Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also authorizes a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, which will enable the development
• I know that you've seen ANF before, along with our colleagues from housing and economic development.
• We develop plumbing codes, mechanical codes, and water efficiency standards.
• The witness continued that the indoor air quality bill would create a statewide task force to develop
• However, before we can develop major recycling reforms similar to what seven other states, including

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on S.2542, the Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at climate resilience, water infrastructure, conservation, and related permitting reforms. Secretary Rebecca Tepper and administration officials described the bill’s major investments in flood control, coastal resilience, DCR roads/bridges/dams and parks, drinking water and wastewater upgrades, PFAS remediation, land conservation, food security infrastructure, and expanded Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness funding. They also explained proposed streamlining measures for environmental permitting, flood risk disclosures, a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, and a new Resilience Revolving Fund to provide low-cost financing for municipal resilience projects. Committee members asked about affordability, useful life of projects, how the revolving fund would be capitalized, and how the bill would help communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, and coastal towns; officials said the fund would initially use existing trust resources, not new fees, and could later support special obligation bonds once it has a track record. Several witnesses supported the bill but urged larger authorizations or additional provisions. Boston Harbor Now asked for more funding for MVP and the state’s resilient coast plan, and supported permitting reforms for nature-based and hybrid solutions. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance urged inclusion of drought-management language from separate bills, plus a statewide flood buyout program and a water reuse commission. Green Roots called for dedicated funding for outdoor and indoor air quality monitoring and indoor air quality improvements, especially in environmental justice communities affected by traffic and airport pollution. Conservation and forestry advocates requested more funding for urban tree canopy, local nurseries, and workforce training, while also raising concerns about PFAS impacts and the need for clearer municipal reforestation language. Agriculture and water infrastructure groups focused on food security and drinking water needs. The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership and the Mass Food System Collaborative backed the food security infrastructure grant program and farmland protection funding, warning that the program needs continued support in fiscal 2027 and that farmland loss is accelerating. The Massachusetts Waterworks Association said the bill does not go far enough on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, citing large statewide capital needs and PFAS compliance costs, and asked for recurring funding and broader eligibility for climate resilience grants. A Product Stewardship Council representative also urged funding for a waste reduction needs assessment, citing growing landfill constraints and rising disposal costs. No votes were taken during the hearing."}{

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm very focused on revenues, generating revenues, and creating economic development here.
• Applicants work with the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, GoBiz, to develop and
• Cal Competes is one of California's most effective economic development tools.
• Vehicle-based entity that's involved in nuclear fusion development.
• It will also authorize CDPH and CDTFA to develop additional regulations should they need them for the

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue-related bills. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, and utility costs. Supporters argued it would help families struggling with affordability, while opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and CTA members, said California’s tax system already provides relief and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenue and harm schools. After extended debate, the bill was put on call and later failed on a 1-4 vote, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1287, by Senator Retado, would create a performance-based tax credit for short-line rail investments; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural access, while opponents preferred direct grants. The bill was placed on call and later passed 5-0 to Transportation. SB 1407, by Senator Archuleta, would exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state taxes; the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The bill passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1349, by Senator Gonzalez, would direct the LAO to review major tax expenditures for effectiveness and impacts on schools and the budget; CTA and CTRA supported it as a way to increase accountability, and it passed 4-1 to Governmental Organization. SB 1120, by Senator McNerney, would extend the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and make credits refundable for certain strategic industries; business and industry witnesses said this would help startups and manufacturers monetize credits and attract investment, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1275, also by Senator McNerney, proposed converting the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden; the LAO provided technical testimony, and the bill passed 4-0 to Transportation. The committee also heard SB 1078, by Senator Laird, to let Santa Cruz County voters consider a temporary local tax increase for health and safety-net services, but it was put on call. Later, the committee returned to SB 1314, by Senator Min, addressing youth tobacco and illicit smoke shop sales, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• They went through this process themselves, found it to be adversarial and broken, and so they developed
• It's a model of how resilience develops.
• So the theory of change ultimately boils down to the community development side, right? That's...
• I'm an extension engagement/community development specialist.
• And it's some of the buckets—we call them buckets at MU—that we use to define community development or

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• accreditation purposes was removed; the requirement for state colleges and state universities to develop
• I think we're all for development and growth, but it needs to be smart development and growth with smart
• development plans.
• All in favor of the motion say yay. ...different areas that are not as developed.
• Urban development boundary or similar boundaries. Other questions? Is there debate?

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is limited to property owned development is limited to property owned by<00:43:26.880><c> the</c><00
• .<00:43:48.319><c> These</c><00:43:48.640><c> safeguards</c><00:43:49.200><c> were</c> development.
• These safeguards were development.
• House Bill 577, Representative Branscom, an act relating to economic development.
• </c> an act relating to economic development. an act relating to economic development.

Keywords: Convene 00:00:00 Senate Message 00:05:34 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:06:28 Orders of the Day 00:08:10 HB 542 00:08:34 HB 565 00:23:06 HB 611 00:25:32 HB 657 00:28:39 HB 762 00:31:07 HB 108 00:34:54 HB 67 00:39:02 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:46:48 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 00:58:42 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 00:59:12 ConC/Rules Report 01:02:18 Floor Amendments 01:03:42 Adjournment 01:04:02, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, one of our key assignments in the legislation was to develop a health care cost growth benchmark
• So we developed a common measure set that the state uses.
• We worked with them back in 2013 or '14 to develop that. We still continue to report.
• The other thing we've done is we've developed some quality scores.
• The other thing we've done is we've developed some quality scores.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session focused on the committee’s priorities of access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority staff Michelle Needham and Ross Florey reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work, noting Washington’s uninsured rate has fallen from 15% in 2010 to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark. They said 2023 spending grew 6.2% versus a 3.2% target, with prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, professional services, and non-claims spending driving growth. They highlighted ongoing work on market transparency, hospital spending, primary care, and federal policy changes that could reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. Dr. Drew Oliva of the Washington Health Alliance added quality and safety data, saying many measures remain below top national performance, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data are limited. He urged stronger primary care investment, more transparency, and better patient safety oversight. Committee members then introduced themselves and staff before moving to public hearings. The committee first heard Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix expanding the physician health program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related educational resources. The bill sponsor and witnesses from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program all supported the measure, describing it as a consistency and access fix for a newly licensed profession. The bill drew 12 pro, 2 con, and 0 other sign-ins. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by freezing state insurance coverage protections for preventive services and vaccines as of mid-2025, with OIC rulemaking authority to keep coverage at least as favorable. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, and Governor’s office staff said the bill is intended to protect existing coverage, not create new vaccine mandates, and to keep recommendations grounded in science amid federal uncertainty. Supporters included Dr. Helen Chu, Dr. Beth Harvey, Dr. Maria Huang, Dr. J. Miller, and Dr. Matt LaGalbo, who emphasized vaccine safety, rising vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of no-cost preventive care. Opponents, including Bob Runnels and Natalie Chavez, argued the bill politicizes vaccines, reduces transparency, and expands state authority without adequate fiscal detail. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sounds to me like you're in the process of developing this test, a test, a compliant test.
• So, for Washington State enforcement, that test is still being developed.
• But it's not the only test that is possible to develop to explain how much lead is in it.
• Our chemists are currently developing our test for Washington State enforcement purposes.
• When you're developing these tests, try to kind of tone it down. I think it's pretty valid.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills, beginning with SB 5965 on retail bags. Staff explained that the bill would prohibit single-use plastic and reusable film plastic carryout bags, raise the paper bag pass-through charge from 8 cents to 20 cents, exempt certain assistance-program customers from bag charges, and add manufacturer/distributor penalties. The sponsor and supporters, including environmental groups, Seattle Public Utilities, Tacoma, county solid waste representatives, and health advocates, argued the current law has led to thicker plastic bags and more plastic pollution, microplastics, and recycling contamination. Opponents from hospitality, grocery, retail, paper, and plastic bag industries said the bill would raise costs, create checkout confusion, burden food delivery and takeout operations, and amount to a de facto ban on paper bags as well; several urged waiting for more data on the current 12-cent fee. The hearing ended with a reported 1,240 non-testifiers on SB 5965, with 541 pro, 695 con, and 4 other. The committee then heard SB 6030 on plastic bags. Staff said the bill would allow film plastic and paper carryout bags if they meet recycled-content standards, keep the paper bag fee at 8 cents, reduce the plastic bag fee from 12 cents to 8 cents, and remove the minimum thickness standards for reusable film plastic bags while retaining recycled-content requirements and the SNAP exemption. No public testimony was taken on the bill, and the chair noted 208 non-testifiers, with 192 pro, 11 con, and 5 other. Finally, the committee heard SB 5975 on lead in cookware. Staff described it as a third-round update to the state’s cookware lead law, narrowing covered cookware, delaying the 10 ppm lead standard to 2030, and allowing compliance through FDA or European testing methods. Supporters, including some industry representatives, said the current law is unclear and difficult to enforce, that a workable test is still being developed, and that the bill would provide certainty and avoid unintended coverage of safe products. Opponents from Ecology, Health, environmental groups, and consumer advocates argued the bill would weaken Washington’s existing protections, create broad exemptions, and allow high-lead cookware to remain on the market; they also criticized shifting from total-content testing to leach testing. The hearing closed with 609 non-testifiers on SB 5975, with 54 pro and 552 con.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are deeply concerned about the impacts of that on economic development.
• And as ports are a driver of our state's economic development, we think allowing them the opportunity
• Snohomish PUD supports the development of battery storage as part of our broader strategy to improve
• Snohomish PUD supports the development of battery storage as part of our broader strategy to improve
• Washington State Department of L&I, they don't have the funds to go and develop that infrastructure to

Bills: SB5982 , SB6008 , SB6050 , SB6056

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, energy storage, residential battery, grid connection, renewable energy, incentives, distributed energy, renewable resources, energy policy, sustainable energy, state regulations, utility vehicles, emission standards, environment, regulation, exemptions

Transcript Highlights:

• traffic congestion at the railroad crossings outlined in this bill, and there are several new developments
• You know, I mean, how about if this area over here gets developed?
• So, we're still developing this 22-mile area, right? No, sir. No, this area is developed.
• My name is Mo Burr, Director of Project Development.
• So my role as a Director of Project Development is to make sure that we abide by our budgets, right?

Bills: HB2007 , HB2863 , HB2921 , HB3331 , HB3332 , HJR144 , HB3514 , HB3528 , HB3720 , HB3751 , HB3859 , HB3947 , HB4148 , HB4346 , HB4880 , HB5603 , HB4337

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial signs, county approval, transportation code, regulations, road signage, vehicle title, revocation, hearing process, Transportation Code, county assessor-collector, confidentiality, personal information, local government, airport data, public records, vehicle regulation, transportation, steel industry, state fees, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• look forward to hearing from this insightful panel of experts, and I hope we can work together to develop
• During the early Cold War, the services competed against each other to develop the best ballistic missiles
• As I've observed, the development of hypersensitivity...
• And when we develop software systems, I'll submit that for the record for you. Thank you.
• Should programs be able to develop multiple capabilities within a requirement?

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, when it was developed in 2023, we went from 118 FTAs to 117.
• In fact, when it was developed in 2023, we went from 118 FTAs to 117.
• And it certainly can and will change as technology is developed.
• And it certainly can and will change as technology is developed in this area.
• Yeah, they were developed on section spacing units, so they were half-mile levels.

Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and heard a lengthy update from Tax Commissioner Brian Croshys on property tax relief programs. He reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting increased relief after House Bill 1158 and House Bill 1176, but also discussing how some households “income adjust out” of eligibility over time. Members asked about indexing income thresholds, expanding eligibility by age alone, simplifying administration, county-level notices, and whether the county and state systems could be streamlined. Croshys said the programs are heavily used, largely administered at the county level, and that the department is still refining compliance and reporting; he also said there were no material findings or overarching concerns in the latest review. The committee agreed more detailed PRC information would likely come back in a September meeting, and the chair announced an afternoon recess for lunch before later reconvening. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase report, the zero-growth report, and a statistical report on property values and tax levies by class. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and identified counties and cities with the largest percentage changes in growth or decline. She also summarized recent trends: agricultural values remain relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed values have risen over the last five years; in 2025, residential property accounted for the largest share of statewide property tax levies, followed by commercial, agriculture, and centrally assessed property. Committee members asked about unusual zero-growth figures, the effect of annexation and land-use changes, and whether the 3% levy cap was forcing political subdivisions to use reserves or defer spending. Myers said many counties complied by using reserves, delaying capital projects, or limiting increases, and that some counties had not used their full cap. The committee then moved to the stripper oil extraction tax exemption. Commissioner Croshys reviewed the state’s oil tax structure and estimated the revenue impact of keeping stripper wells exempt from extraction tax while still paying production tax. He said the exemption saves operators hundreds of millions of dollars over a biennium, while the state still collects production tax on those wells. He also discussed projected impacts if the exemption were changed for future wells and noted that future outcomes depend on oil prices, production declines, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly explained the historical difference between the 35-barrel and 30-barrel thresholds for certain wells, citing differences in completion costs and lateral lengths. The committee then heard from EERC CEO Charles Gorecki, who presented an analysis of oil well life cycles and said most oil is produced before wells reach stripper status, but that refracturing or other reinvestment can significantly extend production and keep wells above the threshold for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that the brain doesn't fully develop until around age 25.
• We know that the brain doesn't fully develop until around age 25, yet at 18 young people are automatically
• Our use of traditional zealous advocacy combined with the same positive youth development framework used
• years, advances in the field of brain science have expanded what we know about human cognitive development
• youth are given a space and opportunity to deepen their understanding of anger as an emotion and develop

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• We are currently in the project development phase, which is the first phase of that grant.
• In addition to the traffic data itself, we also had a sub-consultant develop independent forecasts of
• In addition to the traffic data itself, we also had a sub-consultant develop independent forecasts of
• In this case here, we're developing design side by side, working through innovation, working through
• compared against the estimates that the progressive design builder is developing.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• During the development of a broader safety project, Caltrans staff integrated two wildlife underpasses
• It's not a bill that's attempting to get impact fees from local developers or allow exactions.
• The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan that CDFW developed already...
• We've been building and developing alongside these majestic Joshua trees for 70-plus years.
• And so that was a careful consideration in the development of their plan.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, CalTrout, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations said the bill would strengthen the steelhead report card program, refine crab fishery rules, and clarify vessel transit through closed crab areas. There was no opposition, and the bill was accepted with amendments and moved on a 4-0 vote to the Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, with performance targets and coordination with wildlife agencies. The author and supporters argued it would improve ecosystem connectivity, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and save money by integrating crossings, culverts, and fencing into planned projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would apply to transportation rights-of-way and not create exactions on private property. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1212, which would repeal California’s ban on importing and selling kangaroo products. The author argued kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated and that California’s ban is outdated, while opponents from Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others said the bill would reopen the market to products from a cruel commercial slaughter industry and undermine long-standing wildlife protections. No motion was taken at that point. The committee also heard SB 1268, codifying the Outdoors for All initiative, which supporters said would protect and expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation; it advanced 3-0. Finally, the committee heard three Western Joshua Tree bills from Senator Arreguín: SB 1061, SB 1062, and SB 1063. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the bills would reduce fees and streamline permitting for tree relocation, public infrastructure, and basic utility hookups in desert communities. Opponents withdrew or softened opposition on the first two bills after amendments, but objected to SB 1063 as too broad. SB 1061 and SB 1062 each passed 2-0 to Appropriations, while SB 1063 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• During the development of a broader safety project, Caltrans staff integrated two wildlife underpasses
• It's not a bill that's attempting to get impact fees from local developers or allow exactions.
• The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan that CDFW developed already...
• We've been building and developing alongside these majestic Joshua trees for 70 years plus.
• And so that was a careful consideration in the development of their plan.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they look at IBHS as the standard, and we've been in partnership with IBHS for years now to develop
• We built our economic development. We opened in 2016 and generated some revenue.
• and in new development.
• We will develop better risk information with tribal nations.
• We will develop better risk information with tribal nations.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the comment about the early childhood development.
• Lastly, economic development depends on roads. Roads must be built before any other development.
• The design and all the design development have been completed.
• We're still in the early stages of development on that.
• There's a lot of land to be developed there And I think discussions with the Economic Development Department

Transcript Highlights:

• some mock committee part in developing some mock committee bills<00:03:28.400><c> and</c><00:03:28.800
• So yes, some career development events.
• career development event and this<00:10:33.360><c> allows</c><00:10:33.680><c> them</c><00:10:33.839
• events and leadership career development events and leadership development<00:10:48.000><c> events</
• and development division at the<00:15:26.160><c> Minnesota</c><00:15:26.639><c> Department</c><00:15

Bills: HF3580 , HF3566

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, depredation, crop damage, wolf compensation, elk damage, state funding, agricultural protection, trespass, criminal penalties, farm equipment, agricultural land, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I would ask that we consider how to best develop...
• I would ask that we consider how to best develop proposal and dig into its impacts.
• In one case alone, a developer sought $75 million in damages.
• Are they developing in a different way?
• I have also invested in professional development.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so then section five, development.
• I'm the director of the development finance team at the city of Minneapolis in the finance and property
• As we watched<00:43:56.480><c> these</c><00:43:56.800><c> large</c><00:43:57.200><c> developments</c>
• <00:43:58.079><c> being</c> As we've watched these large developments being built on our city borders
• </c> served on the economic development served on the economic development authority<00:48:37.520><c>

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all