Transcript Highlights:

• d'Alene not only put these kinds of additional things onto their ordinance, but they said it was a crime

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee met on January 28, 2006, approved prior minutes, and then considered several RS introductions. RS 33076, dealing with mosquito abatement districts, would allow property owners to opt out of spraying by request to county commissioners and add penalties for noncompliance; members raised questions about notice, whether the opt-out affected taxes or only spraying, and whether the bill could hinder abatement, but the motion to introduce passed. RS 33014 would consolidate solid waste regulation under DEQ rather than health districts, with the sponsor saying it would improve consistency and could save money; members asked about fiscal effects, DEQ authority, EPA involvement, and whether the bill affected haulers, and it was introduced. The committee also heard RS 32909-C-2, which would raise the state reimbursement rate for housing state inmates in county jails from the current $55/$75 structure to a flat $80, citing a gap between county costs and state payments; members requested county-by-county impact data and the motion to introduce passed. Finally, RS 32985 would preempt local anti-discrimination ordinances that go beyond state law, with the sponsor arguing it would protect religious freedom and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses; opponents argued it would override local control and asked for data on economic impacts. The bill was introduced on a 14-2 roll call vote, and the committee noted it would be heard later in the Juden Rules Room.

Transcript Highlights:

• is consistent with current statutory language found in Florida Statute 908.12, which reclassifies crimes

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These include medical emergencies, violent crimes, domestic situations, mental health, vehicle crashes

Bills: S0774 , S7028 , S7024 , S7026

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: mental health, first responders, employment benefits, 911 telecommunicators, nervous injuries, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program, DROP, cost-of-living adjustment, trade secret, public records exemption, public meetings exemption, open government, sunset review, agency confidentiality, proprietary business information, proprietary confidential business information, confidential records, Florida public records law

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and first heard Senate Bill 774, which would extend workers’ compensation medical benefits for employment-related mental or nervous injuries to 911 public safety telecommunicators, even without a physical injury. The sponsor and several dispatchers, a clinician, and communications directors testified in support, describing repeated exposure to traumatic calls, chronic understaffing, and the need for mental health treatment and retention support. Senator DiCeglie and Chair Mayfield praised dispatchers’ work, and the bill was reported favorably by committee vote, with Senator McClain later recorded as voting yes on the bill. The committee then took up SPB 7028, a retirement bill that sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2026, leaves the 3% employee contribution unchanged, allows certain elected officers to receive a DROP payout under specified conditions, and provides a 1.5% alternative cost-of-living adjustment for eligible special risk retirees. Firefighters, police, sheriffs, and chiefs’ groups spoke in support, emphasizing recruitment and retention. The committee voted to submit the proposal as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7024 and SPB 7026, both open-government-related bills. SPB 7024 would repeal the current public records and public meeting exemption for cybersecurity information and consolidate agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. SPB 7026 would repeal the current public records exemption for trade secrets held by an agency and similarly consolidate specific trade secret exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. Neither bill drew testimony or debate, and both were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These include medical emergencies, violent crimes, domestic situations, mental health, vehicle crashes

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and first heard Senate Bill 774, which would extend workers’ compensation coverage for mental or nervous injuries, without a physical injury, to 911 public safety telecommunicators. The bill sponsor and multiple dispatchers, counselors, and association representatives testified in support, describing repeated exposure to traumatic calls, staffing shortages, and the need for mental health treatment and retention support. Senators praised dispatchers’ work and emphasized that they are first responders in practice. SB 774 was reported favorably by roll call vote, with one senator later recording an affirmative vote on the bill. The committee then considered SPB 7028, a retirement bill setting Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2026, without changing the 3% employee contribution rate. It also allows certain elected officers to receive a DROP payout under specified conditions and provides an alternative cost-of-living adjustment for special risk retirees meeting service requirements. Firefighters, police, and sheriffs’ association representatives supported the measure as a recruitment and retention tool. The committee voted to submit SPB 7028 as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee took up SPB 7024 and SPB 7026, both government records exemption bills. SPB 7024 repeals the current public records/public meeting exemption for cybersecurity information and consolidates agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. SPB 7026 does the same for trade secret records held by agencies. Neither bill drew questions or testimony, and both were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• have that they can call their local police when in trouble in a domestic violence situation, when crime

Summary: Senate and House Democratic leaders opened the week by saying the Trump administration and federal actions are a major focus of the session, alongside a push to advance Washington-specific priorities. They said floor action had begun with bipartisan bills and that more floor votes were expected later in the week. Among the measures highlighted were the law enforcement masking bill, a bill regulating flock cameras, a bill on preserving access to preventive health services, and a bill on land banking for housing. They also flagged upcoming hearings on regulating large energy-use facilities and other committee work. Leaders discussed several policy and budget issues. On revenue, they said broad-based tax increases were unlikely, but they were still considering targeted options such as closing tax exemptions, a tobacco tax increase, and a proposed millionaire’s income tax, with technical work still underway on the latter’s mechanics and offsets. They also said a payroll tax proposal was unlikely to advance in its current form. On affordability, they pointed to housing, health care, child care, and federal tariffs as major cost drivers, and cited bills on medical debt, preventive care, and public hospital support as part of their response. Other topics included child welfare, where leaders said they shared concerns about protecting children and were working on follow-up legislation tied to the Keeping Families Together Act and DCYF’s identified critical incidents. They also said they were open to reviewing bills on accountability for public funds and NGO spending, and noted that WSU’s request for funding to cover student worker collective bargaining agreements would be considered in the budget process. On the masking bill, leaders emphasized that Washington law enforcement is not the target and said the bill includes a private right of action because federal agencies may not comply; they described it as a response to federal overreach and said it was likely to move in committee soon. They also mentioned possible floor action on a firearms-in-sensitive-places bill, and said victim-protection bills and a 0.05 BAC bill were among other notable measures under discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• leave, which should be referred to the Committee on Labor and Commerce; Senate Bill 6017 supporting crime

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 session with roll call, presentation of colors by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a signed national anthem by River Ridge High School students, and an invocation. The chamber welcomed new Senator Victoria Hunt and heard ceremonial remarks about the nation’s 250th anniversary and the challenges of governing during budget constraints. The Secretary of State certified the November 2025 election results, and newly elected Senators Emily Alvarado, Victoria Hunt, Deborah Krishnadasan, Tina Orwall, and Vandana Slatter were sworn in. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8660 to notify the Governor that it was organized and ready to conduct business, confirmed the committee appointed for that purpose, adopted Senate Resolution 8663 making minor Senate rule changes, and confirmed the 2026 standing committee memberships. The Senate then handled first-reading referrals and supplemental introductions, including measures referred to committees and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session. Senator Riccelli supported the cutoff schedule as necessary to complete work within the 60-day session, while Senator McCune opposed it, arguing the Legislature should prioritize budgeting earlier and take a different approach to fiscal planning. After debate, the resolution was adopted. The Senate also received House messages transmitting House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407, and both were adopted by the Senate, with 4406 calling for a joint session and 4407 addressing the status of bills and measures. The chamber received additional messages from the Governor, Secretary of State, and Senate offices, including transmittals of several engrossed and substitute Senate bills and provisional certifications of initiatives. Senators Hunt and Torres reported back after escorting the Governor’s message, noting his readiness to work with the Legislature and a lighthearted Seahawks-49ers challenge. The session concluded with reminders about the upcoming joint session and a Rules Committee meeting, and the Senate adjourned until 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 6017 supporting crime victims and witnesses, which should be referred to the Committee on

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening day of the 2026 session with roll call, presentation of colors by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a signed national anthem by River Ridge High School ASL students, and an invocation. The President welcomed new Senator Victoria Hunt and noted the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the challenges of democracy and the need for grace and respect. The Senate then received certification of the November 2025 election results and administered the oath of office to newly elected Senators Emily Alvarado, Victoria Hunt, Deborah Krishnadasan, Tina Orwall, and Vandana Slatter. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 8660 to notify the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready for business, confirmed the committee appointed to deliver that message, and adopted Senate Resolution 8663 making minor rule changes. The President also confirmed the 2026 Senate standing committee memberships. During first reading and referral, several bills and measures were introduced and sent to committees, including bills on toxicology testing, supplemental leave benefits for public employees, crime victims and witnesses, and fire code administration, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 establishing cutoff dates. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 was debated, with support arguing it set the session’s schedule for efficient work and opposition criticizing the traditional budget-and-policy sequence and calling for budget-first reform. The resolution passed. The Senate then received House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407, adopted both, and heard messages from the Governor’s office, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Senate, including provisional certifications of initiatives and transmitted bills. The session concluded with notice of an upcoming joint session and committee meeting, and the Senate adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what the amendment will do, we'll remove the contingency on Senate Bill 2949, the Fuel Crimes bill

Bills: HB227

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: HB227, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom products, kratom processor, kratom retailer, controlled substances, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, Penalty Group 1, tianeptine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, synthetic kratom, kratom alkaloids, adulterated products, product testing, lab testing, ISO 17025, labeling requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Abuse and crimes against women.

Bills: HB229 , HB3990 , HB5082 , HB5510 , HB229

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, flags, display, state law, municipalities, government buildings, drug enforcement, local control, home rule, municipal charter, county policy, ordinance preemption, state preemption, attorney general enforcement, civil penalties, mandamus

Transcript Highlights:

• criminal investigation into the parent or legal... investigation into the parent or legal custodian for a crime

Bills: HB493

Committee: House Children and Senior Advocacy

Keywords: child advocacy centers, certification, funding allocation, Alabama Network, forensic evaluation, children's welfare, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will still have to go through the exact same processes as they now do to convince a court that the crime

Bills: SJR57 , SCR8 , SB8 , SB14 , SB24 , SB108 , SB112 , SB125 , SB213 , SB251 , SB315 , SB318 , SB371 , SB378 , SB379 , SB472 , SB487 , SB502 , SB513 , SB565 , SB621 , SB650 , SB689 , SB707 , SB710 , SB761 , SB763 , SB815 , SB854 , SB875 , SB896 , SB916 , SB925 , SB958 , SB961 , SB965 , SB973 , SB987 , SB990 , SB995 , SB1006 , SB1018 , SB1019 , SB1024 , SB1026 , SB1146 , SB1194 , SB1198 , SB1253 , SB1330 , SB1343 , SB1362 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1527 , SB1532 , SB1547 , SB1596 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR8 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB925 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB815 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB502 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB24 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB761 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB916 , SB896 , SB1352 , SB973 , SB785 , SB710 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB1547 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB513 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB1198 , SB1146 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SJR37 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB924 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1697 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741

Keywords: central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency

Transcript Highlights:

• Act which makes it a crime for public servants to violate the right of Texans and I think that ought

Bills: SB18 , SB19 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB 18 , SB 19

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: municipal libraries, state funding, gender identity, public events, children's literature, SB 19, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county, city, municipality, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying ban, public funds, registered lobbyist, Chapter 305, Government Code, Local Government Code, county association dues

Transcript Highlights:

• advocate of of of of Texans doing is to use the Texas Official Oppression Act, uh, which makes it a crime

Bills: SB 18 , SB 19 , SB 666 , SB 688 , SB 707 , SB 888

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: municipal libraries, state funding, gender identity, public events, children's literature, SB 19, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county, city, municipality, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying ban, public funds, registered lobbyist, Chapter 305, Government Code, Local Government Code, county association dues

Transcript Highlights:

• We just learned of one in Bolinas as a Bolinas senior computer class that's offered at the little library

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're already so proficient on computers and iPhones, and these devices have gotten so much easier.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution. The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually I pulled my computer because I have some data on this.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is where these delegate-type roles can do that computer work, find out what is in the system, educate

Committee: House Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, see if my computer will let me present to you. There we go.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, see if my computer will let me present to you. There we go.

Summary: The committee held a work session on local government issues, beginning with an update from the State Building Code Council on four legislatively mandated code amendments now in CR-102 rulemaking: temporary emergency shelters, reduced minimum dwelling unit size, multiplex housing up to three stories and six units, and single-exit apartment buildings up to six stories. Council staff also described a separate embodied-carbon appendix proposal that remains under public review, with testimony both supporting and opposing it. Members asked about the rationale for some of the code limits, including the restriction on connecting multiplex buildings. The committee then heard a panel on annexations from MRSC, Pierce County, and the Association of Washington Cities. Witnesses reviewed annexation methods, including petition, election, and interlocal agreement approaches, and said larger annexations are increasingly using interlocal agreements because they can address infrastructure, revenue sharing, and public process concerns. They described barriers such as inconsistent local standards, the cost of infrastructure, referendum risk, census requirements, and the difficulty of persuading residents and local officials to support annexation. Members asked about the five-year restriction on residential zoning changes in one annexation method and whether a hearing examiner could reduce political pressure on local decision-makers. A second panel discussed subdivision reform. The Master Builders Association urged raising the short-plat threshold within urban growth areas to 30 lots as a simpler first step, citing permitting delays and added housing costs. The City of Spokane described implementation problems with recent housing laws, including uncertainty about how to review plats under HB 1110, lot-splitting administration, and added notice requirements for unit lot subdivisions. AWC said there was broad agreement that subdivision decisions should be more administrative, but public hearings remained a point of disagreement. The committee also heard from FutureWise, the Washington State Association of Counties, and Lewis County on county development regulation and enforcement, with witnesses emphasizing underfunded code enforcement, inconsistent standards between counties and cities, and the need for better coordination, incentives, and possibly stronger enforcement tools. No votes were taken; the chair said the committee would continue working on possible solutions in future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Computers. It has potentially a side chip or surveillance. That's another component.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 989, all