1% B&O tax rate and allowing certain deductions; it passed 47-0. House Bill 2039, which delays expansion of child support pass-through from 2026 to 2029, drew some opposition over reducing support to custodial parents but passed 25-22. House Bill 2040, delaying elimination of recoveries from the aged, blind, and disabled assistance program from 2025 to 2028, also passed 25-22 after similar debate about protecting vulnerable recipients. Substitute House Bill 2051, concerning payment to acute care hospitals for difficult-to-discharge patients, passed 27-20 after several proposed amendments were withdrawn. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2061, imposing a 10% concession fee on duty-free sales to fund tourism promotion and sustainable aviation fuel, passed 27-20 despite Republican concerns it was a tax increase that would be passed on to consumers. Substitute House Bill 2077, which creates taxes on certain zero-emission vehicle credit transactions, defeated an amendment that would have removed the tax on banked credits; supporters framed it as encouraging use of credits and clean transportation investment, while opponents called it a targeted “Tesla tax.” It passed 28-19. The Senate then returned to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293, a litter and plastic bag policy bill. After the House refused to concur in Senate amendments, the Senate receded, adopted a striking amendment, and passed the bill 27-20. The chamber then adjourned until April 27, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Remarks, Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Leas moves adoption of amendment No. 0954. Remarks, Senator Leas. signify by saying aye.
• Remark, Senator Leas. Senator Leas moves adoption of Amendment No. 0954. Remarks, Senator Leas.
• Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.