Transcript Highlights:

• </c> testimony, please. testimony, please. &gt;&gt; I<00:19:23.440><c> will.
• Thank you for your testimony. testimony. testimony.
• . testimony. testimony.
• </c> Thank you for hearing my testimony. Thank you for hearing my testimony.
• Um, this is also why I just want to highlight the importance of having remote testimony so that we can

Bills: HF362 , HF2590 , HF2760 , HF3444

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: massage therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, massage therapist, Asian bodywork therapist, licensure, professional licensing, health occupations, Department of Health, commissioner of health, advisory council, protected title, unlicensed practice, scope of practice, consumer protection, background check, professional liability insurance, continuing education, credentialing examination, state preemption, municipal regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• They felt that the testimony felt that many of the changes being sought to RSA 275 relative to remote
• </c> remote worker is. remote worker is.
• Appreciate the<03:56:59.439><c> testimony.</c> the testimony. the testimony.
• Thank you so much for your testimony. testimony. testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. testimony. testimony. &gt;&gt; Thank<05:15:59.200><c> you.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your excellent written testimony.
• And we're trying to make sure that they can't remotely just.
• One of the issues, which was discussed, is remote access.
• Chairman Gleason, thank you for your work and your testimony.
• Pablo, thanks for your work and your testimony, as always.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Vice Chair Reed for testimony. Okay, let's get this testimony to take off.
• Thank you very much for testimony.
• Testimony. All right. Thank you for bringing that forward. Yes, testimony, Vice Chair Reed.
• We’re going to go to our remote testifiers.
• Chair, that concludes the testimony for this bill. Very good.

Bills: HB2109 , HB2139 , HB2192

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: vehicle loads, public highways, transportation, road safety, infrastructure, HB2139, snowmobile registration, snowmobile fee, vehicle license fee, registration fee, Department of Licensing, RCW, vehicle registration, winter recreation, off-road vehicle, moped, motorcycle, trailer, recreational vehicle, vintage snowmobile

Transcript Highlights:

• We are not accepting comment over the phone, but written testimony can be submitted to the committee.
• We are not accepting comment over the phone, but written testimony can be submitted to the committee
• We are not accepting comment over the phone, but written testimony can be submitted to the committee.
• Metro, who is joining us remotely.
• Thank you for joining us remotely and in person.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that's what that is, and that will end the testimony and the hearing.
• We have one panel remote: Katie Warren and Christine Wilson.
• I appreciate your testimony. Did you want to say something? I do. I do have a question.
• And that will end the testimony on House Bill 2317, and we will open up the testimony on House Bill 2594
• No, so we'll go to our remote testimony, Ramona Hattendorf. Are you there, Ramona? I'm so sorry.

Bills: HB1796

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: school construction, contract indebtedness, school districts, bonding authority, education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• 21:26.760><c> even</c> Eliminating remote supports pushes even Eliminating remote supports pushes even
• Remote harder in that same direction.
• Thank you so much for your testimony. Please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony.
• </c> remote function. remote function.
• <01:39:26.920><c> and</c> testimony and testimony and I<01:39:28.000><c> also</c><01:39:28.360><c> got

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll go to public testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Thanks for your testimony.
• You're close out our testimony today.

Bills: HB2477 , HB2501 , HB2465 , HB2512 , HB2240 , HB2624 , HB2536 , HB2476

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: real estate, appraisal, consumer protection, business operations, regulatory compliance, HB 2501, real estate disclosure, seller disclosure notice, residential property, home heating oil tank, oil tank insurance, pollution liability insurance agency, PLIA, heating oil contamination, remediation assistance, Washington real estate, property sale, buyer disclosure, seller obligations, oil heat

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the public may provide public comment or testimony on a bill by telephone or in writing.
• At this time, we’ll open up testimony in support.
• At this time, we’ll move into opposition testimony.
• At this time, we’ll move into neutral testimony.
• If you’d like to offer testimony in neutral, please come forward. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for your testimony. Our final remote testifier is Mr. Campa.
• Thank you for your testimony. We do have two remote testifiers: Kathy Nathan and John Magus.
• c><01:23:53.600><c> two</c><01:23:53.760><c> remote</c> testimony.
• We do have two remote testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. Um, we're going to go to our remote testifiers.

Bills: HF3493 , HF4114

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'll please come to the testimony table.
• And we have one person remote.
• And we have one person remote. We have a remote panel. Would you call them, please, Senator Nobles?
• Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Natalie.
• Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Natalie.

Summary: The Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee began with a clarification about a prior budget bill affecting Running Start, emphasizing that it would reduce per-student funding to colleges but would not reduce student participation in the program. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6277, which would promote educational stability for children of military families by easing enrollment rules, extending proof-of-residency deadlines to 90 days, allowing conditional enrollment before arrival, and requiring timely transfer and implementation of IEPs and 504 plans. Support came from the bill sponsor, students, school psychologists, military family advocates, and veterans groups, while school district representatives raised concerns about accelerated special education timelines and related costs. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then moved into executive session on a first packet of bills. It adopted a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5992 creating a youth development fund account and prioritizing tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native youth, and advanced the bill to Rules. It passed Senate Bill 6078 on child care provider supports, advanced Senate Bill 6089 on P20W education data with a substitute that added stakeholder intent language, limited nonprofit authority, and FERPA protections, and adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 5918 increasing school materials, supplies, and operating costs funding, then sent it to Ways and Means. In the second packet, the committee considered Senate Bill 5861 on school board director districts, but rejected an amendment that would have required candidates to be elected only by voters in their director district rather than at large. It then adopted a substitute and advanced the bill. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6118 requiring cardiac emergency response plans in schools, with a substitute making implementation contingent on state funding; Senate Bill 6065 allowing certain financially distressed districts to use transportation vehicle funds under limited conditions; and Senate Bill 6052 directing development of a statewide digital transcript exchange system, which was sent to Ways and Means. The meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled executive action was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to give testimony, please fill out a witness card.
• To be fair, Louisiana has made progress with an alternative remote seller's regime, but the number of
• We already have the remote online portal for remote sellers that is doing the same thing.
• If you are an out-of-state remote reseller, you have a simple online portal.
• But I'm going to sit back and listen to some more of the testimony and the questions. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 620, a constitutional amendment and companion legislation to centralize collection of state and local sales taxes. The author and supporters from the Tax Foundation, COST, NFIB, and LABI argued that Louisiana’s decentralized system creates high compliance costs, inconsistent administration, and lost revenue, especially for small businesses and out-of-state sellers. Several members raised concerns about the recent rollout of the hybrid e-file system, the effect on local cash flow and auditability, and whether the state could implement a fully centralized system without disrupting parish and municipal revenues. The author ultimately agreed to voluntarily defer HB 620 and its companion HB 658 so the committee could see how the current system performs and continue working with local stakeholders. The committee then heard HB 898, which would dedicate a portion of surplus revenue to reducing and eventually eliminating the state income tax. The author described it as a gradual, revenue-triggered approach to tax elimination, while another member suggested pairing it with reductions in tax exemptions and credits. The bill was voluntarily deferred for future consideration. Next, the committee considered HB 217 and HB 214, a bill and constitutional amendment creating an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict properties. Support came from local government and law enforcement groups, who said the measure would give parishes and municipalities a tool to encourage redevelopment and reduce blight. Members discussed safeguards, including local option, whether the exemption should follow the property for 20 years, and whether a step-down at the end of the exemption period should be considered. HB 217 was reported favorably as amended, and HB 214 was also reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 514 and HB 561, both by Rep. Farnum, which expand property tax relief for seniors and certain trusts. HB 514 creates an optional additional ad valorem tax exemption for homeowners age 65 and older, and HB 561 extends eligibility to certain trusts when the qualifying owner occupies the home. Both measures were described as local-option tools to help seniors remain in their homes, and both were reported favorably as amended. Finally, HB 812, by the vice chair, was heard to allow limited annual compensation increases for parish assessors. Assessor representatives said their duties have expanded and their pay has fallen behind clerks of court; members questioned the lack of direct local voter input, but the bill was presented as optional and funded locally, with discussion of transparency and a possible task force to coordinate future compensation policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• My testimony does state the network. My testimony does state some<00:26:50.400><c> examples.
• You have our written testimony.
• </c> testimony and strong support. Thank you. testimony and strong support. Thank you.
• </c> testimony I think we have on SB1 1411. testimony I think we have on SB1 1411.
• </c> testimony and support. Thank you. testimony and support. Thank you.

Summary: The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later. The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives. Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• When the Vice Chair calls upon you to provide testimony, remote testifiers will be promoted to panelists
• to give their testimony.
• In-person testifiers should approach the testimony table.
• Good morning and thank you very much for taking my testimony.
• Thank you for listening to my testimony today.

Bills: HB2579

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: public media, digital equity, funding, media access, communication technology

Transcript Highlights:

• But we did hear some testimony that was concerning.
• But we did hear some testimony that was concerning.
• Much of the work is done remotely.
• These are more remote. Could they be electronically? These are more remote.
• I don't see anything submitted, but was there any testimony? Mr.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent. Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions. After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we call upon you to provide testimony, remote testifiers will be promoted to panelists.
• When we call upon you to provide testimony, remote testifiers will be promoted to panelists to give their
• testimony.
• In-person testifiers should approach the testimony table.
• The chair thanked the panel and invited the remote testifiers.

Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1170, which would require disclosures when content is developed or modified by artificial intelligence and address provenance tools and enforcement. Staff described a proposed substitute and several amendments. The committee rejected amendments that would have applied the bill to public entities and tribal nations, added technical-and-commercial-feasibility language, and created a geo-blocking provision or a right to cure. It adopted amendments allowing comparable existing detection tools to satisfy the bill, protecting covered providers from liability when disclosures are unintentionally altered despite reasonable preservation measures, and setting a January 1, 2028 effective date. Members then debated whether the bill was ready for enactment, with supporters emphasizing transparency and consumer trust and opponents warning it was premature and could hinder innovation. The committee voted 7-4, with two excused, to report the bill out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 2186, which would expand state support for applicants seeking federal economic development funds, create a matching-funds account, and require a study of available federal grants. The prime sponsor said the bill would help Washington capture more federal dollars, especially for projects that require matching funds, and would expand the Fund Hub WA website beyond environmental grants. Testimony in support came from the Port of Seattle, the Washington Economic Development Association, the City of Pasco, a downtown Kennewick nonprofit, and the Department of Commerce, all saying the bill would improve competitiveness, help underserved communities, and leverage state dollars for larger federal returns. Commerce said it was still developing the fiscal note and technical edits. The hearing on HB 2186 was then closed. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 2351, which would protect emergency responders and emergency response operations. Staff explained that the bill would bar local governments and incident command systems from assisting enforcement actions targeting emergency responders based on protected status, create emergency operation zones with restrictions on law enforcement activity, and change the obstruction statute to cover obstruction of emergency responders. The prime sponsor and many local officials, firefighters, and advocates testified in support, citing incidents where federal enforcement actions disrupted wildfire response and other emergencies. Some witnesses raised concerns about administrative burden, ambiguity, and possible unintended consequences, including a proposed mental-health defense and clarification of responder identification. The Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Association of Washington Cities said they supported the goal but wanted changes to avoid conflicts and reduce burdens. The hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for your testimony.
• Thanks for your testimony, Candace.
• We have three remote testifiers. DDRHC facilities renaming.
• Thanks for your testimony today, Sean. All right.
• Thanks for your testimony.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2539 would raise the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100, allowing incarcerated people to retain more money for commissary items like hygiene products, postage, and medications before deductions for legal financial obligations, child support, and other debts. Representative Street said the bill is meant to better cover essentials without stopping debt repayment. Testifiers from Civil Survival, incarcerated people, and family advocates supported the bill, describing current commissary prices, low prison wages, and the burden on families. The committee also heard that the Department of Corrections expects some indeterminate implementation costs and IT expenses. No vote was taken. House Bill 2510 would require the Department of Corrections to supervise anyone sentenced to community custody for stalking, regardless of risk classification. Representative Burnett said the bill is intended to protect victims and give them peace of mind. Staff explained that the bill is narrower than a related measure heard earlier because it applies only to people sentenced to community custody, typically at the superior court level. Victim advocates and survivors testified in strong support, describing stalking cases that escalated to severe threats and violence and arguing that mandatory supervision could prevent future harm. The hearing was closed without action. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319 and Substitute House Bill 2350, both concerning residential habilitation centers. HB 2319 would rename Fircrest School and Rainier School to remove the word “school” and better reflect their current role as residential habilitation centers; supporters said the old terminology is outdated and confusing, while the sponsor said the bill is a clarification only and does not change services or funding. HB 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and other designated people when an RHC falls out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to post plain-language notices at the facility. Supporters from Disability Rights Washington, The Arc, and self-advocates said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The committee closed public hearing on both bills, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
• Seeing Don, thank you for your testimony.
• Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Fellin, for your testimony.

Bills: HB2107 , HB2137 , HB2243 , HB2264

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: construction safety, hazard notification, worksite regulations, labor safety, state law, law enforcement, correctional officers, interest arbitration, collective bargaining, public safety, workers' compensation, healthcare providers, physical therapy, occupational therapy, employment, unemployment insurance, benefits, layoffs, workforce reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have testimony, do come to the table.
• </c> yourself take your time your testimony yourself take your time your testimony is<00:09:29.399><c
• Thank you for your testimony.
• We look forward to your testimony.
• We look forward to your testimony.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one testifier today, David Gulladay, and he is remote. David, you may begin. Mr.
• We'll have to move on, but thanks for your testimony. Madam Vice Chair. Thank you, Chair.
• We'll now move to Carl on remote.
• Eric is remote. Sorry. Eric, are you online remotely, please? Yes, yes, I am.
• Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Staff explained that the bill would allow juice grape producers to form an accredited association to negotiate with processors under the same timelines used for pears, and the prime sponsor said the measure was intended to help growers obtain fairer prices. A grape grower testified that Washington producers face a small number of buyers, little real negotiation, and prices far below New York’s, arguing the bill would give growers a way to bargain collectively. The public hearing closed with 47 people noted in support and one in opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill as directing WSDA to establish the program, adopt rules by 2028, and report to the Legislature, with costs shown in the fiscal note. The prime sponsor and several supporters, including Atlas Agro, a port representative, labor, NRDC, WSDA, the League of Women Voters, and the Washington State Potato Commission, said the bill could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local manufacturing and jobs, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the program was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, though it noted rulemaking costs. The committee then held a work session on commercial shellfish fee assessments after the Department of Health adopted major fee increases for shellfish licensing and certification. Shellfish growers and association representatives said the increases—described as ranging from roughly 233% to 789% overall, with some individual licenses rising much more—would hit small and family farms hardest, could force closures, and were based on a fee structure they said is outdated and not tied well to production. DOH explained that the program has long relied on general fund support, that federal shellfish safety requirements must be maintained, and that the new fees are intended to move the program toward full cost recovery after years without increases. The department said it had used a phased approach, reopened rulemaking to look for a fairer structure, and would continue working with industry and the Legislature; no vote was taken during the work session.