Transcript Highlights:

• </c> problematic it would be non-legislative problematic it would be non-legislative but<00:33:30.200
• </c><01:02:09.400><c> to</c> to introduce this legislation to to introduce this legislation to us<01:
• </c> perspective if this legislation perspective if this legislation basically<01:40:46.480><c> said<
• legislation to our federal legislation legislation to our<02:08:51.800><c> governor</c><02:08:52.400
• </c> Kat McGee to introduce this legislation Kat McGee to introduce this legislation on<04:03:29.239>

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Through this legislation, qualified facilities may receive financial or technical support to establish
• DHSS has reviewed the legislation and expressed no concern.
• I mean, will the General Assembly get a report of this or the Division of Legislative Services?
• As you already know, we support the legislation.
• If you would like to provide comment on this piece of legislation, please use the raise hand feature

Bills: HB359 , HB385 , HB165

Committee: Senate Health & Social Services

Keywords: human remains, indigent, burial, cremation, next of kin, social services, environmental impact, nursing education, preceptorship programs, healthcare workforce, nurse shortage, clinical training, dry needling, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, referral process, neuromusculoskeletal pain, Western medicine

Summary: The Senate Health and Social Services Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the prior two meetings, and briefly acknowledged the tragedy at Christiana Care before moving to legislation. The committee heard House Bill 385, which creates a statewide nurse preceptor grant program to expand clinical training placements for nursing students; testimony from nursing organizations, health care associations, and educators emphasized workforce shortages, the need for preceptor stipends and training, and the bill’s potential to help students complete programs and remain in Delaware. Members asked about eligibility and reporting, and several senators asked to be added as co-sponsors. Public comment was uniformly supportive, and the bill was advanced out of committee. The committee then considered House Bill 424, which repeals Delaware’s Autism Surveillance and Registration Program and requires DHSS to expunge protected health information collected through the registry. The sponsor and DHSS said the registry is no longer used for research or policy development and that repeal would reduce outdated reporting burdens; Autism Delaware, the Delaware Health Care Association, and the State Council for Persons with Disabilities support the change. A committee member raised the question of whether families would be notified before records are expunged, and DHSS said that process was not yet clear and would need further verification. Members discussed the issue, and the bill also moved forward. House Bill 419 was next, making children in foster care automatically eligible for the Purchase of Care child care subsidy and extending the same treatment to certain kinship and safety-plan placements through House Amendment 1. The Children’s Department and advocacy groups said the bill would provide immediate stability for children and caregivers, reduce delays from applications and income verification, and support working foster and kinship families. The committee also heard House Bill 359, which would allow cremation as an option for unclaimed and indigent remains when there is no family objection or next of kin cannot be found, addressing a shortage of burial plots and lowering costs; funeral industry testimony focused on preserving next-of-kin rights. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 475, creating a Delaware Nursing Advancement Fund financed by a $10 surcharge on nursing licenses and disciplinary fines to support workforce data collection and analysis through a nonprofit partner, and House Bill 165, authorizing physician associates, occupational therapists, and APRNs to perform dry needling under training and practice standards set by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. All of the bills received supportive testimony, several members added their names as co-sponsors, and the committee adjourned after moving through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• At its core, the legislation sends a simple message.
• Senator Josh Hawley has also brought a piece of legislation forward on a national level.
• Do they come under this legislation? Representative Crane: Mr.
• A lot of times federal legislation will draw it at 50 employees.
• A lot of times federal legislation will draw it at 50 employees.

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Alex Williamson, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office
• Anybody have any comments or questions for the analysts on any of the previous legislation or motions
• Page 4-63 of your legislative budget book, there were some requests for language.
• You can follow along in your legislative budget book on page 6-139.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee revisited the Health and Human Services maintenance budget, which covers the Department of Health and Welfare and the State Independent Living Council. Members debated competing FY 2027 motions that incorporated the fiscal impact of House Bill 863, which reduces residential habilitation provider rates. The substitute motion failed, and the original motion passed on a bipartisan vote, with some members expressing concern about the size of the reshab cut and the absence of funding for ACT teams, peer support, and related behavioral health services. The committee also adopted the standard language from the prior failed maintenance bill. The committee then considered new language directing Health and Welfare to report by year-end on every rule section citing Idaho Code 56-202 as authority, and to justify each rule or identify another statutory basis or repeal it if needed. Members discussed whether the language would interfere with the director’s rulemaking authority; the motion passed after some vote changes. The committee also adopted language for the Department of Water Resources, including filing-fee and ARPA reappropriation provisions, by unanimous consent. Next, the committee approved the Workforce Development Council budget, including consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the council and a budget-neutral transfer among expenditure categories, followed by a separate FY 2026 supplemental reduction for the STEM Action Center and a larger FY 2027 reduction tied to the consolidation. Finally, the committee restored about $980,000 to the Attorney General’s budget from the Consumer Protection Fund. After discussion, the language was revised to remove “continuous appropriation,” and the amended motion passed despite concerns that it would divert dedicated consumer protection money and reduce the general fund ending balance. The committee adjourned after announcing it would meet the next day on public schools and IDLA.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Alex Williamson, budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services Office
• Anybody have any comments or questions for the analysts on any of the previous legislation or motions
• Page 4-63 of your legislative budget book, there were some requests for language.
• You can follow along in your legislative budget book on page 6-139.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee met to revisit the Health and Human Services maintenance budget after the prior appropriation bill failed. Members debated competing FY 2027 budget motions that adjusted the Department of Health and Welfare budget, including reductions tied to House Bill 863’s residential habilitation provider rate changes. One substitute motion to cut the program more deeply failed, while the original motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. Several members voiced concern about the size of the residential habilitation cuts and the absence of funding for ACT teams, peer support, and other services, while others argued the program’s rapid growth and federal funding dependence justified the reductions. The committee also adopted unchanged standard language from the prior bill and approved new language requiring the department to report by year-end on rules citing Idaho Code 56-202 and to justify or repeal any unsupported rule sections. The committee then approved language for the Department of Water Resources, including filing-fee language and reappropriation authority for ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund money, by unanimous consent. It next considered the Workforce Development Council budget, including consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the council and a budget-neutral transfer among expenditure categories; that motion passed. The committee also approved a FY 2026 supplemental reduction for the STEM Action Center and then a FY 2027 reduction that zeroed out the STEM Action Center’s standalone budget in connection with the consolidation, both with do-pass recommendations. Finally, the committee considered language for the Office of the Attorney General restoring about $980,000 from the Consumer Protection Fund. After discussion, members removed “continuous appropriation” wording and replaced it with a regular appropriation for a two-year period. Some members objected that the language would divert dedicated consumer-protection money and reduce general fund reversions, while supporters said it would help cover personnel costs and avoid layoffs. The amended language passed with a do-pass recommendation. The chair then announced the committee would meet the next day to address public schools and IDLA and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the Texas Constitution creates distinct legislative and executive branches of government, the
• Now, I'll tell you, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus has fought for decades to gain an inch of the
• You made those type of arguments during the legislative process, and they didn't work."
• "You made those type of arguments during the legislative process, and they didn't work, okay?
• You can take our power away—legislative power—that's wrong. I want to thank you all for joining us.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be asking for your yes vote. ...recognized legislatively in a fiscally neutral way is incredibly
• I have a very small amount of concern about the number of legislatively recognized days that we have.
• As you know, I represent the 22nd Legislative District, which is home to the state capital, and we'll
• However, this legislation is about reducing the amount of reports. ...amendment.
• We did this through legislation for the Women's Commission, I think, last year or the year before.

Summary: The committee met for its final meeting before cutoff and took executive action on a series of bills and memorials. It first reviewed several measures and amendments, including bills on Washington State Leadership Board fundraising and reporting, campaign finance reporting schedules, public records exemptions for student and employee information, and agency report reductions. Members also discussed amendments that would restore or add reports on topics such as newborn transfers, health plan reporting, clean fuel tax data, instream flows, child morbidity and mortality, and Ecology permitting data, with some amendments adopted and others rejected. The committee then voted on a joint memorial calling for an independent investigation into the killing of Aichner-Ezgi, with members speaking in support of accountability for Americans killed abroad; it passed 5-2. It also approved a bill recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, and a bill related to the state capital campus, both by do-pass recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, concerning public disclosure exemptions for student and employee information, advanced after an amendment to remove Healthy Youth Survey records from the exemption failed. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which reduces agency reporting requirements, passed as amended after some proposed additions to the report list were rejected. The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5840 on campaign finance reporting, adopting an amendment to remove one new report deadline and rejecting another that would have extended the reporting adjustment window from two to three days. Substitute Senate Bill 5825, authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts and grants, passed after an amendment seeking biennial reporting on private funds was rejected. Additional bills on state symbols and veterans’ issues also received do-pass recommendations. Throughout, votes were mostly bipartisan, with some members noting concerns about transparency, reporting burdens, or scope, but the committee ultimately reported all listed measures out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• before we get too far, and then we will be going into the 13th order and trying to pick up as much legislation
• Though it may only apply to one business currently, it is a general piece of legislation.
• One of the things that this legislation will do is provide the opportunity for a new boutique industry
• I appreciate the sponsor bringing forward this legislation.
• of language in this legislation, like it has to be over five acres, that's not really necessary and

Summary: The Senate convened with all 35 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, received committee reports, and heard several introductions and page swearing-in ceremonies. Messages from the Governor and House were read, and multiple bills were advanced through first and second reading, including measures on education civics instruction, irrigation districts, state symbols, county jail prisoner costs, foreign laws, police dogs, hospital districts, driver training, agriculture license plates, and forest products commission procedures. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1254, which amends the Chiropractic Practice Act to clarify that certain certified chiropractors may prescribe limited products such as vitamins, minerals, fluids, and epinephrine for administration in their offices. The Senate also passed House Bill 533, removing the vehicle registration sticker requirement; supporters cited cost savings and modern plate-check technology, while opponents raised law-enforcement concerns. Senate Bill 1258 also passed after debate over a new distillery license for qualifying agricultural producers, with supporters framing it as a rural business and agritourism measure and critics warning about liquor-law carve-outs. The Senate further passed House Bill 502, which moves Idaho Forest Products Commission rules and related provisions into statute, and House Bill 555, a rewrite of solid waste facility law shifting more regulatory authority to the Department of Environmental Quality and updating landfill oversight. Votes on these bills were largely bipartisan, with HB 502 passing unanimously and the others passing by comfortable margins. The chamber then moved to miscellaneous business, announced a deadline for amendments, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, there are more than 400 participants from nearly every legislative district in the state.
• We're so thankful that you are raising your voice and talking to your legislation. ...capital today.
• Legislative proclamation, recognition, and honor of Justice Daffin Barak Irez.
• to... ...acknowledge a guest who's here for the African American Legislative Day.
• Legislative proclamation, Arizona Aerospace Day proclamation.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized several visiting groups at the Capitol, including OBGYNs and trainees for Women’s and Reproductive Health Day, environmental advocates for Environmental Day, Arizona Maha Coalition members, nurses for Arizona Nurses Day, aerospace industry representatives for Aerospace Day, and guests for International Mother Language Day and other district visitors. Several proclamations and recognitions were read, including International Mother Language Day, Arizona Aerospace Day, and a recognition of Israeli Supreme Court Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. The chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day and a newly appointed commissioner, and the President Pro Tem made temporary committee appointments. The main floor business was a Committee of the Whole on several SNAP-related bills. SB 1002, concerning SNAP/TANF public welfare verification, received a floor amendment from Senator Kavanagh and was advanced with a do pass recommendation. SB 1331, relating to SNAP military employment and training, also advanced do pass. SB 1333, relating to a SNAP error rate forensic audit, was amended by the Health and Human Services Committee and advanced do pass after Senator Gonzalez spoke in opposition, arguing the bill did not address the underlying federal error-rate problem and could increase state costs. SB 1334, concerning SNAP work requirement waivers and exemptions, advanced do pass despite Senator Gonzalez’s opposition, in which she argued the bill would restrict Arizona’s flexibility, especially in rural and tribal areas, and could harm older adults and people with disabilities. SB 1368, concerning SNAP purchase restrictions, was then taken up; Senator Gonzalez began speaking in opposition, but the transcript cuts off before the debate or final action on that bill is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank Senator McEwen for support of this legislation, Senator Chapman for his support, and
• The council developed policy recommendations within that strategy for both legislative consideration
• I represent the 19th legislative district, and thank you for hearing this bill.
• I'm Jeff Wilson, representing the 19th legislative district.
• Under this legislation, that maximum term would be increased to 75 years, so Sound Transit could issue

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5690 would require WSDOT to give utility owners advance notice of fish barrier removal and other projects, seek federal funding for those projects when available, and report back to the Legislature; supporters said it would help small utilities plan for costly relocations, while WSDOT said the bill would not achieve its intended effect and that federal reimbursement for these costs is limited. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5746, which would create or continue an advisory process on EV charger infrastructure property crime; the sponsor and supporters said it would help address vandalism and theft affecting charging access, and testimony was overwhelmingly in favor. Senate Bill 5750 would authorize state facilities to charge fees for privately owned EVs using state charging stations and deposit the revenue into the motor vehicle fund; the sponsor said this would make charging costs fairer and recover expenses, with broad support and some questions about whether the policy could be implemented administratively without legislation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6148, which would increase the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years, affecting Sound Transit. Sound Transit and transit advocates argued the longer term would better match debt to long-lived assets, help accelerate construction, and reduce near-term financial pressure without raising taxes, while opponents warned it would increase long-term costs and shift repayment burdens to future generations. Committee members asked about interest costs, asset values, and examples of eligible long-lived projects such as tunnels and bridges. No votes were taken during the hearing, and each bill closed with testimony counts recorded on the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to bless this proceeding and this legislative session with a song, and I'll leave you with
• The impact of this legislation on Washington is ugly. Nearly 300,000...
• Legislation has been introduced to do just that, and we should act on it.
• Tuesday, January 13th, the second legislative day. The House is now adjourned until 11:55 a.m.
• Tuesday, January 13th, the second legislative day.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House convened for the opening day of the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a prayer, and a tribal welcome from Squaxin Island Tribe member Chris Peters and other tribal leaders. Justice Mary Yu administered the oath of office to Representatives Hall, Obras, Thomas, Salahuddin, and Zahn. The Speaker also recognized the service of Justice Yu, the late Senator Bill Ramos, the late Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp, and Trooper Tara Marissa Gooding. The Speaker and Republican leader Stokesbary delivered opening remarks focused on the session’s priorities and challenges, including affordability, taxes, housing, public safety, and the impact of federal policy on Washington. The House adopted several organizational resolutions and motions. House Resolution 4665, notifying the Governor that the House was organized and ready to do business, passed. House Concurrent Resolution 4406, setting the Governor’s address to the Legislature, and House Concurrent Resolution 4407, returning bills and resolutions to the normal process for consideration, both passed. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407, establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session, also passed. The House suspended rules to move various measures, referred introduced bills to committees, and approved House Resolution 4667 adopting the permanent House rules. The Speaker announced committee assignment changes, including new appointments for Representatives Engel, Hall, Parshley, and Zahn, and reminded members of pink slip deadlines. A House delegation then reported back from the Governor’s office, saying he welcomed the Legislature and was ready for the session. The House adjourned until the next day, with a pro forma session and the Governor’s State of the State address scheduled for the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative approval is required before the Comptroller may transfer money from the reserve.
• To the Legislative Budget Board, I was just curious as to why.
• Are there any safeguards you would recommend for this legislation?
• That's a component of this legislation. Originally, I think it was several years...
• Well, we'll see what the parameters are. are in the legislation.

Bills: SB 21 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislation reforming the property tax system and providing relief for Texas property taxpayers.
• , legislation providing for a universal education savings account program, legislation to provide salary
• career and technical education for Texas students, legislation creating the Texas Cyber Command.
• Priority legislation like finally ending property taxes risks failing.
• The county was carved out of Cook County by a legislative act and named in honor of Henry A.

Transcript Highlights:

• . legislators perhaps you those questions. legislators perhaps you can<00:21:01.600><c> weigh</c><00:
• to get legislators at meetings of the council during the legislative session.
• to get legislators at meetings of the council during the legislative session.
• to get legislators at meetings of the council during the legislative session.
• </c><01:41:43.040><c> legislatively</c><01:41:43.679><c> named</c> four legislative legislatively named

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that all legislators should pass that information out.
• of legislation has traveled, we've gone back and forth.
• I am speaking as a legislator. You are a member of the public. You have had your time to speak.
• It is time for the legislators to speak.
• . ...kind of treat them the same way in the same piece of legislation.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Through his package of legislation back in 1991, I'd be willing to bet some of you still had cassette
• Blackwood could get this done by the time we start legislative session next year.
• Blackwood could get this done by the time we start legislative session next year.
• January 1 to March 1, 2008, will be for dispute rules and the legislative progress report.
• But, but, but that's you as a citizen, we're legislators.

Committee: House Labor & Industrial Relations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a workers’ compensation overhaul creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and setting up confidentiality, rulemaking, and penalties. Senator Myers said the bill was meant to modernize a paper-based system, speed injured workers back to care and work, reduce disputes through a more predictable fee schedule, address outliers and abuse, and generate reliable data for future fee-schedule decisions. Representative Melarine then offered a large amendment package combining portions of House Bills 780 and 1101 into SB 408, adding preliminary-determination procedures, changes to benefit durations, fraud language, and a deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached. Supporters said the package would create a more complete reform; opponents argued the additions were rushed, not germane, and would harm injured workers, especially those without lawyers, by adding technical filing burdens and stricter fraud consequences. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment package, then adopted a follow-up amendment removing the word “potential” from a fines provision and deleting the fraud section, and finally reported SB 408 with amendments on a divided vote. Testimony on SB 408 was sharply split. Proponents, including Alton Ashy and Trey Mustian, argued the bill’s transparency and data-collection provisions were the most important part, that the system needs a modern fee schedule, and that the added reforms would help control costs and speed payment. Opponents, including Shannon Lindsay and another injured-worker advocate, said the original bill was a good compromise but the added provisions changed its character and would disadvantage pro se claimants, remove materiality from fraud law, and reduce benefits for seriously injured workers. Committee members also questioned the timeline for the database and fee schedule, the effect of historical data gaps, and whether the reforms would help employers and injured workers alike. The committee ultimately agreed the bill still contained its core goals of faster care, predictable fees, anti-abuse measures, and modernization. The committee then moved to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, a workplace-violence/safety measure for small-box discount retailers. Chasson explained that the bill had been narrowed to require retailers to submit an existing written workforce safety plan, or develop one if they do not already have one, with no penalties attached. The committee adopted a substitute bill incorporating prior amendments. Representative Glorioso noted continuing concerns about civil-liability implications and the duty to protect against third-party criminal acts, but the bill was advanced from committee after the substitute was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm sad to say I don't think that this bill still is good legislating and good legislation.
• </c> this bill still is good legislating this bill still is good legislating and<00:03:39.120><c> good
• </c><00:03:39.320><c> legislation.
• </c> and good legislation. and good legislation.
• </c><00:35:24.440><c> branch</c> that uh we as the legislative branch that uh we as the legislative branch

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you, Madam Chair, for sponsoring this important legislation.
• HB 2254 is agency-request legislation. HB 2254 is agency-request legislation.
• As you know, school districts support this legislation.
• We appreciate the work that's been done over this last year and the legislature's legislation.
• We urge you... ...we solve our differences at the bargaining table and not through legislation.

Summary: The committee opened with a public hearing on Senate Bill 5808, a proposal to require nonprofit health carriers with “excess surplus” to pay 10% of that surplus into the state health care affordability account for Cascade Care Savings. Committee staff said the bill could generate about $330 million one time in 2027, while the Office of Insurance Commissioner would have implementation costs. Supporters argued the bill would redirect consumer premium dollars to help people afford coverage, while opponents from health plans said reserves are needed for solvency, claims, and capital needs and warned the bill would destabilize nonprofit insurers. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2254, which would let the Partnership Access Line assessment cover administrative costs; HCA and Seattle Children’s supported it as a technical fix that saves general fund dollars, and a child psychiatrist asked that savings be reinvested in behavioral health services. House Bill 2385, which extends deadlines for the Medicaid Access Program because of federal restrictions on new provider taxes, also drew support from provider groups seeking future Medicaid rate increases. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 6286, which would increase fines on private detention facilities that deny Department of Health inspections and dedicate the fines to an account for community repair and assistance to harmed individuals and families. Supporters, including Tacoma’s mayor and family members affected by detention, framed the bill as an accountability measure; fiscal staff estimated Department of Health costs of about $395,000 in the 2025-27 biennium. Senate Bill 6006 would exempt food banks from sales tax on certain services enacted last session, with food bank and tribal representatives saying the savings would go directly to food and operations. Senate Bill 6351 would create exemptions from the new sales tax on live presentations for before- and after-school care, arts and cultural nonprofit classes, and K-12 school purchases; school districts, arts groups, and PTA representatives supported it, while asking for clarifying language and broader nonprofit exemptions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1717 would let cities and counties create local sales tax remittance programs for affordable housing projects, and housing builders, Habitat affiliates, counties, and city officials supported it as a local tool to lower development costs. In executive session, the committee received briefings on several tax and spending bills and then voted to advance multiple measures. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 5949, which narrows a B&O tax exemption related to insurance premiums; a proposed retroactivity-removing amendment failed. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 6129 on cigarette, tobacco, and nicotine taxes after rejecting several amendments, including proposals to study the tax policy or replace the bill with illicit-market enforcement language. The committee also passed Senate Bill 6228 repealing a preferential B&O rate for prescription drug resellers, Senate Bill 6231 repealing data center sales tax exemptions, and Second Substitute Senate Bill 5965, which retained a bag-fee approach rather than a full ban after adopting an amendment. The committee then returned to public hearing and began testimony on Senate Bill 6353, a major Working Connections Child Care bill that would keep income eligibility at 60% of state median income, lower the provider rate target from the 85th to the 75th percentile, and make other program changes; the briefing was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, next up, anyone opposed to this piece of legislation?
• All right, next up, anyone opposed to this piece of legislation?
• So this legislation would impose a 15% cap on the ability to, So this legislation would impose a 15%
• That is not this legislation.
• I'm here to support the legislation today, and I think it's common sense legislation.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, the legislative session just started yesterday.
• So it sounds like you're thinking maybe prepare legislation for the next legislative session.
• , hopefully this legislative session.
• hopefully this legislative session wonderful thank you mr.
• For one, it's our duty at the Legislature to come up with legislation.

Committee: Senate Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee of Reference

Keywords: 1182, all