Transcript Highlights:

• We go ahead and move on to HB 11174, relating to the procedure for payment under protest lawsuits.
• We go ahead and move on to HB 11174, relating to the procedure for payment under protest lawsuits.
• It establishes a procedure for the disposition of monies and refiling when a payment under protest suit
• 29:24.399><c> prevails</c><00:29:24.840><c> establish</c><00:29:25.200><c> a</c><00:29:25.519><c> procedure
• </c> claim it prevails establish a procedure claim it prevails establish a procedure for<00:29:26.039

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee continued hearing several bills. HB 399 would create an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit; it drew support from the Judiciary, Public Defender, State Bar, Financial Services Association, and others, and there was no opposition. HB 560 would appropriate funds for Judiciary contracts with community-based organizations; many service providers and coalition representatives testified in support, emphasizing the growing gap between contract payments and the actual cost of services, especially for domestic violence, youth, legal aid, and other vulnerable populations. HB 648 would establish a two-year pilot program in the First Circuit probate and family court for guardianship and conservatorship-related resources; the Office of the Public Guardian and disability advocates supported it, while suggesting amendments to clarify that the bill refers to professional evaluations, including psychological, neurocognitive, or functional evaluations, rather than just physicians’ letters. The committee also heard HB 990, which appropriates funds for claims against the state, with the Attorney General noting 21 claims totaling about $6.5 million plus two additional resolved claims and requesting corrections to identify two matters as judgments rather than settlements. HB 991 would clarify that the Attorney General may conduct FBI fingerprint-based background checks on contractors and employees; it was supported by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and others, with an amendment to include subcontractors. HB 998 would provide that omissions or errors in citations do not require dismissal or reversal if they do not prejudice the defendant; the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and members discussed whether the language adequately protects due process and how it would apply when identifying information is unavailable. Finally, HB 1174 would address payment-under-protest lawsuits by allowing interest earned on certain funds to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails and by setting procedures for premature filings. After testimony, the committee moved into decision-making and recommended passage of HB 399, HB 560, HB 648, HB 990, HB 991, HB 998, and HB 1174, generally with amendments where noted, including effective-date changes and the requested clarifications. The measures were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• coming out of Washington, D.C., these days, but even the latest executive order around infertility procedures
• and possibly coverage for these procedures, if there is in fact a mandate that comes from the federal
• coming out of Washington, D.C., these days, but even the latest executive order around infertility procedures
• and possibly coverage for these procedures, if there is in fact a mandate that comes from the federal
• Thank you. ...order around infertility procedures and possibly coverage for these procedures, if there

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 47 members present, read the journal, and received Senate communications, including notice that House Bill 1440, HD1 had passed third reading in the Senate and that several Senate bills were transmitted and passed first reading by title. Members also made introductions recognizing guests for Working Families Day 2025, including advocates and organizers, and welcomed visitors from Khu Valley, as well as family members and community advocates in the gallery. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the order of the day and adoption of numerous standing committee reports and accompanying bills, many of which were passed by voice vote or consent calendar. Several members registered reservations or opposition on specific measures, with comments focused on fertility coverage and the prepaid health care system, low-income tax policy, youth safe spaces and runaway youth, prenatal care for non-citizens, and fireworks regulation. In a few cases, members requested that their remarks be entered into the journal, and one member clarified a vote change on SCR 972 after the vote had been read. The House also took third-reading votes on additional bills listed on later pages, with the majority and minority caucuses announcing their votes and a few named no votes on particular measures. No resolutions were introduced for action. During announcements, members wished Representative Amato and staff members happy birthday. The House then voted to keep the journal open until midnight for further committee reports and transmitted bills, and finally recessed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th.

Transcript Highlights:

• In essence, it would simply clarify that the majority vote procedure provided in the Sunshine Act would
• The majority vote procedure provided in the Sunshine Act would only be used to bring up those three exceptions
• case, but suffice it to say that the court hinged its argument on the word or and held that the procedural
• case, but suffice it to say that the court hinged its argument on the word or and held that the procedural
• matter, The court hinged its argument on the word or, and held that the procedural mechanism of the

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and respectfully Representative Chan, is H-342, H-365, and S-271, which is to establish an appeal procedure
• any time a class one motor vehicle dealer license is... ...an appeal procedure any time a class one
• We have procedures in place for dealers to seek relief.
• When parts and procedures are changed, or when data shows systematic gaps, we issue variances.
• and body shops. 2,100 complaints were dismissed without any full consideration, often due to the procedural

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard testimony on a wide range of bills involving consumer protection, auto regulation, alcohol licenses, and professional licensure. A major focus was legislation to require a one-hour domestic violence awareness training for salon and cosmetology licensees (H.323/S.200), supported by District Attorney Marion Ryan, law enforcement, and a salon industry witness who described the program’s value in identifying and helping victims. The committee also heard strong support from the Attorney General’s office for auto consumer protection legislation (S.228/H.379) that would expand used-car warranty protections, extend the Lemon Law return period to seven days after receipt of the vehicle, raise the mileage cap to 200,000 miles, and increase dealer surety bonds to $50,000. Independent dealers opposed those changes, arguing they would burden small businesses and that dealer education, not expanded liability, was the better solution. The committee also took testimony on bills related to vehicle financial products and repair information. A trade association supported GAP waiver legislation (H.4188/S.281), saying it would create clear consumer protections and standard disclosures. On right-to-repair and heavy-duty vehicle service information (S.266), engine and truck manufacturers supported an exemption for commercial vehicles, while others argued that releasing service data to the general public could create safety, cybersecurity, and emissions risks. The committee then heard extensive testimony on auto dealer franchise and warranty reimbursement legislation (S.201/H.406), with dealer groups supporting changes to warranty labor reimbursement and manufacturer groups opposing them as costly and unnecessary. Manufacturers from GM, Volvo, Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, and others said their current time-study and appeals processes already compensate dealers fairly and that the bill would raise costs for consumers. In addition, the committee heard testimony on H.333, which would move auto damage appraiser licensing from the Division of Insurance to the Division of Occupational Licensure. Collision repair advocates supported the change, saying the current board structure leads to repeated dismissals of complaints and lacks accountability, while emphasizing that the bill is intended to protect consumers and ensure proper repair reimbursement. The hearing also included testimony in support of a local alcohol license petition for Westwood and a separate local alcohol measure for a town grant license. At the end of the hearing, the chairs announced that all docketed bills had been heard, noted that a joint poll would be held on H.4184, and the committee voted to adjourn by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• to get essential health care, the implications that they can have on their care, making simple procedures
• Washingtonian who buys health insurance to directly underwrite one of the most controversial medical procedures
• We have never before carved out a single procedure, created a standalone permanent funding stream for
• doubles down on all three of those issues by compelling, objecting Washingtonians to pay forever for a procedure
• Cantonians to pay forever for a procedure they cannot in good conscience support and not help with general

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met in executive session on three bills. For Second Substitute Senate Bill 6182, staff explained it would create an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers to support grants for abortion clinical care access. Representative Marshall offered amendments to limit grants to Washington residents, expand eligibility to IVF and fertility providers, prioritize medically underserved areas, and add a 2031 sunset; all were rejected or withdrawn. The committee then voted 18-10 to report the bill out with a do pass recommendation. For Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, staff briefed a striking amendment that would reduce savings in K-12 spending by changing local effort assistance and Running Start limits, prioritizing some transition-to-kindergarten funding, and eliminating inflation increases for National Board bonuses. Members debated a series of amendments on bus depreciation, charter school LEA payments, transition-to-kindergarten funding, and Running Start. Some amendments were adopted, including a bus depreciation change and a Running Start adjustment, while others were rejected. The committee then adopted the striker as amended and reported the bill out 17-12 with a due pass recommendation. For Substitute Senate Bill 6355, which would establish the Washington Electric Transmission Authority and related board and advisory structures, members considered amendments on rural land-use expertise, eastern Washington board representation, corridor review standards, tribal workgroup removal, and payments in lieu of taxes for transmission facilities. One amendment was withdrawn and the others were rejected except for a landowner/rural expertise amendment that passed. The committee then reported the bill out 18-11 with a due pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, members exchanged closing remarks thanking staff and colleagues, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These licensees may perform parenteral radiologic procedures when performed under the direct supervision
• Under the bill before you, intravenous contrast procedures performed by a diagnostic radiologic technologist
• Intravenous contrast procedures performed by a diagnostic radiologic technologist, a therapeutic radiologic
• They've supervised these procedures commonly.
• technically they're not allowed to, and you're required to have a physician in order to allow these procedures

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a Friday morning hearing with several House bills and then took executive action on three measures. In executive session, the committee voted do pass on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242, Substitute House Bill 2152, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2168, sending the first two to Rules and the overdose-mapping bill to Ways and Means. The committee also waived the five-day notice rule for several bills on the agenda. Public hearings focused on hospital inspections, continuing care retirement communities, radiologic technologist supervision, music therapy licensure, nursing regulation, ambulance billing after motor vehicle accidents, and EMT recertification. Representative Macri presented HB 2577 to require hospital inspections at least every 18 months, allow limited pauses during emergencies, and clarify when CMS or accrediting-body surveys may substitute for state inspections; DOH supported the bill, citing JLARC recommendations, while many people signed in opposed. Macri also presented Second Substitute HB 2384, which would require actuarial analysis review for certain CCRCs; OIC supported the transparency goal, while CCRC representatives opposed the added cost, though residents and association witnesses argued the oversight would protect seniors and their life savings. Representative Engel’s HB 2113 drew strong support from radiology, hospital, and provider groups for allowing virtual direct supervision for IV contrast procedures and aligning state law with CMS practice. Representative Ryu’s HB 1187 would bar ambulance services from sending motor-vehicle-accident medical debt to collections for 120 days; she described a personal experience with an ambulance collection issue, and the hearing was closed after no testifiers appeared. Representative Reed’s HB 2363 would let music therapy applicants practice under supervision for up to six months while exam results are processed; music therapy witnesses said it would prevent workforce gaps. Representative Simmons’ HB 2339 would update nursing title and transcript requirements and allow the board to issue interim permits directly, with the Board of Nursing and ARNP groups calling it a technical cleanup. HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals to six years for long-tenured EMTs, and firefighters supported it as an administrative simplification without changing training requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• country because it works as part of a layered approach with trained personnel monitoring and clear procedures
• And under my direction, the State Patrol will implement those processes and procedures.
• processes</c><00:13:49.920><c> and</c> implement those processes and implement those processes and procedures
• . procedures. procedures.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogoich announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and is intended as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both officials emphasized that the Capitol should remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing increased threats nationwide and the recent murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman. Officials said visitors will enter through four public access points, with all other exterior doors closed to public entry. The primary entrance will be the south ground-level entrance, with additional access through tunnels connecting to the Senate building, State Office Building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. They said the screening process should take only seconds for most people, with bags scanned separately and additional checks only if needed. Prohibited items will not be stored by the Capitol, and the public was told to plan ahead, carry fewer items, and follow staff instructions. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays unless legislative business is still underway, in which case accommodations will be made. In questions, officials said people with valid permit-to-carry authorization may still bring a firearm if it is otherwise legal, but they must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening. Elected officials are exempt and will have a separate lane, while staff will be screened. They also said the tunnels will be locked with restricted key-card access, and that the Senate is implementing its own screening, with questions about Senate doors referred there. Jacobson said the State Patrol will cover the costs within its existing budget, and that the process will be evaluated and adjusted as needed to keep it efficient and not a deterrent to visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• would eliminate the veterinarian record-keeping and reporting requirements related to declawing procedures
• , as well as the fines for performing a declawing procedure and a reference to disciplinary action.
• would eliminate the veterinarian record-keeping and reporting requirements related to declawing procedures
• , as well as the fines for performing a declawing procedure and a reference to disciplinary action.
• And having that, that was a reason why that procedure happened.

Bills: HB2384 , HB2402 , HB2505 , HB1904 , HB2145 , HB2182 , HB2211 , HB2242 , HB2247 , HB2329 , HB2339

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: continuing care retirement community, CCRC, life plan community, senior housing, retirement community, long-term care, assisted living, nursing home, actuarial analysis, solvency, financial oversight, resident contracts, entrance fee, disclosure statement, registration, insurance commissioner, DSHS, consumer protection, elder care, aging services

Transcript Highlights:

• The account is not appropriated, but it is subject to allotment procedures, and any funds in the account
• And about a year ago, the Supreme Court changed its rules of appellate procedure and really dictated
• A very brief procedural note: this bill was heard last year in this committee, voted out of this committee
• A very brief procedural note, this bill was heard last year in this committee, voted out of this committee
• Finally, there are some changes to procedures around the imposition of penalties under this chapter.

Bills: HB1607 , HB2159 , HB2441 , HB2521 , HB2531 , HB2543

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: recycling, waste reduction, environmental policy, sustainability, municipal regulations, preK, education funding, childcare, youth development, state budget, HB 2441, line of duty death, survivor benefits, medical insurance premium reimbursement, surviving spouse, domestic partner, dependent children, public employee death benefits, retirement system, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• The account is not appropriated, but it is subject to allotment procedures, and any funds in the account
• The account is not appropriated, but it is subject to allotment procedures, and any funds in the account
• And about a year ago, the Supreme Court changed its rules of appellate procedure and really dictated
• A very brief procedural note: this bill was heard last year in this committee, voted out of this committee
• Finally, there are some changes to procedures around the imposition of penalties under this chapter.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and briefing on several bills, with House Bill 2441, House Bill 2159, House Bill 2521, House Bill 2531, House Bill 2543, and House Bill 1607 discussed in that order after agenda changes. HB 2441 would expand reimbursement from the LEO retirement fund for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, covering Medicare Parts A and B premiums and retroactive health insurance premiums during the period before a death is officially determined to be work-related. Staff described a relatively small number of affected survivors and modest actuarial impacts, and the prime sponsor spoke emotionally in support. A representative from the L&I Board also testified that the board had studied the issue and endorsed the bill. HB 2159 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic funds for ECEAP expansion. Staff explained ECEAP eligibility and the proposed non-appropriated account structure, noting Governor Ferguson’s budget included $34.5 million in non-appropriated authority for about 2,000 new school-day slots. Testimony was strongly supportive from Ballmer Group, DCYF, Head Start/ECEAP advocates, a Yakima provider, and the governor’s office, all emphasizing the public-private partnership, expanded access, and support for children furthest from opportunity. HB 2521 would remove the $18 cap on the State Patrol’s firearm background check fee and allow the fee to be set to cover total program costs. Staff said the fee could rise to about $33 per check based on current costs, and the State Patrol testified that the cap no longer matches actual expenses and threatens staffing and service levels. One member of the public opposed the bill, arguing the state system should be scrapped or capped and that consumers would face higher costs. HB 2531 would freeze the ambulance quality assurance fee at its July 4, 2025 level to comply with federal law and adjust Medicaid add-on payments accordingly; the Washington Ambulance Association strongly supported it as essential to preserving federal matching funds and improving wages and benefits. HB 2543 would update county clerk fees and modernize outdated references, with county officials supporting the changes as necessary to reflect current electronic-record practices. HB 1607, the Recycling Refund Act, drew the most extensive testimony. Staff described a 10-cent refund system for covered beverage containers, a producer responsibility organization, Ecology oversight, and fiscal impacts tied to program administration and lost tax revenue. Supporters, including environmental groups, youth advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and some industry voices, argued the bill would reduce litter, increase recycling rates, support reuse systems, and complement the existing recycling reform law. Opponents from recycling haulers, grocers, beverage interests, counties, and solid waste providers argued it would function like a tax, raise consumer and retailer costs, duplicate or undermine curbside recycling and EPR, and create siting and implementation problems. No votes were taken on the bills in this transcript; the hearing concluded with public testimony and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• By adjusting it, it reflects today's realities and reduces unnecessary delays for tests and procedures
• BY ADJUSTING IT, HE -- IT REFLECTS TODAY'S REALITIES AND REDUCE UNNECESSARY DELAYS FOR TESTS AND PROCEDURES
• In a moment the President of the Senate will say, we're voting on the procedures of the House, and...
• I want to remind the House the vote is on the procedures of the House and the ruling of the chair.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, approval of the prior journal, and several ceremonial introductions. Senator Mayer welcomed students and alumni from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, highlighting early college opportunities for high school students. Senator Zellner introduced members of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Union Local 282 and honored fallen Buffalo firefighter Jayson Arno, with remarks praising firefighters’ service and sacrifice. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 1489, commemorating the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic independence. Senator Sepúlveda presented the resolution and spoke about Dominican history, sovereignty, the Dominican diaspora in New York, and the role of Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez. Senators Jackson, Weber, Bailey, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the contributions of Dominican New Yorkers. The resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate next moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills on insurance, public health, education, social services, tax, penal law, and workers’ compensation. Several bills were approved by wide margins, including measures related to vaccination policy and education law; Senator Weik opposed the public health/vaccination bill, while Senator Mayer defended it as science-based. Senator Fernandez explained and secured passage of a workers’ compensation bill that would raise a pre-authorization threshold, clarify medical treatment guidelines, and restore access to out-of-network providers for injured workers. The only contentious item was Calendar 117, a bill amending the Executive Law related to climate resilience and the Office of Resilience. Senator Walczyk offered an amendment to repeal the statewide cap-and-invest program, but the chair ruled it nongermane; the Senate upheld that ruling on a 21-aye vote. Senators Harckham, Borrello, Krueger, Lanza, Martins, and Gianaris spoke at length on climate policy, energy costs, and the bill’s merits. The bill ultimately passed 51-9. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I didn't know the procedure on the chair lady, that she was going to just take a vote.
• But I didn't know the<00:16:49.519><c> procedure</c><00:16:49.839><c> on</c><00:16:50.079><c> the</c>
• 50.560><c> on</c><00:16:50.720><c> the</c><00:16:50.880><c> chair</c><00:16:51.199><c> lady</c> the procedure
• on the on the chair lady the procedure on the on the chair lady that<00:16:52.240><c> she</c><00:16:

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They protect nursing staff, delivering patient care and safeguard physicians during medical procedures
• physicians patient care and safeguard physicians during<00:04:47.600><c> medical</c><00:04:47.919><c> procedures
• ,</c><00:04:49.120><c> maintaining</c> during medical procedures, maintaining during medical procedures

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it appropriate for me to ask a question, or what's the procedure rule to ask a question on that bill
• to ask a question or that<00:09:47.040><c> what's</c><00:09:47.200><c> the</c><00:09:47.360><c> procedure
• rule</c><00:09:48.160><c> to</c><00:09:48.560><c> ask</c><00:09:48.800><c> a</c> that what's the procedure
• rule to ask a that what's the procedure rule to ask a question<00:09:49.120><c> on</c><00:09:49.279>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SIMPLE SENTENCES INTO LAW AND THE RESULT IF THAT IS IT REQUIRES HUNDREDS OF PAGES OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
• EVERYTHING COMPLEX FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IS YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND RULES AND PROCEDURES
• , AS WELL AS STATE PROCEDURES.
• WE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF LANGUAGE, WE ARE DIFFERENT SORTS OF PROCEDURES PART OF OUR NETWORK DEVELOPMENT

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, Senate Bill 2589 relates to procedures for a commissioner's court to close, abandon
• But in terms of when you start getting into training, operating procedures, and policies, then that..
• Where you have a problem with it is where it says or procedure, or training, or policy, or program, or
• To that qualified procedure training policy program or operational practice associated with the use of

Bills: SB215 , SB1104 , SB1351 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB1423 , SB1568

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• impact on care in terms of misdiagnosis, having to repeat some of those exams or those diagnostic procedures
• And behind me is a diagram showing you what the declawing procedure is like.
• When we speak to many veterinarians in our association, they note that they have not done a declaw procedure
• measure is that whether you agree or agree with the idea of declawing, the bill regulates a surgical procedure

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Chavez, I think that is, you know, the board shall promulgate rules to establish the procedures
• It's a 5-minute procedure, high-end. The CT of the heart takes 5 minutes, over and done.
• Unfortunately, the health plans all, because it's a high-end procedure, charge a $250 deductible.
• It's a 5-minute procedure. The CT of the heart takes 5 minutes, over and done.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just a study commission. This is just a study commission. Yeah. All right.
• Ammon commission to study the creation Ammon commission to study the creation of<00:11:28.480><c> regulatory
• This just a study commission.<00:11:44.320><c> Yeah.</c> commission. Yeah. commission. Yeah.
• Um, this was a bill that was turned into a study commission, I believe, by the House.
• And I would note that the commission signed in neutral.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requiring voters to provide a government-issued ID concurrent with casting a ballot, and outlining procedures
• have the option to have their ballot tabulated at the voting location, removing language outlining procedures
• Chair and members, as passed the House, House Bill 2408 establishes complaint and investigation procedures

Keywords: 1182, all