Transcript Highlights:

• Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9143, the Secretary will read.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9143, Allison F.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9144, Yolanda K.
• I move appointment of Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9163, Christina Cobbittish.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9163, Christina Cobbdish.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s journal, received House messages on engrossed House Bill 2487 and House Bill 1983, and transmitted signed Senate bills 5252 and 5858 from the House. It then introduced Senate Bill 6315, which was referred to the Law and Justice Committee, and referred House Bill 2487 to Ways and Means. The chamber also suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during the floor session and briefly stood at ease. The main floor action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8690, recognizing the contributions of the Chinook Tribal Nation. Senator Wilson spoke in support, emphasizing the Chinook people’s historical role in the lower Columbia region, their diplomacy and peaceful trade, and their continuing cultural and civic importance. After the resolution passed by voice vote, Senate leaders welcomed Chinook Indian Nation representatives to the chamber. The Senate also considered several gubernatorial appointments to the Washington State Women’s Commission. Allison F. Holub was confirmed 49-0, Yolanda K. King Lowe was confirmed 30-19, Malia Mullen was confirmed 30-19, and Christina Cobbittish was confirmed 49-0. Supporting remarks highlighted each nominee’s professional background and community or advocacy work. The session ended with several points of personal privilege recognizing recent state championship wins by local high school basketball teams, followed by caucuses for both parties.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9070.
• Senator Nobles moves confirmation to Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9171.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9091, the Senate...
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9091, Stephanie J.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9075.

Bills: SCR8410, 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, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9092. The Secretary will read.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9092, Amy E.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9103, the Secretary will read.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9116. The Secretary will read.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9269. The Secretary will read.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate considered and concurred in House amendments to a series of bills, then took final passage votes on each. Among the measures discussed were SB 6137, which adds definitions related to in-game decisions and makes it a gross misdemeanor to threaten sports officials, coaches, or participants in wager-related contexts; ESSB 6066, which expands a crash prevention zone on Highway 12 and clarifies WSDOT implementation; ESSB 6162, which expands senior, disabled veteran, and disability property tax relief and adds a reporting requirement; and ESSB 5847, which revises workers’ compensation rules, including provider access, claims manager staffing, and reporting requirements. Other bills addressed asbestos worker protections (SB 6188), portable cooling devices for tenants during extreme heat (ESSB 6200), Climate Commitment Act-related emissions and leakage reporting (ESB 6246), E85 fuel classification (SSB 6269), technical corrections (SB 6291), electric grid and clean energy project development (SSB 6076), Sound Transit permitting certainty (SSB 6309), a sunset amendment to ESSB 6194, and hearing and speech specialist standards of care (SSB 6226). Senators generally described the House changes as clarifying, technical, or strengthening the underlying policy, though some members raised concerns about costs, business leakage, property owner process, or the need to preserve prior votes on the underlying bills. Most concurrence motions passed by voice vote, and the subsequent final passage votes were recorded by roll call. SB 6137 passed with 43 yeas and 6 nays after the chair noted it required a constitutional 60% vote because it was a gambling measure. ESSB 6066 passed 48-1; ESSB 6162 passed 41-8; ESSB 5847 passed 30-18/19; SB 6188 passed 30-19; ESSB 6200 passed 37-12; ESB 6246 passed 29-20; SSB 6269 passed 49-0; SB 6291 passed 49-0; SSB 6076 passed 48-1; ESSB 6194 passed 49-0; and SSB 6226 passed 49-0. The Senate also confirmed several gubernatorial appointments to education boards, including Amy Perez, Carl Bruner, Laura Flores, and Susan Kane, each by unanimous or near-unanimous vote. The chamber then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the 59th legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a constitutional amendment that provides for gubernatorial term limits.
• We also, on my recommendation, appointed a supernumerary judge to go in and look around, check things
• So we appointed Judge Jimmy Coon, who’s a retired judge from the First Circuit Court of Appeal, to be
• So the Supreme Court appointed two ad hoc judges to sit on those six cases in the place of Judge Kuhn

Bills: HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB244, HB306, HB366, HB446, HB473, HB514, HB1043, HB1082, SB127

Keywords: armed security, liability, concealed carry, self-defense, security officers, property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, term limits, governor, Louisiana constitution, elections, gubernatorial, constitutional convention, delegates, state election, ratification

Transcript Highlights:

• You are asked if you would like to be appointed.

Bills: HB4409, HB4414, HB4484, HB4486, HB3057, HB2588, HB4434

Keywords: housing, legislative committee, affordable housing, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, policy improvement, HB4414, Oklahoma Homebuilder Program, OHFA, single-family housing, homebuilder loans, 0% interest loan, housing finance, workforce housing, Legislative Workforce Housing Committee, housing needs assessment, community housing assessment, disaster recovery housing, federally declared natural disaster, rural housing, urban housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventh order of business: gubernatorial appointment. Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9306.
• Seventh order of business: gubernatorial appointment.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9306, the Secretary will read.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9306, Kristen L.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9140, Robert A.

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, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

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 convened with all members present, approved the previous day’s journal, received House messages on several bills, and referred Substitute House Bill 2688 to Ways and Means. The chamber then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Kristen L. Frazier to the Board of Tax Appeals, Sharmila Swenson to the Highline College Board of Trustees, and Robert A. Battles to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Each confirmation passed by roll call, with one or two dissenting votes on the latter two appointments. Senators also excused several absent members during the proceedings. The Senate then took up a series of bills, often suspending the rules to move measures directly to final passage. House Bill 1983, concerning the real estate excise tax treatment of timberland transferred to government entities, passed despite opposition from senators who argued it could reduce timber harvests and affect land management. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229, updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act, passed after debate over changes to board qualifications, including removal of a citizenship requirement. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2192, expanding the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s ability to use sensitive medical information in fatality reviews with privacy safeguards, also passed. Other measures approved included Substitute House Bill 2410 creating a commercial truck safety and education council funded by a self-assessed fee; House Bill 2610 protecting nonprofit housing providers’ property tax exemption when property is temporarily used for other nonprofit purposes; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2274 revising the Commercial Electronic Mail Act and consumer protections for misleading email subject lines; House Bill 2495 extending vehicle-removal authority to streetcars; Substitute House Bill 2323 establishing a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops involving people with communication challenges; and House Bill 2604 allowing electronic transfer of totaled vehicles to insurers. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots after adopting one amendment and rejecting another, with supporters emphasizing child safety and opponents warning about scope and industry impacts. The chamber also passed Second Substitute House Bill 1923, creating a framework for local passenger-only ferries, after adopting amendments related to whale protections and revenue clarifications; and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215, addressing Climate Commitment Act compliance obligations and closing loopholes, after rejecting an amendment concerning propane distributors. Several bills drew brief floor debate over fiscal impacts, consumer protections, environmental concerns, and transportation policy, but most ultimately advanced with bipartisan support. The Senate later recessed for caucuses and lunch.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 91135, the Secretary will read.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment 9135, Charles G. Knutzen is confirmed.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment 9135, Charles G.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9266, the Secretary will read.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9262, the Secretary will read.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then took up Senate Resolution 8689 recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Senators spoke in strong support of the resolution, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, self-advocacy, family caregivers, and bipartisan work on disability services. The resolution was adopted, all members’ names were added as sponsors, and the gallery was recognized, including students and individuals with developmental disabilities and caregivers. The chamber then confirmed several gubernatorial appointments: Charles G. Knutzen to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board; Noah Scartvet to the Gambling Commission; and Kelly K. Foucai to the Spokane Colleges Board of Trustees. The Senate also considered and confirmed additional appointments after roll-call votes, with each receiving the required majority. The Senate later moved through a series of House amendments on multiple bills, including measures on clean energy exemptions, housing and local flexibility, school district fund transfers, voting services feasibility, wildfire-resistant home hardening, and technical tax-related corrections, with most amendments concurred in and the bills passed. The Senate also adopted a striking amendment and passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, creating a tourism self-supported assessment program, after supporters said it was negotiated with stakeholders to improve fiscal transparency and support statewide tourism promotion. Throughout the day, the Senate repeatedly recessed for caucus and later moved to the fourth order of business before adjourning into an at-ease period for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 91135, the Secretary will read.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment 9135, Charles G. Knutzen, is confirmed.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment 9135, Charles G.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9266, the Secretary will read.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9262, the Secretary will read.

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial activities, approval of the previous day’s journal, and adoption of Senate Resolution 8689 recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Senators spoke in strong support of the resolution, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, self-advocacy, family caregivers, and the principle of “nothing about us without us.” The resolution was adopted, and all members’ names were added as sponsors. The chamber also welcomed student visitors and later recognized individuals with developmental disabilities and caregivers in the gallery. The Senate then confirmed several gubernatorial appointments. Charles G. Knutzen was confirmed to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board by a 48-0 vote. Noah Scartvet was confirmed to the Gambling Commission by a 43-5 vote, and Kelly K. Foucai was confirmed to the Spokane Colleges Board of Trustees by a 48-0 vote. The Senate also considered and confirmed additional appointments while excusing several members from attendance during parts of the day. The chamber spent much of the meeting concurring in House amendments and passing a series of bills. Among the measures approved were bills dealing with clean energy exemptions for certain backup fossil fuel use, police data and body camera/ALPR distinctions, housing and rental assistance flexibility, creation of a cabinet-level Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs with Senate confirmation, school district interfund transfers under financial oversight, civic engagement and voting services, wildfire-resistant home-hardening materials, and technical corrections to prior tax and revenue legislation. Most of these bills passed with clear majorities, though some drew recorded opposition, including Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035 and Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6113. The Senate also adopted a striking amendment and passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, creating a tourism self-supported assessment program. Supporters said the negotiated proposal would improve fiscal transparency and help fund statewide tourism promotion, while opponents raised concerns about the assessment structure. The bill passed after concurrence in the House amendments and final passage by a 43-5 vote. The Senate then returned to the fourth order of business and stood at ease for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• the speaker makes that appointment.
• appointments.
• > member<00:06:15.360> of speaker appoints the house member of speaker appoints the house
• appointments.
• Bill passes. today that where the appointment for the today that where the appointment for the house<

Bills: SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81, SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81

Keywords: emergency management, public funds, educational materials, state legislation, disaster response, uniformity, state laws, legislative commission, appointments, government structure, resilience, natural disasters, risk management, Alabama Resilience Council, Chief Resilience Officer, state planning, environmental protection, community preparedness, Alabama Office of Civic Engagement, Alabama Office of Minority Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Assigned Counsel, or MAC, programs that ensure qualified attorneys have access to information. are appointed
• Generally then, Senate Bill 1848 would add MAC programs appointing counsel for juveniles. to the narrowly
• So Bexar County brought us this proposal and basically it's just needed to ensure that they can appoint
• proven to be. difficult to have the currently have currently required six people plus a county judge appointed
• population in Moore County and allow allow the board to be made up of three to five members of the public appointed

Bills: HB166, HB2000, HB3248, HB3513, SB155, SB1659, SB1730, SB1778, SB1790, SB1848, SB2017, SB2105, SB2794, SB2917, HB2756, HB353, HB166

Keywords: child endangerment, controlled substances, penalty group, elderly protection, disabled individual rights, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, defense, peace officers, local government, security, juvenile board, Moore County, appointments, juvenile justice, county legislation, dangerous dogs

Transcript Highlights:

• March 5th, Gubernatorial Appointment 9333, Jacob A.
• Gubernatorial Appointment 9333, Jacob A.
• I move that the gubernatorial appointees listed on the gubernatorial appointments report be referred
• Senator Ritchellee has moved that the gubernatorial appointees listed on the gubernatorial appointments
• Gubernatorial appointment number 9174, the Secretary will read.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

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 opened with roll call, a color guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer, then approved the previous day’s journal and received committee, gubernatorial, and House messages. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 8697 honoring the 40th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity in Seattle, King, and Kittitas Counties, with several senators speaking in support of its work on affordable homeownership, volunteer service, and community stability. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Rosendo Alvarado to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees, Donna Ponopinto to the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees, and Bryce W. McKibben to the Pierce College Board of Trustees. During the day, Senator Braun also rose for a personal point of privilege to apologize for offensive remarks made during debate on House Bill 1390. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155, which prohibits noncompetition agreements and clarifies non-solicitation agreements. Several proposed amendments were rejected, including changes affecting ownership thresholds, senior executives, damages, and enforcement language; the committee striking amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 30-19. The chamber next passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2451 on local tax increment financing, which was described as adding dispute-resolution procedures and guardrails for local development financing. Substitute House Bill 2405 also passed unanimously, creating a pilot program for PTSD treatment and research in workers’ compensation. Additional bills passed included Substitute House Bill 2411 expanding shared leave to cover victims of hate crimes and immigration enforcement-related absences, despite concerns about verification and scope; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care market standards and review of mergers and affiliations, after debate over filing fees and the Attorney General’s role; and Substitute House Bill 2339 making clarifications to nursing regulation. The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 2354 on HOA/common interest community rules for EV chargers and heat pumps, Substitute House Bill 2505 exempting certain former foster care providers from adult family home licensure, Substitute House Bill 2420 raising small works roster contract limits, Substitute House Bill 2525 establishing a heritage orchard program at Washington State University, and House Bill 2664 changing service requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. The session ended with the Senate standing at ease for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventh order of business: third reading of bills, gubernatorial appointments.
• Gubernatorial appointment number 9246. The Secretary will read.
• Gubernatorial appointment number 9246. The Secretary will read.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9267, the Secretary will read.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9268. The Secretary will read.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate took up a series of House messages and then moved through concurrence and final passage on numerous bills. Early action included concurrence on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5156, which dealt with elevator code harmonization and market availability for smaller elevators; Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, a school-safety bill that reduces penalties for misconduct at school sports events; Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, which addresses public-safety staffing shortages and narrows eligibility to corrections officers and prosecuting attorneys; Substitute Senate Bill 5841; and Substitute Senate Bill 5346, which concerns school cellphone/device policies and local control. All of these bills ultimately passed, with recorded roll-call votes showing broad support, though several drew a handful of nays. The Senate also considered House amendments to House Bill 2675, the annual accounts bill. Members adopted amendments affecting Fish and Wildlife accounts and the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment and foundational public health accounts, then passed the bill. On House Bill 2521, concerning firearms background-check fees, several amendments were offered but rejected; the bill passed despite concerns from opponents about fee increases and agency discretion. Additional bills passed after concurrence in House amendments included Substitute Senate Bill 5185 (medical graduate pilot program clarifications), Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974 (law-enforcement accountability and training), Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 (limits on AI use in health-care authorization decisions), Senate Bill 5420 (veterans’ benefits eligibility), Substitute Senate Bill 5520 (wrongful conviction restitution), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5845 (timely payment for hospitals and providers, including Indian health care providers), Substitute Senate Bill 5855 (law-enforcement masking rules with exemptions), Senate Bill 5863 (Lakeland Village historical records retention and public records access), Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 (prosecutor contracts with non-state toxicology labs), Senate Bill 5892 (election disclosure penalties), Substitute Senate Bill 5911 (ending benefit interception for young adults in extended foster care), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5925, Substitute Senate Bill 5938 (foreclosure fairness/origination fee limits), Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969 (IEP transition plan duplication cleanup), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5975 (lead limits in products), and Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5981 (340B drug pricing reporting and transparency). Most of these measures passed with strong majorities. The chamber then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to the Washington State Women's Commission: Ridi-Mukaparei (appointment 9246), Garry Sharia (9267), and Keanu Daniels (9268). The Senate also signed several bills in open session, including Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5124, Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292, Second Substitute Senate Bill 5269, Substitute Senate Bill 5827, Substitute Senate Bill 5862, and Senate Bill 6132, before adjourning until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:47.640> nominee Advisory Committee gubernatorial nominee Advisory Committee gubernatorial
• Places Review Board gubernatorial Places Review Board gubernatorial nominee<00:09:08.520> Graham
• This is his first appointment.
• He will be his first appointment.
• replacing a another PKO appoint replacing a another PKO appoint commissioner<00:21:03.560> who

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and then later voted on a series of gubernatorial nominations and several bills. In the nomination portion, DLNR and the nominees generally testified in support or briefly described their qualifications and goals. The nominees included Elray Moreno, Richard First, and Stephen DeWalt for the Game Management Advisory Commission; Noah Dolim and Graham Hart for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board; Joseph Pickard, Jared Machado, and Elena Bryant for the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council; Kaipuloa Makanui Alona Kealoha for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission; and Zachary Bentolina for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Testimony emphasized public service, community representation, historic preservation awareness, and bridging communication between communities and DLNR. For the Kaho‘olawe nomination, testimony also discussed storm damage and ongoing assessments on the island. The chair asked questions about historic preservation outreach, board vacancies, and the status of Kaho‘olawe facilities. GM 651 was deferred so the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts could weigh in, while the others were later recommended for advise and consent and adopted without opposition. In decision making on the 1:00 p.m. agenda, the committee voted to advise and consent on GM 641, 642, 703, 683, 743, 645, 646, 647, and 738. GM 651 was deferred to a later date. The committee also noted that some nominees were interim or reappointments, and clarified that the Kaneohe Bay and Kaho‘olawe-related appointments were being confirmed for the first time or as continuing service, as applicable. The committee then moved into its 1:05 p.m. agenda on several bills. HB 2426 relating to state parks was passed with amendments, including an effective date change. HB 1881 relating to land use was passed with amendments that limited passenger ropeways for private single-home use, removed the mountain definition, prohibited passenger ropeways in all land use districts, and added a narrow exemption for certain government or recognized nonprofit projects subject to legislative approval. HB 1918 relating to taxation was passed with amendments changing the effective date to January 1, 2028 so it could proceed to Ways and Means. HB 1802 relating to conservation mitigation banks was passed with technical amendments. Each measure was adopted by the members present without recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my first opportunity to be appointed to a state commission.
• This is my first opportunity to be appointed to a state commission.
• be appointed to a state commission. Um be appointed to a state commission.
• <00:04:33.000> nominee Status of Women gubernatorial nominee Status of Women gubernatorial
• We are adjourned. gubernatorial nominee Jessica Schafer gubernatorial nominee Jessica Schafer for<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a Governor’s Message hearing on two nominations. For GM 750, Tracy Fujita was nominated to the Commission to Promote Uniform Legislation for a term ending June 30, 2030. Testimony in support came from several officials and commission members, including the Deputy Attorney General, Maui Behavioral Health Resources CEO Nicole Hokoana, Maui Council Chair Alice Lee, and Uniform Law Commission members. Fujita said her county-level legislative law background at the Department of Corporation Counsel and Office of Council Services would help her serve, and she expressed particular interest in health care legislation. For GM 778, Jessica Schafer was nominated to the Commission on the Status of Women for a term ending June 30, 2030. Support testimony came from Commission Executive Director Yasmin Chaney and multiple others. Schafer said her background includes prosecuting domestic violence cases, working in a human trafficking clinic, investigating sexual misconduct in higher education, and leading gender-based violence programming at the University of Hawaii; she said she is especially interested in sexual and gender-based violence issues but is open to broader commission work. After questioning, the committee moved to decision-making on both nominations. The chair recommended advise and consent for each, and the committee adopted both measures without any no votes or reservations. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , allows the appointing authority to remove people at their discretion, and allows appointed persons
• , allows the appointing authority to remove people at their discretion, and it allows for appointed persons
• , allows the appointees to serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and allows previously appointed
• Okay, so his appointment stays in.
• But currently they have an appointment; they still have an appointment.

Bills: HR217, HB66, HB204, HB208, HB326, HB472, HB483, HB484, HB793, HB1051, HB1080, HB1087, HB1111, HB1215, SB78, SB148

Keywords: rent stabilization, affordable housing, cost burdened, Louisiana housing, housing policy, emergency rental protections, Alexandria, municipal ordinances, administrative adjudication, code enforcement, housing violations, building codes, zoning, nuisance ordinances, vegetation ordinances, sewerage, drainage, licensing, permits, local government

Summary: The committee met on April 29 and considered a series of local and special bills affecting municipal and parish governance, blight enforcement, development districts, and term limits. Early action included a motion to apply a three-minute rule. House Bill 483, concerning the Fulberg/Marini Security and Improvement District in Orleans Parish, was voluntarily deferred after discussion and no support cards. House Bill 484, which revised the New Orleans Regional Business Park board by reducing membership from 12 to 11 and giving the mayor four direct appointments with removal authority, was adopted as a substitute and reported favorably. Senate Bill 78, dealing with the Shreveport Downtown Development District, was amended to correct a legislative district reference and then reported favorably. The committee also heard announcements that several previously deferred bills would not be heard that day. Several Shreveport-related blight bills were advanced. House Bill 1051, authorizing demolition of certain dilapidated properties in Shreveport, was amended to allow the city to rely on findings from code enforcement, fire, police, or other public safety officials, and then reported favorably. House Bill 1080, addressing condemned commercial property in Shreveport, was also reported favorably, though the author said he would continue consulting with the city attorney before floor consideration. House Bill 66 for Alexandria expanded the city’s administrative adjudication authority to cover a broader range of ordinance violations, including building, zoning, vegetation, nuisance, sewer, drainage, licensing, and permit matters; it was supported by the city and reported favorably. House Bill 326, requiring the Tickfaw police chief candidate to reside within the village, also passed favorably. House Bill 793, a contentious bill concerning recorded subdivision plats and prescription, drew extensive testimony from the author, parish officials, a former appellate judge, and the McCormick family. Supporters said the bill closes a loophole exposed by recent court rulings that could let noncompliant plats become enforceable after five years without actual notice to local governments, while opponents argued the current substitute still creates uncertainty and could burden property owners; the author said the bill was prospective only and would also go to the Law Institute. Despite the debate, the committee moved the substitute favorably. Senate Bill 148, allowing municipalities to pay a modest per diem to planning and zoning commission members by local ordinance, was reported favorably with support from Lake Charles. The committee rejected House Bill 208, which would have let St. Helena Parish voters decide whether to impose term limits on parish governing authority members. The bill’s author argued the people should decide, but the St. Helena Police Jury opposed it and committee members emphasized local control; the final vote was 3 yeas to 10 nays. House Bill 1215, concerning the disposition of historical statues and monuments, was amended to bar the Office of State Parks from placing transferred monuments back in the parish from which they were removed, and then was reported favorably. House Bill 472, authorizing local rent stabilization ordinances during a governor-declared emergency, was amended to limit such ordinances to the emergency period, tie increases to the consumer price index, and cap them at 365 days; discussion continued on whether the measure duplicated existing price-gouging laws and whether a broader study would be preferable.

Bills: SB311, SB322, SB304, SB313, SB315, SB316, HB489, SB90

Keywords: electric transmission, public highways, permit processing, economic growth, infrastructure, rural development, condemnation actions, state regulations, community development district, CDD, annexation, municipal annexation, wet municipality, dry county, wet county, Sunday alcohol sales, ABC Board, alcohol licensing, on-premises consumption, golf course

Bills: SB270, SB275, HB264, HB281, SB236, SB247, SB249, SB253, SB259

Keywords: county tax, education funding, capital projects, local government, sales tax, food trucks, mobile vendors, business license, health inspection, statewide regulation, zoning ordinances, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, municipal zoning, zoning board, appeals process, circuit court

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventh order of business, third reading of bills and gubernatorial appointments.
• Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9142. The Secretary will read.
• I move that Maria Seguyenza, Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9142, be confirmed as a member of the
• Senator Bateman moves confirmation of Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9142.
• Having received a majority vote, Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9142, Maria Seguyenza, is confirmed

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, 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

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal. It received a House message that the House had passed second engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5010, and then took up Senate Resolution 8700 honoring Yolanda Cortinas Trout Manuel for her community service, business leadership, and public service. Senator Fortunato sponsored the resolution and spoke warmly in support, and the Senate adopted it by voice vote and recognized the guest in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9142, Maria Seguyenza to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, after supportive remarks from Senators Bateman and Wilson-Clair. The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 2248, described as a technical cleanup bill for Secretary of State corporate filings, and House Bill 2309, which removes postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs to broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2348 passed as a Department of Natural Resources efficiency measure allowing smaller land sales to be posted online and clarifying fair-market-value requirements. The Senate deferred Second Substitute House Bill 1128 at first, then later adopted a striking amendment and passed the bill as amended. The bill creates a child care workforce standards board to study workforce conditions and make recommendations; several proposed amendments by Senator King to add child-safety training language, add an expiration date, and narrow the board’s scope were rejected. Supporters said the board would professionalize child care work and improve wages and standards, while opponents argued it would add government and costs without solving affordability. The Senate also passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2523 on the Community Reinvestment Program, with supporters emphasizing accountability, periodic review, and an independent study, and passed Substitute House Bill 2428 to prevent unintentional lapses in life insurance policies by allowing third-party notices. Finally, the Senate passed House Bill 2340, expanding the CARES substance use disorder recovery program to nursing assistants, and Engrossed House Bill 2317, which streamlines licensing for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program sites in certain educational settings. Most bills passed by wide margins, though Second Substitute House Bill 1128 passed with a narrower 28-19 vote. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• members appointed by the governor. members appointed by the governor.
• You mean appointed by the Department of Ag?
• <01:40:15.440> to manage and be at least appointed to manage and be at least appointed to
• Partnerships Commission gubernatorial Partnerships Commission gubernatorial nominee<01:45:35.720
• Culture and the Arts gubernatorial Culture and the Arts gubernatorial nominee<01:46:36.640> Makanani

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• interim since you got the appointment. interim since you got the appointment.
• <00:33:36.720> nominee Natural Resources gubernatorial nominee Natural Resources gubernatorial
• Development Authority gubernatorial Development Authority gubernatorial nominee,<01:07:27.880>
• <01:20:57.880> as look forward to this appointment as look forward to this appointment as
• Conservation Commission gubernatorial Conservation Commission gubernatorial nominee<02:20:36.120

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several gubernatorial nominations, beginning with GM 640 for Juanita Rio Colón to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Public testimony and the nominee’s remarks strongly emphasized her water-system management background, Native Hawaiian stewardship values, and representation for Molokai. Committee members praised her qualifications and neighbor-island perspective, and also discussed broader concerns about reforming the Water Commission, including a separate bill to create a more independent authority and reduce politics in water decisions. Colón said she supported the restructuring effort and would serve with integrity and attention to constitutional water rights and climate resilience. The committee then heard GM 639 for Moses Haia III to the same commission. DLNR and OHA testified, and Haia described his long legal career, prior work on the Waihole contested case, and experience with Native Hawaiian rights and water law. Members asked about his ability to serve impartially given his advocacy background; Haia acknowledged that some may perceive a conflict from his prior work but said he did not believe it was a reasonable conflict and would follow the law and balance competing interests. The discussion again returned to the proposed Water Commission restructuring, which Haia said he supported as a way to provide independence and balance. Next, the committee considered GM 649 for Gilbert Coloma to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. DLNR and other testifiers explained that this was a new interstate commission created under the 2024 act, with Hawaii joining six U.S. states to address fisheries issues across state boundaries. Coloma, a commercial fisher from Hilo, said he brought more than 40 years of industry, cultural, and traditional experience and would represent Hawaii’s fishing communities. Members asked about the commission’s structure, meeting rotation, and funding, and were told the state covers dues through special funds. The committee also briefly took up GM 692 for Riley Smith’s reappointment to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported him, while Sierra Club Hui raised concerns about prior decisions affecting Native Hawaiian rights and public trust resources. Smith said he supported more residential uses in East Kapolei if the necessary planning and environmental review changes were made, and he began responding to questions about prior BLNR litigation before the transcript cut off.