Transcript Highlights:

• I don't see any hands raised.
• I don't see any other hands raised online.
• Those wishing to speak in support, please raise your hand.
• I don't see anyone raising their hand online.
• Those online wishing to speak in support, please raise your hand.

Bills: HB9 , HB50

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: Immigrant Safety Act, immigration detention, civil immigration violations, ICE, federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, public bodies, local government, sheriff's department, school district, higher education, deputization, 287(g), 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 C.F.R. 287.7, intergovernmental services agreement, detainer, immigration cooperation, public property, attorney general enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, in an April 2025 media interview, Joe Thompson, the federal prosecutor who handled Feeding Our
• We're the investigators and prosecutors, but we aren't the administrators of the program.
• Our investigators and prosecutors are good at what they do in their lane.
• We have not had investigators come in, or the Medicaid Fraud Unit, or anyone else, prosecutors come in
• They go after the prosecutors or whoever's doing the investigation. And they have a strategy.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'll raise<00:04:42.800><c> your</c><00:04:42.919><c> right</c><00:04:43.120><c> hand,</c> raise
• </c> motions with prosecutors. motions with prosecutors.
• </c><00:21:33.240><c> had</c> highlighted in that the prosecutor had highlighted in that the prosecutor
• <00:35:02.600><c> now</c><00:35:03.000><c> come</c> prosecutor now come prosecutor now come with<00:35
• prosecutor would have to put forth<00:52:27.560><c> witnesses.

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct

Transcript Highlights:

• You know that we got pay raises for the attorneys and pay raises for the investigators because we're
• connected with the DA pay raises last year.
• </c><00:02:27.120><c> and</c> pay raises for the attorneys and pay raises for the attorneys and investigators
• They don't want to move for a $1,500, $2,000 pay raise.
• I do $1,500, $2,000 pay raise.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to know who's paying less to go to Disneyland.
• I want to know who's paying less to go to Disneyland. Ms.
• , say, a male counterpart is paying, and that frustrates you because you should be paying the same price
• Irwin is raising.
• And none of us want to raise costs on anything right now.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee met with a new membership roster and adopted its committee rules after quorum was established. The hearing then began with AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, which would require generative AI developers to provide copyright holders notice when registered copyrighted works are used in training data. The author and supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, the Transparency Coalition, voice actors, writers, labor groups, and other creators, argued the bill would give artists a practical way to learn whether their works were used and to vindicate their rights. Opponents, including EFF, CalChamber, RIAA, CCIA, Chamber of Progress, Bay Area Council, BSA, and TechNet, said the proposal was technically unworkable, could burden startups, conflict with existing law and pending litigation, and raise federal preemption concerns. Members discussed the bill’s amendments, including a fingerprinting approach and narrowing the bill to model developers, and the committee voted 8-2 to pass AB 412 as amended to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard AB 446, which would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or the use of personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. The author and supporters, including Consumer Watchdog, UFCW, labor organizations, and consumer/privacy groups, described examples of differential pricing tied to device type, location, shopping behavior, and digital price tags, and argued the bill would protect consumers from discriminatory and predatory pricing. Business and industry opponents, including CalChamber, grocers, retailers, travel, broadband, and other associations, said the bill could conflict with the CCPA, interfere with loyalty and rewards programs, and create confusion about personalized discounts and dynamic pricing. The discussion focused on how the bill would treat loyalty programs, whether existing privacy law already covers the issue, and whether the proposal would unintentionally affect legitimate discounts and promotions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We raised funds for groceries, alone.
• </c><02:31:52.280><c> the</c> uh, you know, force them to pay the uh, you know, force them to pay the
• </c><02:35:56.920><c> the,</c> into court without having to pay the, into court without having to pay
• And uh so I think the prosecutors.
• </c><02:58:34.840><c> So,</c> issues raised in the other body. So, issues raised in the other body.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We need you to pay taxes. All right, so the next speaker we have... Mr.
• So they lose the vehicle and they pay the cost of the vehicle. Mr.
• That were raised to see if maybe we can develop some consensus.
• If this passes, we see people pay some additional punishments. Please vote no.
• If this passes, we see people pay some additional punishments. Please vote now.

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2763, which would require a joint resolution of the legislature before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a state-run shooting range. The sponsor and several supporters, including a Prescott-area doctor, Arizona Citizens Defense League representatives, and Game and Fish staff, argued that closures can push shooters into unsafe public lands, create trash and safety problems, and that the legislature should have a voice in any closure decision. Game and Fish said its goal is to preserve Ben Avery and emphasized public safety. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2417, allowing courts to order speed-inhibiting devices as an alternative to license suspension or revocation for certain traffic offenses. Supporters said it could help people keep working and reduce recidivism, while opponents and some members raised concerns about scope and implementation. An amendment removed eligibility for people convicted of reckless driving or racing and clarified manufacturers are not required to build compatible vehicles. The bill, as amended, passed 7-2. House Bill 2345 followed, creating a felony for unlawfully present persons who possess a falsified commercial driver’s license and authorizing vehicle forfeiture and penalties for employers who knowingly hire such drivers. The sponsor framed it as a narrow public-safety measure, but the Arizona Trucking Association opposed it, arguing it was preempted by federal law, unworkable, and could jeopardize federal funding. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment and gave the bill a 5-3-1 do pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2666, increasing penalties for sexual extortion involving victims ages 15 to 17; testimony from prosecutors and anti-trafficking advocates supported the bill, while defense attorneys and some members urged caution about juvenile defendants and mandatory consecutive sentences. It passed 8-0 with members noting possible future amendments. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2175, which adds hate-crime-style sentencing enhancements for bias-motivated offenses and expands protected categories to include political expression and political affiliation. The ADL and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office supported the measure as a needed tool, while the ACLU and defense attorneys warned the political-expression language was too broad and could chill speech or invite selective prosecution. The bill passed 6-2 after adoption of an amendment. House Bill 2186, which lets a passenger satisfy identity requirements during a traffic stop by verbally providing information instead of showing physical ID, also received a do pass recommendation on a 7-0-1 vote after the sponsor said it was meant to fix an unconstitutional vagueness problem. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 2364, concerning penalties for distribution or receipt of abortion-inducing drugs by courier or delivery service, but the exchange was cut off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• That will not raise salaries in any county.
• It has to be voted on at the local level, so that will not raise salaries.
• And it raises them. Yeah.
• And they could They could vote to raise their own salaries, right?
• And they could raise them as high as this suggests, or even higher. Yes.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journals for the 65th and 66th legislative days. Members also spent time on personal privilege and special guest introductions, including a recognition of law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty and several interns serving in House offices. The chamber then took up several fiscal review committee reports and moved to conference and Senate bills. House Bill 2818, dealing with annexation and related local government language for St. Joseph Airport, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, was explained as a compromise on voluntary annexation standards; after debate it was adopted and then third read and passed by a vote of 136-7. House Bill 1825, concerning county salary commissions and county classification changes for Lafayette, Pettis, and Saline counties, drew debate over county pay and the exclusion of coroners, but the Senate substitute was adopted 109-35 and finally passed 106-39. The House also considered House Joint Resolution 87, the so-called constitutional sheriff resolution, which would place sheriff duties and the office itself in the Missouri Constitution. Members debated its scope, including concerns about the term “traitors,” possible effects on Kansas City’s police governance, and whether the measure was necessary; a St. Louis City amendment clarifying the City of St. Louis sheriff provisions was adopted. The resolution then passed 100-47. Finally, Senate Bill 878 on pharmacy practice and rural health access, including pharmacist treatment for common illnesses, emergency waivers, and access to certain medications and supplies, passed 132-13 after an amendment on blood pressure cuffs for pregnant women and opioid-alternative language was adopted. Senate Bill 903, addressing telecommunications infrastructure and copper theft, passed 137-5. The House then announced upcoming committee work, including a born-alive bill, and adjourned until May 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think you raise a good point.
• </c> funds that are raised, either. funds that are raised, either.
• </c> revenue source, then you can be paying revenue source, then you can be paying them<02:15:22.360>
• without raising the question of without raising the question of recognizing<02:23:49.400><c> that</c>
• raised we raised taxes few years ago we raised we raised taxes on<02:23:54.160><c> our</c><02:23:54.320

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a wobbler, meaning it's up to the prosecutor...
• So thank you for paying attention. And yes, no, this is a top priority.
• So it can be a pay-to-play industry, a for-profit industry.
• their fines and fees, unable to pay what they owe the DMV, unable to pay the $1,700 fines and fees they
• And to pay for that program, it is $5 per month, and that is within statute.

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, traffic violence, speed management, and how criminal and administrative systems interact. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the hearing was intended to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on that day. They emphasized the scale of roadway deaths and serious injuries, the need for a holistic Safe System approach, and the importance of hearing from law enforcement, researchers, victims’ advocates, judges, and DMV officials. The first panel reviewed current DUI law and research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalties, including escalating misdemeanor and felony consequences, ignition interlock device requirements, license suspensions, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, speed, and vulnerable road users, and the state’s Safe System and safety corridor efforts. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley presented research supporting systemic interventions such as self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders; she also noted that many DUI fatalities involve first-time offenders and that punitive measures alone have limited effect on high-risk drivers. Members pressed witnesses on ignition interlocks, speed governors, DUI treatment, diversion, and whether current penalties are strong enough. Several senators, including Archuleta and Blakespear, argued for stronger immediate consequences and better use of in-car technology, while witnesses said chronic offenders often need treatment and that some existing programs may be underused or inconsistently effective. The discussion also touched on data gaps, the need to distinguish alcohol- from drug-involved crashes, and the possibility of allowing diversion for some first-time DUI cases while preserving consequences for repeat offenses. The second panel addressed DMV and court processes. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the department handles mandatory, court-ordered, and administrative actions, and that recent process changes have reduced DMV hearing delays from roughly 170 days to under 70 days in many cases. Judge Lisa Rodriguez explained that county-by-county court practices, case filing delays, sentencing timelines, and paper or mixed electronic systems can slow reporting to DMV, especially for misdemeanors and felonies. She said courts are reviewing reporting requirements, training, and case-management coding to improve transmission of DUI orders, while DMV said it is open to simplification and better coordination but is constrained by aging systems and the motor vehicle account’s financial limits. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got to raise the age bill this penny.
• I'm the Cole County Prosecuting Attorney here for the Missouri Prosecutors Association.
• That would probably defer that one to one of our prosecutors.
• If you raise your hand, please. Anybody else here in favor? Anybody here in opposition?
• If you raise your hand, please. Anybody else here for favor? Anybody here for opposition?

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions heard Senate Substitute No. 3 to Senate Bill 888, a broad criminal justice measure sponsored by Sen. Nick Schroer. The bill would change juvenile procedures, including fingerprinting certain offenders under 18, sealing those records for law enforcement and prosecutors, closing juvenile proceedings to the public in some cases, allowing shackling in limited circumstances, and revising the juvenile detention assessment form. It also revises sentencing rules for certain felonies by increasing minimum time-served thresholds, limiting or eliminating conditional release for some offenses, changing how jail-time credit is calculated and challenged, and adding or reclassifying several offenses as dangerous felonies, including some sex offenses, trafficking-related crimes, and endangering the welfare of a child. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve consistency, public safety, and transparency for victims and offenders, while clarifying that it did not change the elements of endangering the welfare of a child or create a vaccination-based offense. Testimony was mixed. The Missouri Prosecutors Association and Missouri Sheriffs’ United supported the bill, emphasizing clearer sentencing information for victims and stronger consequences for violent and repeat offenders. The Missouri Department of Corrections also supported the sentencing portion, saying the bill’s parole-percentage changes were conviction-based and that the department’s main goal was transparency at sentencing. Opponents, including the Missouri Justice Coalition, the Public Defender System, and several juvenile justice advocates, argued that the juvenile provisions would push more children into adult court, undermine Missouri’s nationally recognized juvenile model, and increase racial disparities and recidivism. They also criticized the mandatory minimums and longer sentences as costly and punitive, warning of higher prison populations and possible new prison construction. Several witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s treatment of vaccination status in the child endangerment section. Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses extensively about whether the bill changed commitments versus convictions, the fiscal note, prison capacity, juvenile detention bed space, and whether the measure would apply retroactively. The sponsor and DOC said the sentencing changes were forward-looking and that the bill was meant to provide more certainty at sentencing, though some details were left to experts and later cleanup. The committee recessed during testimony to return after session, then reconvened in executive session. Representative Davis offered an amendment clarifying that vaccination status alone cannot prove endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, and the committee discussed the amendment before continuing consideration of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this the the concern that was raised this the the concern that was raised with<00:41:44.480><c>
• </c><00:52:40.559><c> that</c> that got a cost of living raise that that got a cost of living raise that
• </c> fiscal year 26 and 27 to increase pay fiscal year 26 and 27 to increase pay for<01:20:06.360><c>
• </c><01:20:29.159><c> the</c> per day we're also asking to raise the per day we're also asking to raise
• </c><01:28:21.320><c> and</c> that public defender prosecutors and that public defender prosecutors and

Bills: HF2233 , HF1524 , HF1893 , HF1396 , HF2456 , HF2959 , HF2300 , HF2412 , HF3022 , HF2825 , HF1862 , HF1373 , HF1039 , HF3070

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope business owners across West Virginia, you're paying attention to this, um, um, Is this for both
• It's incredibly common that when you're trying to hire people, especially when you're talking lower pay
• So just curious, are—well, if I might add, I was born and raised in Guatemala.
• Can you state your full name and title, please, for the clerk, and raise your right hand?
• So, an individual comes in, a prosecutor, wants their name redacted, talks to the county clerk.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• What it does, simply, is raise the bar in terms of punishment.
• Every case that comes before a prosecutor is considered by the prosecutor to determine whether or not
• This is my last one. case that comes before a prosecutor is considered by the prosecutor to determine
• When I started as a prosecutor, I started working in rural counties.
• When I started as a prosecutor, I started working in rural counties.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized affordability, education, health care, public safety, and opposition to measures he said would roll back child labor protections, book access, and gun safety laws. The chamber also recognized military leaders from U.S. Army Special Operations Command and an intern from Senator Polsky’s office. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start. The Senate then took up and passed several bills, often after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. Among the measures approved were the dangerous dogs bill (the Pam Rock Act), local government land regulation, vessel-related voter freedom/boating provisions, blood clot screening and treatment, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, concealed carry licensing for certain officers and service members, timeshare management firms, disability history and awareness instruction, manufacturing and manufacturing fees, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veterans’ nursing home beds. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, Medicaid oversight earlier in the day, mammogram coverage, and others. Debate on the disability history bill was especially extensive, with senators discussing the use of the word “disability,” the role of bias, and whether the bill fit with broader DEI-related policy debates. The bill’s sponsor and supporters framed it as a first step toward helping students understand and respect people with disabilities, and the chamber opened co-sponsorship before substituting the House version. Other bills drew focused questions about local government costs, impact fees, staffing burdens, grant criteria for small manufacturers, and the scope of utility preemption. Most measures passed on strong votes, including several unanimous votes, with the concealed carry/firearms bill passing 33-3 and the local government land regulation bill passing 26-8.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a quick follow-up, because it does seem a little strange that you have the state of Florida paying
• quick, quick follow-up, because it does seem a little strange that you have the state of Florida paying
• I'm the prosecutor who actually is handling the case of the Spencer case.
• We're not sure whether or not that line prosecutor knew either.
• I ask, I know the former prosecutors know this, but I ask those who haven't practiced criminal law to

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• And our local prosecutors say that.
• </c><00:24:24.400><c> being</c> gam gamblers and the prosecutors being gam gamblers and the prosecutors
• He said his county prosecutors do not overprosecute.
• He said this came after conversations with local prosecutors.
• At no time has any uh has prosecutors.

Bills: SF0044 , SF0046

Committee: Senate Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• And what LRAP does is essentially pay their interest or the minimum payments—some pay interest, some
• Ponderay County, Prosecutor Hunt, has four for two years.
• It's not allowed for prosecutors, but I think it's perfect for prosecutors because as a deputy prosecutor
• You've got a built-in network. prosecutors because as a deputy prosecutor, you've got a built-in supervisor
• We're able to pay them a competitive wage.

Summary: The work session began with a discussion of expanding opportunities in the legal profession, especially in response to shortages of lawyers in rural Washington and in public service roles. Washington State Bar Executive Director Tara Nevitt described a slowly growing but aging attorney population, noted that younger attorneys have declined, and outlined efforts such as supervised practice pathways to bar admission, reduced admission-by-motion experience requirements, expanded law clerk capacity, rural job fairs and grants, and a pilot program allowing innovative legal service delivery models. Members asked about bar passage score changes, loan repayment assistance, and the former Limited License Legal Technician program; Nevitt said the bar is monitoring other states and remains in dialogue with the court about paraprofessional licensing. Law school representatives from UW, Seattle University, and Gonzaga emphasized public service pipelines, financial barriers, and rural legal deserts, citing LRAPs, scholarships, stipends, clinics, and hybrid or regional programs designed to recruit and retain students in Washington. Seattle U highlighted its FlexJD and hybrid hub partnerships in underserved areas, while Gonzaga and UW reported substantial shares of graduates entering public service, though most still cluster in urban regions. The committee also heard from the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Office of Public Defense, both of which described severe recruitment and retention problems in rural counties, with vacancies, low applicant pools, and the need for higher salaries, housing help, internships, and loan support. The Office of Public Defense said its internship and fellowship program, created by SB 5780, has already placed interns in rural counties and produced some commitments to return after graduation. The Washington State Bar’s law clerk program was also presented as a pathway that helps people train locally and remain in their communities, including by supporting succession for aging solo practitioners. The committee then shifted to family law and guardianship issues. On Title 26 guardian ad litem practice, presenters from Northwest Justice Project and private family law practice said GALs can play an important role but that training, oversight, and consistency remain major concerns, especially in domestic violence cases. They described problems such as inadequate training, bias, inconsistent recommendations, high fees, and lack of accountability, and suggested stronger, standardized training, more use of mental health professionals for custody evaluations, and better oversight mechanisms. Members asked about county practices, including rotation systems for GAL appointments and whether King County’s family court assessors provide a useful model. The discussion then moved to minor guardianships under the Uniform Guardianship Act. A Superior Court judge said the 2021 changes increased the need for court visitors and appointed counsel, but courts are struggling to find qualified attorneys and visitors, especially in rural areas. A former commissioner said most of the bill under discussion was technical cleanup to align prior amendments, though it would add some fiscal burdens. Administrative Office of the Courts staff reported that the statewide reimbursement program for UGA implementation has repeatedly run out of money earlier each year, with minor guardianship costs making up most of the expense. The Office of Public Guardianship then described rapid growth in demand for adult guardianship and less restrictive alternatives, noting that referrals and caseloads have risen sharply, but that the office is constrained by a shortage of certified professional guardians and low compensation levels. Finally, the committee began an update on Blake implementation from the Office of Civil Legal Aid, which funds civil legal services related to the decision, before the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this is not an issue that's new to our friends in law enforcement and prosecutors as well, but
• I know this is not an issue that's new to our friends in law enforcement and prosecutors as well, but
• "I want to note that when it comes to the prosecutor, there is prosecutor discretion, correct?
• I've communicated with a retired prosecutor and a current prosecutor, and they were okay with it.
• and a current retired prosecutor and a current prosecutor<00:38:25.079><c> um</c><00:38:25.280><c> and

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first approved Senate Bill 64, as amended, on a 14-0 vote. The bill was described as a copper theft prevention measure aimed at protecting key infrastructure assets, including telecommunications and electrical highway infrastructure. Testimony in support came from Senator Brandon Storm and representatives from Charter Communications and law enforcement, who said copper theft and related vandalism are damaging fiber and other infrastructure across the state. A committee substitute was adopted before the vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 73, relating to sexual extortion. Senator Julie Rocky Adams and Kentucky Youth Advocates testified that sextortion is a fast-growing crime against children and that the bill would make sexual extortion a felony, create civil remedies for victims, and require school-based education and resources. The bill passed 15-0 and was reported favorably for floor consideration. House Bill 662, relating to personally identifiable information, was also approved after discussion and a committee substitute. Representative John Blanton said the bill would help protect judges and certain medical review personnel from public disclosure of personal information while preserving provider access needed for appeals and communications. The Kentucky Medical Association supported the concept but stressed the need to preserve provider-facing information so doctors can conduct peer-to-peer reviews and appeals. The bill passed 15-0 with one pass vote. House Bill 320, relating to controlled substances on hospital property, was taken up for discussion only and no vote was taken. Representative Mike Klein and a St. Elizabeth nurse testified that hospitals are seeing illicit drug use and trafficking on campus and argued for a drug-free zone to protect staff, patients, and visitors. Committee members raised concerns about how the bill would apply to unconscious overdose patients, lawfully prescribed medications, emergency situations, and whether possession should be treated differently from trafficking. The chair ruled a motion out of order because the item was for discussion only, and the bill remained under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The scary thing is they only have about six or seven prosecutors, right?
• I think interested in how you pay for that, but let me just wrap all this question into one, which is
• So the question is, how do we pay for that?
• garbage to working-class Minnesotans who don't have enough money to pay for private insurance.
• Everybody else in this room, whether it's commercial insurance people who are paying for their health

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And what LRAP does is essentially pay their interest or the minimum payments; some pay interest, some
• And what LRAP does is essentially pay their interest or the minimum payments, some pay interest, some
• Ponderay County, Prosecutor Hunt, has four for two years.
• It's not allowed for prosecutors, but I think it's perfect for prosecutors because as a deputy prosecutor
• We're able to pay them a competitive wage.

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Summary: The work session began with testimony on expanding opportunities in the legal profession, especially in response to rural attorney shortages and public service recruitment. Washington State Bar Association Executive Director Tara Nevitt described a growing but aging attorney workforce, noted that younger attorneys have declined, and outlined efforts including supervised practice as an alternative to the bar exam, reduced admission-by-motion experience requirements, expansion of the law clerk program, rural job fairs and grants, and a pilot program for innovative legal service delivery. Members asked about bar passage standards, loan repayment assistance, and the former limited license legal technician program. Representatives from the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Gonzaga discussed law school pipelines into public service and rural practice. They described early outreach to students, loan repayment assistance and scholarships, public service stipends, clinics and externships, and partnerships that place students in government, nonprofit, prosecution, and defense roles. Seattle University highlighted its Flex JD and hybrid hub model in rural communities; Gonzaga presented data showing many graduates remain in Washington and enter public interest work; and UW emphasized that unpaid internships and debt remain barriers. The Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Office of Public Defense both testified that prosecutor and defender vacancies are severe in rural counties, and that salary, hiring bonuses, housing support, internships, and loan repayment programs are important tools. The Office of Public Defense said its new recruitment and retention program, funded by SB 5780, has already placed interns in underserved counties and helped some commit to future jobs there. The Washington State Bar’s law clerk program was also described as a pathway that helps people train and remain in their home communities. The committee then shifted to family law, guardians, and guardianships. On guardian ad litem practice in Title 26 cases, Northwest Justice Project and private family law practitioners said training has improved since 2018, but concerns remain about inconsistent investigations, bias, inadequate domestic violence training, lack of oversight, high costs, and uneven county practices. They suggested more robust training, better accountability, and possible use of mental health professionals for custody evaluations. For minor guardianships under the Uniform Guardianship Act, a Superior Court judge said filings have increased and courts struggle to find qualified attorneys and court visitors, while the Administrative Office of the Courts said its $3 million annual reimbursement program for local courts is running out earlier each year and that minor guardianship costs make up most of the spending. The Office of Public Guardianship reported rising demand for adult guardianship services, noting that recent legislation expanded its caseload capacity and added a navigator role, but that referrals and active cases continue to grow statewide.