Video & Transcript : 'screening assessments' :
Page 410 of 500
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So the purpose will be to assess alternative power solutions, assess the feasibility of establishing
- emergency hubs, develop contingency plans and training to maintain school operations during outages, assess
- So the purpose will be to assess alternative power solutions, assess the feasibility of establishing
- The purpose will be to assess alternative power solutions, assess the feasibility of establishing regional
- Outages, assess fire safety measures, and develop accommodations for electricity-dependent students and
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later.
The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> the</c><02:03:22.960><c> issue</c><02:03:23.280><c> came</c><02:03:23.520><c> if</c> do an assessment
- so the issue came if do an assessment so the issue came if you<02:03:23.760><c> did</c><02:03:23.960
- By putting that money in there, if there is an assessment, then they have the money.
- By putting that money in there, if there is an assessment, then they have the money.
- then they have if there is an assessment then they have the<02:09:59.360><c> money</c><02:09:59.800>
Committee:
Senate Finance
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The concerns we have with this bill really is an assessment of the cost to the university, especially
- All the environmental assessment has been done by the company, and so it’s been handed over, and DLNR
- All the environmental assessment has been done by the company, and so it’s been handed over, and DLNR
- All the environmental assessment has been done by the company, and so it’s been handed over, and DLNR
- All the environmental assessment has been done by the company, and so it’s been handed over, and DLNR
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Bachman Hall and heard testimony on several UH-related bills. HB 542 would expand the Hawaiʻi Promise Program to provide unmet-need scholarships at four-year UH campuses. UH system officials, the UH Student Caucus, and a Honolulu Community College student testified in support, emphasizing college affordability, student retention, and workforce needs. Committee members asked about current program data, eligibility, transfer patterns, and cost; UH said it had data available, noted about 10% of current Hawaiʻi Promise students transfer to four-year campuses, and estimated the full expansion would cost about $12 million. UH also suggested a possible alternative of focusing on transfer opportunities from two-year to four-year campuses.
The committee then heard HB 840, which concerns athletics appropriations for UH. UH Mānoa and UH Hilo supported the bill. UH officials said the funding would help cover recurring athletics operating costs, women’s sports travel and recruiting, Austin Awards, and a new nutrition fueling station, while Hilo said the money would help with travel, per diem, and conference-related costs. Members asked about the history of the athletics funding, the difference between Austin Awards and special talent waivers, NIL planning, and whether the appropriation should be restored to the base budget. UH explained that a $4 million athletics appropriation was originally made in 2018 or 2019, later removed from the base, and has been reappropriated annually since then.
Finally, the committee heard HB 842, which would fund three additional permanent mental health practitioner positions at UH Mānoa’s Counseling and Student Development Center. UH supported the bill, and Academic Labor United and a high school student testified in favor, citing student stress, overwork, and the need for more counseling access. In questions, members discussed the current counselor-to-student ratio, recruitment challenges in a tight labor market, and strategies for hiring, including looking at candidates on soft-money grants who may be seeking stable employment. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Meanwhile, the White House is assessing ways to, quote, persuade women to have more children.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- That means take the person from the hospital to their home, do an assessment of the home, and schedule
- </c><00:25:25.200><c> of</c><00:25:25.280><c> the</c> to their home, do an assessment of the to their
- But I share your assessment of the importance of it.
- </c><01:01:40.160><c> I</c> assessment of the importance of it.
- I assessment of the importance of it.
Committee:
Joint Health Services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, what's your assessment of that if uh if folks have to spend longer times or more often doing it,
- So, what's your assessment of that if uh if folks have to spend longer times or more often doing it,
- So, what's your assessment of that if uh if folks have to spend longer times or more often doing it,
- So besides the environmental assessments and reviews, we make sure that there's an actual need for the
- So besides the environmental assessments and reviews, we make sure that there's an actual need for the
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/04/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- just wanted to point out is the requirement that law enforcement officers complete a lethality assessment
- just wanted to point out is the requirement that law enforcement officers complete a lethality assessment
- </c> lethality assessment uh program form. lethality assessment uh program form. um<01:38:16.320><c>
- The assessment tool has proven to be a good product.
- The assessment tool has proven to be a good product.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- And I did some analysis of the recent statewide assessment charters versus district, and they're remarkably
- And I did some analysis of the recent statewide assessment charters versus district, and they're remarkably
- And I did some analysis of the recent statewide assessment charters versus district, and they're remarkably
- And I did some analysis of the recent statewide assessment charters versus district, and they're remarkably
- And I did some analysis of the recent statewide assessment charters versus district, and they're remarkably
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334.
The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, in reference to current assessment scores, uh, we—this is literally last week we did our baseline
- assessments.
- </c><01:05:01.280><c> So</c><01:05:01.440><c> these</c><01:05:01.760><c> this</c> our baseline assessments
- So these this our baseline assessments.
- and we give come and doing assessments and we give that<01:16:08.000><c> parent</c><01:16:08.239><c>
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement.
Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy.
Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Our mobile response team in this year has seen a significant increase of assessments.
- Our mobile response team this year has seen a significant increase in assessments.
- </c> significant increase of Assessments significant increase of Assessments we've<00:21:11.000><c> done
- and installations and vehicle assessments and installations.
- and installations and vehicle assessments and installations.
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (7-8-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that a fair assessment?
- Is that a fair assessment?
- Is that a fair assessment?
- Is that a fair assessment?
- Is that a fair assessment? agreement. Is that a fair assessment?
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its May 21 and June 10 meetings, then heard testimony from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General on the effect of HB 314 on the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) board. The Attorney General’s representative said HB 314 changed KCNA’s structure and staffing, but did not alter the statutory duties of the board, which still include developing and implementing strategic plans, providing policy direction, monitoring results, and approving fiscal planning. He argued the board is not merely advisory, has operational and budget authority, and that actions taken outside board approval could be ultra vires and without effect. He also noted the board historically approved settlements and contracts, including matters involving Open Fiber, and said the removal of the executive director position reduced direct personnel control but did not eliminate the board’s broader oversight.
The committee then heard from representatives of Kentucky Managed Technical Services/LTS, who described a dispute over the Kentucky Wired network refresh and service-provider transition. They said the project agreement required a market test and acceptance of a proposal for both the network refresh and service-provider role, but that their proposals were rejected and the refresh work was later treated by the parties as a change order issue. They said some equipment worth about $3 million had been delivered, transferred, and paid for, while roughly $7 million in additional equipment was canceled by LTS but reportedly shipped to a KCNA warehouse and not paid for. They also said no refresh installation work has been performed, that they continue providing network maintenance to avoid service disruption, but believe the contract has expired and that there is no current agreement for ongoing service-provider work.
Committee members asked whether actions taken without board approval would be invalid, whether the board could alter or terminate contractor arrangements, whether the bond disclosures suggesting a successful contract extension were accurate, and what equipment had been purchased or remained in storage. LTS representatives said they would follow up with the committee on the financial delta between the contracted rate and the month-to-month billing they say has been in effect since the contract expired, and on an inventory of in-service equipment and end-of-life dates. They said they want a commercial resolution, but if no resolution is reached soon they may pursue the formal contractual dispute process, and identified September 1 as their stated target date for resolving the matter and completing the refresh.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- > provides</c><00:12:15.120><c> an</c> Uh, the language provides that an individualized nursing assessment
- an Uh the language provides that an individualized<00:12:33.839><c> nursing</c><00:12:34.120><c> assessment
- </c> individualized nursing assessment individualized nursing assessment recognize<00:12:35.320><c> that
- 12:48.839><c> resident's</c> strategies to meet the resident's strategies to meet the resident's assessed
- </c> assessed needs. assessed needs.
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-LAB Joint Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- that there would be a an opportunity so that there would be a an opportunity to<00:25:19.840><c> assess
- 25:20.800><c> of</c><00:25:20.960><c> like</c><00:25:21.160><c> a</c><00:25:21.240><c> high</c> to assess
- the cost of like a high to assess the cost of like a high renewable<00:25:22.480><c> deployment</c><
- Like, I'm just not sure that, from your assessment as an expert on these matters, what's your take on
- as an expert on these assessment as an expert on these matters,<01:12:36.920><c> like</c><01:12:37.040
Bills:
SB3326
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Labor heard SB 3326, a bill concerning a study of separating transmission from generation in Hawaii’s electric system. Testimony was largely opposed. Life of the Land argued that true separation on an isolated island grid has not been shown to work anywhere and said the bill would waste taxpayer money. Hawaiian Electric and the Public Utilities Commission also opposed the measure, saying Hawaii already uses competitive bidding for new generation, that the bill would add cost, complexity, and reliability risks, and that a new study would duplicate prior work. In response to questions, the PUC explained its existing competitive bidding framework and said it had not seen an island system fully restructure in this way. The chair then amended the bill’s intent to require the PUC to open a proceeding for an independent, comprehensive analysis of the state’s energy pathways, including cost reduction, financial risk, state energy goals, and reliability, rather than narrowly focusing on separation. Both committees voted to pass SB 3326 SD2 with amendments, with the Energy committee adopting the recommendation unanimously and the Labor committee adopting it with one reservation and two no votes.
The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee then took up SB 2497 SD2, which would require electric utilities other than cooperatives to provide transparent, publicly accessible customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the PUC. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the PUC offered comments, with the PUC supporting the intent. Life of the Land said the proposed disclosure requirements would be too complex for most ratepayers to use meaningfully, while Hawaiian Electric said the bill could raise costs and slow projects, though it acknowledged some of the language changes and said much of the information is already available through existing planning and regulatory processes. Hawaii Clean Power Alliance and one individual testified in support. No vote was taken on SB 2497 SD2 during the excerpt.
The committee also heard SB 3183 SD2, which would bar higher-income taxpayers from claiming the renewable energy technologies income tax credit for certain residential solar systems and would change refundability rules. The Department of Taxation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Tax Foundation offered comments, while the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and numerous companies and individuals opposed the bill. Opponents raised concerns about impacts on financing models and the solar market. Members asked the Department of Taxation for data on how credits are claimed by homeowners versus third-party owners and on the refundability of the credit; the department said it did not have the information immediately available but would follow up. The chair indicated decision-making would likely be deferred to allow further review, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- One, an industry-recognized credential; two, foundational academic skills assessment; three, career and
- One, an industry-recognized credential; two, foundational academic skills assessment; three, career and
- One, an industry-recognized credential; two, foundational academic skills assessment; three, career and
- One, an industry-recognized credential; two, foundational academic skills assessment; three, career and
- , three, career and skills assessment, three, career and technical<00:45:54.560><c> education</c><00:
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- He then moved to what the Workforce Development Fund is: a special assessment levied at a rate of 0.1%
- He said the assessment is collected quarterly, so it can fluctuate.
- He said the note says it is a 0.1% per year assessment on all taxable wages.
- McKinnon thanked the chair for pointing that out and clarified that the assessment is 0.1% of taxable
- That is what the assessment would be on those wages. Yep. Okay.
Bills:
HF2440
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/13/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- use; the task force on pregnancy health and substance use disorders; the transportation impact assessment
- use; the task force on pregnancy health and substance use disorders; the transportation impact assessment
- use; the task force on pregnancy health and substance use disorders; the transportation impact assessment
- use; the task force on pregnancy health and substance use disorders; the transportation impact assessment
- use; the task force on pregnancy health and substance use disorders; the transportation impact assessment
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation committee considers bills aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service 2/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- additional background for members that may not be as familiar, from the 2024 Northstar extension assessment
- <00:06:47.440><c> extension</c> from the 2024 norstar extension from the 2024 norstar extension assessment
- study that came out last year assessment study that came out last year norstar<00:06:51.759><c> commuter
- The M.A.D. assessment study also does not address project viability or feasibility.
- study also does today the Mad assessment study also does not<00:09:51.360><c> address</c><00:09:52.040
Summary:
The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once.
Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor.
Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- It prohibits the assessment of any fees... Thank you, Chair. Thank you.
- It prohibits the assessment of any fees...
- It prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who is adjudicated for
- minority or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed
- the extent of the damage and assess the extent of the damage and determine<01:34:02.679><c> if</c><01
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies.
The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted.
For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JT Business, Trade & Economic Development w/State Government & Tribal Relations Jul 22nd, 2026 at 03:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- procedures, including identity verification, source of funds, wealth reviews, financial suitability assessments
- procedures, including identity verification, source of funds, wealth reviews, financial suitability assessments
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JT Business, Trade & Economic Development w/State Government & Tribal Relations Jul 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- procedures, including identity verification, source-of-funds, wealth reviews, financial suitability assessments
- procedures, including identity verification, source-of-funds, wealth reviews, financial suitability assessments
Summary:
A joint hearing of the Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee reviewed tentative tribal-state compact amendments involving the Tulalip Tribes and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact approval process under IGRA and said the commission and ex officio legislators would take public comment and vote at an August 28 special meeting on whether to forward the agreements to the governor or send them back for further negotiation. The amendments would not take effect until published in the Federal Register.
Tulalip Chairman Hazen Chappell testified in support of the Tulalip restated compact, describing tribal gaming as a governmental enterprise that funds health care, education, housing, elder services, public safety, natural resources, and other services. He said the tribe has employed more than 3,000 people, contributed over $113 million to charities and community programs since 1993, and continues to emphasize responsible gaming and regulatory cooperation. Commission staff said the Tulalip restatement consolidates 12 prior amendments, updates appendices and definitions, adds new appendices, removes some older provisions, and includes higher wager limits, jackpot sharing, and an option to increase player terminal allocations.
Cowlitz Chairman William Ayala and Ilani Casino President Kara Fox LaRose presented the tribe’s sixth compact amendment. They highlighted the tribe’s history, community investments, education and elder programs, language revitalization, public safety support, and more than $35 million in foundation contributions since 2017. The proposed Cowlitz amendment would raise wager limits up to $1,000, create a special higher-limit player process with due diligence and responsible gaming safeguards, enhance signage and marketing requirements, allow temporary gaming areas, and adjust TLS ticket pricing when the state lottery raises ticket prices. Committee members asked about self-exclusion and credit practices; Cowlitz officials said hundreds of people have used the self-exclusion program and that higher-limit play is tied to front money or a $100,000 minimum credit line. No votes were taken at the hearing.