Transcript Highlights:

• I would have to do some research on that and get back to you.
• I would have to do some research on that and get back to you.
• Yes, I'm not sure if the condo owner in that situation can assign anything, but I can research that and

Bills: SB5831 , SB6031 , SB6178 , SB5928 , SB5919

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime prevention, penalties, SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured

Transcript Highlights:

• I would have to do some research on that and get back to you.
• I would have to do some research on that and get back to you.
• Yes, I'm not sure if the condo owner in that situation can assign anything, but I can research that and

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on an amended and restated tribal-state gaming compact with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact amendment process and said the restatement consolidates six prior amendments, updates several appendices, and adds new provisions including high-limit room options and electronic table games. Squaxin Island representatives said the changes clarify the existing compact, improve casino regulation and management, and support tribal economic development and community services. Committee members expressed support, and the compact will next go through additional commission and legislative review before possible governor approval. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5831, which enacts the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure creates safe harbors for common mortgage modifications, clarifies when modifications must be recorded, and preserves the priority of modified mortgages in foreclosure without preempting other mortgage or lending laws. A Uniform Law Commission representative testified that the bill would advance protections by reducing uncertainty and costly attorney opinion requirements. There was no opposition testimony, and the public hearing closed without a vote. Senate Bill 6178, requested by the Insurance Commissioner, would prohibit contractors and others from soliciting or requiring post-loss assignments of property insurance benefits from insureds, making such agreements void and enforceable by the commissioner with civil penalties. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner, and several supporters said the bill would protect homeowners after disasters from losing control of their claims and help prevent contractor abuse; a consumer attorney, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also supported it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6031, which expands and modernizes the state’s insurance fraud laws, classifies insurance fraud as a Class B felony, broadens reporting and investigative authority, and extends the fraud program to related crimes affecting insurers and consumers. The Insurance Commissioner, anti-fraud groups, and industry representatives supported the bill, while the Washington Society of CPAs said concerns about CPA language would be addressed by amendment. After public hearings, the committee moved to executive session, adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5928, and voted do-pass recommendations for SB 5928 as amended and SB 5919, sending both to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• quite a number of... several multiple bills that have the endorsement of this committee based on the research
• You'll get to a section called research agenda.
• The research agenda does essentially outline the things we told you we were going to do in our work plan

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know by research that our military families and children experience a higher stress level due to the
• We actually can see through research that children who are part of military families have higher rates
• We know from research that military families experience higher levels of stress due to military demands

Summary: The Early Learning & Human Services Committee held public hearings on several child care and disability-related bills. House Bill 2317 would exempt certain ECAP and Head Start programs from DCYF licensing when they operate part-day or school-day in public school buildings or on public school property. Staff and the prime sponsor said the bill would remove duplicative licensing barriers and help expand preschool seats, especially as Washington prepares to add more ECAP slots. Testifiers from Head Start, school-linked providers, and the Washington Federation of Independent Schools supported the bill, describing licensing delays, added costs, and lost classroom time; no one testified in opposition. The committee also heard House Bill 2099, which would expand ECAP access for military families with incomes up to Working Connections Child Care limits and adjust prioritization for families with deployed or single custodial military parents. The prime sponsor and multiple supporters, including retired military leaders, Head Start/ECAP advocates, ESD staff, and a military-community partnership, said military families face frequent moves, deployment-related strain, and child care shortages that affect readiness and family stability. Testifiers said the bill would help families access care without changing the program’s low-income focus or adding state cost. House Bill 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and family members when a residential habilitation center is found out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to provide follow-up notices on correction and enforcement actions. The sponsor said the bill responds to limited communication around recent noncompliance issues at Rainier School and would improve transparency; DSHS had requested a narrow amendment about how notice is provided to residents. Disability rights advocates strongly supported the bill, saying families need timely information to protect loved ones and make informed decisions. Finally, House Bill 2318 would let ECAP and Head Start children count toward the 5% subsidy participation threshold needed for Early Achievers quality improvement awards. Supporters said the current rule can discourage providers from enrolling ECAP children because it risks losing an award, even though ECAP already requires Early Achievers participation. The sponsor and testifiers described the bill as a small fix to reduce a funding disincentive for providers serving high-need children. The committee took no votes and adjourned after closing the hearings on all four bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And OPR is the Office of Program Research, nonpartisan staff. Perfect. Thank you. Ms. Lewis.
• Rebecca Lewis, research analyst for this committee, and I have been with OPR for about 15 years and this
• I work for the Office of Program Research, and I’m a session committee aide.

Bills: HB2238 , HB1311 , HB1608 , HB1735 , HB1825 , HB1976 , HB2062

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum, BIPOC, tribal consultation, small farmers, diet-related health disparities, food affordability

Transcript Highlights:

• Our interviews and research revealed three commonly mentioned reasons why courts statewide might not
• Our interviews and research revealed three commonly mentioned reasons why courts statewide might not
• several challenges that contribute to low collection rates statewide through our interviews and research

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• etc., establishes certain notification and reporting requirements concerning pilot programs that research
• etc., establishes certain notification and reporting requirements concerning pilot programs that research
• etc., establishes certain notification and reporting requirements concerning pilot programs that research

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While effective, the current California CPS law contains elements that must better align with research-based
• Research findings support these proposed changes, indicating that they can increase understanding among
• Pacific American Education Commission, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Scripps Research

Summary: The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members also made several guest introductions and memorial recognitions, including tributes to labor leader Louisa Blue and a Memorial Day moment of silence. The body adopted a motion to suspend Assembly Rule 63 for certain Appropriations Committee bills, and later took up a second-day consent calendar and several resolutions. The chamber adopted ACR 68, declaring July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month, and ACR 83, proclaiming California Maritime Day; both received broad support. On the floor file, members passed a series of bills covering child passenger safety, student financial aid, downtown office-to-housing conversion districts, rental vehicle theft prevention, fire hazard zone reviews, medical data protections, UC admissions transparency, office-to-housing streamlining, inoperable RV removal, domestic violence and child welfare, insurance classification for social service workers, sustainable aviation fuel CEQA review, UC hiring background checks, accessory dwelling units, fish and wildlife exemptions for Sutter County infrastructure, speed limit assessments, geothermal permitting, special education transfers, recorder fee adjustments, and a BIT program exemption for farmers and ranchers. Most measures passed with little or no opposition. AB 435, which would have implemented a five-step test standard for child passenger safety laws, was later reconsidered and failed on a vote of 36-12 after the call was lifted. The Assembly also adopted the second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, and added co-authors to several resolutions. The session ended with adjournments in memory and an adjournment until Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rule will need to be researched, a process created, then the rule will need to be written with drafts
• letter ruling program, including devoting significant legal and policy resources to create a process, research
• fee amount would cover the actual costs incurred in hiring additional experienced tax attorneys to research

Bills: HF2048 , HF2360 , HF2006 , HF950 , HF912 , HF3140 , HF2931

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: individual income tax, retirement contributions, tax corrections, annuity contracts, tax year attribution, tax credit, economic development, community investment, data disclosure, Minnesota regulations, tax increment financing, municipal authority, job creation, transferred increment, public hearing, nonresident employees, income tax exemption, Minnesota taxation, employment duties, tax withholding

Transcript Highlights:

• members we have serving in the House of individuals that have conducted themselves and done the research
• The House of individuals that have conducted themselves and done the research to make sure that we are
• accountable to you, and I'm trying to be accountable to you, my friends, to let you know that I've done my research

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• Review is rigorously researched by Sunset Review staff who then create a list of recommendations that
• Each agency under review is rigorously researched by the Sunset Commission. review staff who then creates
• Each agency under review is rigorously researched by the Sunset Review staff who then create a list of

Bills: HB1520 , HB1525 , HB1530 , HB1535 , HB2068 , HB2091 , HB2347 , HB2372 , HB2805 , HB2815 , HB2867 , HB3154 , HB3482 , HB3483 , HB3663 , HB3781 , HB3901 , HB3915 , HB4135 , HB4153 , HB4158 , HB4329 , HB4331

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep, do you have any data or research from other states demonstrating that autonomous practice of CRNAs
• Research shows that 1,440 lives could have been saved between 2012 and 2017 if those children had received
• top universities, children's hospitals, and industry experts to collaborate and coordinate their research

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard a lengthy agenda of health care and public health bills. The first major item was HB 649, which would remove the paper supervision protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and allow autonomous practice. The sponsor and supporters argued it would improve access, especially in rural areas, address workforce shortages, and reduce costs, while opponents from the medical community raised patient safety concerns and argued it would weaken physician oversight. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a vote of 18-7. The committee then unanimously advanced several other measures. HB 259, creating a special observance for fentanyl awareness and education, passed 23-0. HB 791, which codifies infant safety devices as an option for surrendering newborns and amends safe-haven law, passed as amended 25-0. HB 355, allowing schools to use FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonists rather than only naloxone, passed 26-0. HB 1119, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric readiness policies, training, coordination, and assessment requirements, also passed 26-0 after two amendments. HB 431, changing the date for level-two background screening of athletic coaches to July 1, 2026, passed 26-0. Later, the committee approved CS for HB 907, the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases or “Sunshine Genetics Act,” which would establish an opt-in newborn genome sequencing program at FSU and a statewide consortium for rare disease research; supporters emphasized earlier diagnosis and cost savings, and the bill passed 25-0. CS for HB 519, aligning state law with federal law on controlled substances for paramedics, passed 25-0. Finally, CS for HB 723, requiring the Department of Health to provide early-detection materials for type 1 diabetes to families of young schoolchildren, passed as amended 26-0. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research shows that teachers are the most important school-related factor influencing student outcomes
• To my knowledge, we don't have statewide survey data on that, but we do have national research.
• As part of our own research, we have often had to create IPA requests in order to have access to data

Committee: House House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• , the tremendous amounts of research, of thousands of pieces of research that go into preparing for an
• They do my research, they file my bills, they do—they just take care of so much.
• I would need to research that, though, Senator Polsky, and get an answer for you.
• So here's my question that I'm happy for you to research.
• House Bill 327, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the uterine fibroid research database.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations. The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the tremendous amounts of research, of thousands of pieces of research that go into preparing for an
• They do my research, they file my bills, they do—they just take care of so much.
• So here's my question that I'm happy for you to research.
• House Bill 327, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the uterine fibroid research database.
• House Bill 327, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the uterine fibroid research database.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the research, the tremendous amounts of research, of thousands of pieces of research that go into
• I would need to research that, though, Senator Polsky, and get an answer for you.
• So here's my question that I'm happy for you to research.
• House Bill 327, a bill to be entitled: An act relating to the uterine fibroid research database.
• House Bill 327, a bill to be entitled: An act relating to the uterine fibroid research database.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and a moment of silence honoring service members killed in the conflict in Iran, including Florida native Captain Cody Cork. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar, taking up several bills on education, public safety, insurance, health, and local government policy. Many measures were accompanied by sponsor explanations and supportive remarks from members, often emphasizing constituent impacts, public safety, and administrative efficiency. The first major bill, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, was expanded through a delete-all amendment and passed 37-0 after extensive floor debate praising debate programs as a civic and educational tool. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office; an amendment clarified that criticism of Israel is not prohibited, and the bill passed 37-0. SB 1230/HB 1019 addressed PFAS “forever chemicals,” especially in firefighting foam, with phase-outs, testing, enforcement, and exceptions for certain federal, military, and emergency uses; it also passed 37-0 and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. SB 1706 expanded the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with tighter eligibility rules, and SB 186 required broader seizure-response training and seizure action plans in schools; both passed unanimously. The Senate also approved SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining foster care medication and oversight procedures, SB 684 easing electronic signature requirements for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, and SB 778 revising forensic client services for certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 432, SB 928, and SB 620. Most of these measures passed by votes of 36-0 or 37-0 after brief debate or no debate. The most contentious item was SB 1134 on official actions of local governments related to DEI. The sponsor argued the bill would stop taxpayer funding and promotion of discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several counties and cities. Multiple amendments sought to narrow penalties, protect good-faith officials, and preserve local proclamations and observances, including LGBTQ Pride Month and other cultural events, but those amendments were rejected. Debate centered on vagueness, local discretion, and whether the bill would chill legitimate government activity. The transcript cuts off during questioning on the underlying bill, before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I gave city council and research a detailed list with descriptions.
• So I gave U city<00:37:43.040><c> council</c><00:37:43.599><c> and</c><00:37:43.760><c> research</c><
• 00:37:44.320><c> a</c><00:37:44.560><c> detailed</c> city council and research a detailed city council
• and research a detailed list<00:37:45.440><c> with</c><00:37:45.760><c> descriptions.
• I'm the research and policy director at Freshwater.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These public health programs that are out there, that are doing research, that are talking to people,
• </c><00:15:32.240><c> that</c><00:15:32.399><c> are</c> there that are doing research that are there
• get rid of researchers, and then they came for the CDC.
• and we had to get rid of research and we had to get rid of researchers<00:23:58.000><c> and</c><00:23
• </c><00:24:36.400><c> and</c> which stopped critical research and which stopped critical research and

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :43:16.640><c> subset</c><00:43:17.040><c> of</c> research into a small subset of research into a small
• </c><00:43:57.839><c> showing</c> aligning with research showing aligning with research showing attentional
• Research tells us that domestic violence homicides often follow clear warning signs.
• It is informed by peer-reviewed research and best practices implemented in our state.
• It is informed by peer-reviewed research and best practices implemented in our state.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimonials from users and research findings show significant improvements in clinical outcomes for
• The research is currently under peer review with the journal Internet Interventions, a multidisciplinary
• The researchers at Northwestern found that Soluna participants experienced statistically significant
• The resources requested are needed to complete extensive research and analysis of transitional housing
• Our primary tools are data and policy research, program evaluation, grantmaking, technical assistance

Summary: The hearing focused first on behavioral health, especially serious mental illness and anosognosia, a condition described by witnesses as a neurological symptom that prevents people from recognizing they are ill. The chair framed the issue around families cycling through emergency rooms, jails, conservatorships, and short-term stabilization without lasting treatment, and warned that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce Medi-Cal funding and worsen access. Dawn Marie Anderson gave a personal account of her son’s long history of psychosis, homelessness, arrests, repeated jail and state hospital stays, and eventual stability when he received sustained medication and coordinated support. She argued that the system often treats the problem as criminal rather than medical and that voluntary programs and short-term services are not enough for people who lack insight into their illness. Other panelists, including representatives from the California Behavioral Health Association, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, agreed that anosognosia is not denial or noncompliance and said the system needs long-term, coordinated care, including assertive community treatment, mobile crisis, supportive housing, medication support, and stronger handoffs between county and managed care systems. They said CalAIM and other reforms have improved some coordination, but significant gaps remain, especially for people with serious mental illness, for those in jail or locked settings, and for people with private insurance, which witnesses said often offers little meaningful coverage for early psychosis or intensive behavioral health services. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to protect Medi-Cal, shore up county safety-net services, and invest in training and family engagement. The committee then turned to the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, with a focus on the virtual services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna and the CYBHI fee schedule. DHCS reported strong growth in app registrations, coaching sessions, referrals, and positive user outcomes, saying the platforms provide free, culturally responsive, early-intervention support statewide and help connect users to higher levels of care when needed. On the fee schedule, DHCS said more than 500 LEAs, colleges, universities, and school-linked providers are participating, 181 LEAs have submitted claims, and $9.6 million has been reimbursed to date, with 41,556 students represented in claims. The chair and several members criticized the pace of implementation and the amount of money spent relative to reimbursement levels, saying the Legislature had requested data earlier and that the return on investment still appeared low. DHCS responded that many claims are still being submitted, that 70% of denials are correctable, that $400 million in capacity grants has been distributed locally, and that reimbursement is increasing rapidly as more districts come online. Public comment included a rural county behavioral health director who said private insurance denials leave counties with significant uncompensated work, especially for unlicensed staff providing case management and mobile crisis services.