Transcript Highlights:

• So this legislation removes the PUC's review process.
• So moving forward to the next legislative... ...statute.
• The rural telecommunications companies were consulted on this legislation.
• Where the public hospital is appropriately reliant on public funds.
• However, the legislation doesn't do that.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard several print hearings and gubernatorial appointments, with most early legislation advancing without opposition. RS 33743, the Idaho Student Safety and Educator Disclosure Act, would require school applicants to disclose past investigations or disciplinary actions and require prior employers to respond; RS 33744 would move certain federally qualified and rural health center scope-of-practice rate changes into code; RS 33721 would extend certain state endowment land commercial leases from 49 to 99 years; and RS 33660 would expand disclosure requirements for paid signature gatherers and paid candidate advocates. All four RS measures were sent to print. The committee also heard from and later resumed testimony on several gubernatorial reappointments, including Jerry Doppie to the Endowment Fund Investment Board, Skip Smeiser to the Lottery Commission, and Nicaela Black Abrams to the Racing Commission; those votes were deferred to a later meeting. House Bill 674, which would remove the Public Utilities Commission’s role in reviewing certain telecommunications service discontinuances and rely on the FCC process instead, drew significant testimony. The sponsor and telecom representatives said it would eliminate a duplicative state process and speed broadband and infrastructure investment while preserving FCC protections. Opponents, including former telecom workers and a trial lawyers representative, warned it could leave rural copper-line customers and emergency users without adequate service or local oversight. After questions about the federal language and whether the bill might invert the current review process, the committee voted to hold HB 674 subject to the call of the chair. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1391, a technical fix preserving lawful entry authority for publicly employed land surveyors, and Senate Bill 1389, which would provide liability protection for churches, grange halls, and other property owners who voluntarily serve as polling places. HB 860, revising the medical parental rights law and related emergency treatment and hotline provisions, received supportive testimony from the Idaho Medical Association, a teen advocate, and the 988 crisis hotline director, and was sent to the 14th order for possible amendment. HB 549, which would remove property-owner signatures from petitions to dissolve hospital taxing districts, drew divided testimony: supporters said the current process is unworkable in places like McCall, while the Idaho Hospital Association urged a higher threshold and warned of inconsistency with other district laws. The committee voted to send HB 549 to the 14th order for possible amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this legislation removes the PUC's review process.
• This legislation was worked on with stakeholders.
• So moving forward to the next legislative statute.
• The rural telecommunications companies were consulted on this legislation.
• However, the legislation doesn't do that.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But generally, the way it works is that local communities or local legislators would make the request
• </c> one-time appropriation. Can you hear me? one-time appropriation. Can you hear me?
• from</c><00:24:48.320><c> the</c><00:24:48.440><c> DVS</c> appropriation of 141,000 from the DVS appropriation
• </c><00:25:28.080><c> from</c> Line 43 is a one-time appropriation from Line 43 is a one-time appropriation
• c><00:25:58.600><c> civil</c> statutory appropriation um any civil statutory appropriation um any civil

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and they requested going to the road fund, which we didn't do that.
• This bill is wholly appropriate to protect that expression.
• This bill is wholly appropriate to protect that expression.
• I want to remind the body that we're not protected by legislation.
• Always remember, no legislation can protect the House of Worship.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriate, they get adopted.
• It's going to appropriations if it gets out as amended here today.
• At the appropriate time, I ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• At the appropriate time, I ask for your aye vote. Thank you, Senator.
• Do pass as amended to Appropriations. Current vote: 10-0.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward. The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you request further explanation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• So, I appreciate Representative Kennedy's requests.
• Representative Provenzano is requesting their consent.
• You request further explanation of the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Is this a request bill?

Bills: HB3407 , HB1242 , HJR1081 , HB3443 , HB3781 , HB1939 , HB4237 , HB3430 , HB3321 , HB3905 , HB3329 , HB4253 , HB4421 , HB4311 , HJR1046 , HB2015 , HB3244 , HB4265 , HB3941 , HB4203 , HB2941 , HB3695 , HB3380 , HB3132 , HB3673 , HB3134 , HB3383 , HB4490 , HB4058

Keywords: property rights, abandoned homes, manufactured homes, notification, salvage, real estate, Oklahoma Tax Commission, landowner liability, redemption, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• systems, and I only pull this out because there's every year, it's perennial that we hear some legislation
• I, I'll just mention one more thing, which is that, um, As part of your Perfro appropriation for this
• And this is, this is uh rooted primarily in some, some legislation that you've all considered over the
• We have legislation a year or two ago that was doing some of this. It came through very late.
• Uh, that was the concern when this came through as legislation in the past.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee present here on this long legislative day.
• Members of the committee present here on this long legislative day.
• I have the honor of representing the 33rd Legislative District.
• And even with that and the legislation that passed, we're still having issues.
• Please join me in supporting this life-saving legislation.

Bills: SB5979 , SB6308 , SB6319

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: opioids, substance abuse, dependent children, child welfare, caregiver substance use, court orders, shelter care, judicial discretion, family law, early childhood, family services, diversion programs, court-ordered assessments, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh he heard that and appropriately Uh he heard that and appropriately turned<00:42:47.280><c> around
• We're seeing a lot of legislation filed this session, priority pieces of legislation to deal with what
• </c> so appreciate this piece of legislation so appreciate this piece of legislation from<00:53:00.000
• </c> we're moving this legislation forward. we're moving this legislation forward.
• . appropriately. appropriately.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is familiar legislation to this committee.
• This is familiar legislation to this committee.
• As a reminder, this is a Secretary of State request.
• I request a yes vote. Thank you.
• And it looks like we're going to do, by request, an oral vote.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2239, which would allow family burial grounds on privately owned land and exempt them from private cemetery requirements, while imposing limits such as recording burials with the county auditor, setbacks, and a cap on the burial ground covering no more than 10% of the parcel. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help rural landowners and families, including Native communities, keep burials on land with family and cultural significance. Testimony from a farmer and the Washington Cattlemen’s Association strongly supported the bill as a way to honor family ties to land. A question was raised about what happens if a later property owner wants to disturb an existing burial ground; staff said the bill requires notice but is silent on that issue. No action was taken on HB 2239 in the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, a follow-up to last year’s condominium liability reform, expanding the option for declarants to use a 2-10 warranty for stacked-flat or mid-rise condominium buildings up to four stories. Supporters from housing, real estate, builders, AARP, Habitat for Humanity, the City of Seattle, and others said the bill would reduce liability barriers, increase condo production, and create more attainable and accessible homeownership options for first-time buyers, older adults, and people with mobility challenges. The Office of Insurance Commissioner supported the bill but suggested technical language changes to avoid referring to the warranty as insurance. Members asked about consumer protections and the distinction between warranties and insurance, and staff and testifiers noted existing layers of protection. No vote was taken on HB 2304 in the transcript. In executive session, staff summarized House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways and House Bill 2248 on Secretary of State filing processes. For HB 2095, staff described a proposed substitute and several amendments, including changes to education requirements, civil liability language, protected areas, punitive damages thresholds, and liability rules. For HB 2248, staff said the proposed substitute made cleanup and consistency changes to corporate filing provisions. The committee then moved the proposed substitute for HB 2248 out of committee with a due pass recommendation, and it passed 11-0 with two excused members. Action on HB 2095 was deferred to a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with that, we also have to submit a fiscal impact to the Legislative Research Commission.
• </c> Legislative Research Commission. Legislative Research Commission.
• </c> the legislative research commission. the legislative research commission.
• There's a legislative Medicaid impact notice.
• <c> Med-</c><00:07:39.480><c> Medicaid</c> Uh there's a legislative Med- Medicaid Uh there's a legislative

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Health and Family Services met for its first meeting, established quorum, and heard a presentation from Department for Medicaid Services Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Becktold. The department reviewed its compliance with House Bill 695, which requires legislative approval before certain Medicaid eligibility, service, benefit, or waiver changes, along with fiscal impact reporting to the Legislative Research Commission. They described current waivers, including home and community-based waivers, managed care and transportation waivers, and the 1115 re-entry waiver, and said the community engagement waiver is in public comment and on track for submission to CMS. They also said required reports and other HB 695 tasks, including a pharmacy rebate fund, budget analyses, expenditure reports, and a behavioral health scorecard, are underway or completed as required. The CFO outlined Medicaid’s budget, saying the department has two appropriation units and projecting near-full use of state funds while leaving some federal funds unspent because of matching-rate differences. They reported roughly 211 filled positions and 11 vacancies. Members asked about the vacancy makeup, the behavioral health scorecard, and whether a provider involved in quality metrics could have a conflict if used in the scorecard process; the department said it would follow up. Members also asked about the community engagement waiver and its interaction with federal policy, and the department said CMS guidance is still pending and that it will proceed under HB 695. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on federal Medicaid policy changes under a reconciliation bill, including possible limits on provider taxes, directed payments, cost-sharing, and community engagement requirements. Department officials said the final federal impact is still uncertain because the Senate bill is not finalized, but they have modeled several scenarios and warned that any reduction in federal support or benefits would be harmful, especially for hospitals and rural hospitals. They estimated Medicaid benefits are funded about 80% federal and 20% state overall, with expansion populations closer to 90% federal funding, and said administrative costs would also rise if federal requirements change. Members also asked about work requirements and eligibility. The department said the community engagement waiver would mainly affect the expansion population, which they estimated at about 450,000 people out of roughly 1.5 million total Medicaid enrollees, and that many groups are exempt, including children, the aged, blind, disabled, and people in substance use disorder treatment. Officials said they can provide data on how many enrollees are working or work-ready and explained that their eligibility system is designed to prevent duplication by automatically placing people in the correct category and correcting errors quickly. They also noted a federal proposal to require expansion eligibility reviews every six months, compared with current annual renewals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current request, or our BCP request, is for a North State office, as well as more analytical support
• And so that is our budget request related to AB 8 here.
• So what we're requesting is staff to form a civil enforcement unit.
• And so that is our budget request related to AB8 here.
• The request will support 12 positions and operational expenses.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He requested a roll call. The roll call was granted.
• </c><00:40:42.200><c> uh</c><00:40:42.319><c> to</c> whether or not it's appropriate uh to whether or
• not it's appropriate uh to put<00:40:42.960><c> families</c><00:40:43.480><c> to</c><00:40:43.680><c
• And I do want to note that a hearing request obviously has been sent, and of course if this should be
• when you're the last speaker appropriate when you're the last speaker that's<01:02:30.039><c> the</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2294 appropriately honors that legacy.
• As chair, as co-chair of the California Hispanic Legislative Caucus, it is a priority piece of legislation
• Motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. AB 2731.
• Motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. Rubio, aye. Valadares. Alvarado-Gil.
• Item 11, motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. Rubio, aye. Valadares, aye.

Summary: The Senate Governmental Organization Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2294, which would designate April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day in honor of the Mendez v. Westminster civil rights case. Assembly Member Ta and supporters from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and HACU described the case’s role in ending school segregation in California and influencing Brown v. Board of Education. Committee members from both parties spoke in strong support, and the bill was later approved 13-0. The committee also heard AB 2412, which would require state agencies to disclose when generative AI is used in public announcements and provide a way to reach a human employee. The author and California Civil Liberties Advocacy said the measure is about transparency and public trust, not banning AI. The bill was moved forward and ultimately passed 12-1. AB 2663, a sunset extension for the law allowing cocktails-to-go, drew support from the California Restaurant Association, a restaurant owner, and industry groups, who said it has helped small businesses and should continue; it passed 13-0. AB 2731 would expand the number of Type 47 liquor licenses available in Santa Cruz County, with licenses reserved for Watsonville and other communities to support small businesses and reduce inflated secondary-market costs. Supporters included Santa Cruz County and the city of Watsonville, and the bill passed 13-0. AB 2751 would standardize the personal importation limit for alcohol brought into California from outside the United States, addressing a disparity at land borders; it also passed 13-0. Several items were initially held on call because the committee lacked a quorum, but after members returned, the committee completed roll calls and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As chair, as co-chair of the California Hispanic Legislative Caucus, it is a priority piece of legislation
• for our caucus, and I'm happy to move the bill when it's appropriate, when we have a quorum.
• Motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee.
• Motion is due pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee. Rubio, aye. Valderas, aye.
• Item 11, motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. Rubio, aye. Valderas, aye.

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2306 makes supplemental appropriations for the 2025-27 biennium.
• House Bill 2306 makes supplemental appropriations for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium.
• corrects an account reference, it corrects the amount for the highway bond retirement account appropriation
• It establishes the Preserve Washington Account in the motor vehicle fund as an appropriated account to
• That was the legislative intent, at least by one of the sponsors of the bill, so just want to clarify

Bills: HB2306 , HB2711

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill adds new legislative intent sections to Chapter 26.09.
• I am asking for a yes vote on this important legislation.
• It does retain the appropriately elevated standard for a claim to succeed.
• They don't come to this legislation very often with this request, and I think at times when we see it
• They don't come to this legislation very often with this request, and I think at times when we see it

Bills: HB2735 , SB5868 , SJM8006

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: family law, constitutional floor, legal standards, child custody, divorce, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges, caseload, docket backlog, judicial workload, elected judge

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have seen this piece of legislation that has been filed several times before.
• And I have seen this piece of legislation that has been filed several, several times before.
• The veterans bonus legislation.
• The Veterans Bonus legislation has been around Beacon Hill for several years.
• I also want to thank Representative Jim Arsiero for filing this legislation on my behalf.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables. The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes. A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's why the legislation helps keep our community safe. This legislation.
• This legislation tells Idahoans we're enhancing penalties on lawbreakers, The legislation tells Idahoans
• that they wanted this legislation moved.
• And in addition to this legislation, they also wanted anti-Semitism legislation moved.
• look at the legislation, So if we do go to line 15, and if we look at the legislation as it currently

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 19, 2026, and then introduced RS 32876 on human trafficking with an amendment. The bill would allow local law enforcement to submit human trafficking investigations to the Attorney General’s office, which could prosecute at its discretion. The sponsor said the measure is meant to help with complex interstate and intercounty cases and modeled it on the ICAC program; the motion to introduce the RS with the amendment carried. The committee then heard House Bill 489, which would add a sentencing enhancement for crimes committed while wearing a mask or other face covering. The sponsor and supporters, including several law enforcement officers and private citizens, argued it would deter masked criminal conduct, protect victims, and help identify offenders. Opponents and some members raised concerns about vagueness, unintended consequences, unequal enforcement, impacts on protests, religious or medical coverings, and the lack of an explicit intent requirement. A motion to send the bill to amending order failed 6-9, and the committee then approved HB 489 for the floor with a due pass recommendation by an 8-7 vote. After a short break, the committee took up House Bill 491, which would expand Idaho’s Good Samaritan framework to include mental health and suicidal crises and encourage bystanders to intervene without fear of liability. The sponsor described the bill as a response to Idaho’s high suicide rates and said it would support training and crisis response efforts; supporters from suicide prevention organizations and the public testified in favor. The committee then adopted a due pass recommendation for HB 491 by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of our respective associations have been taking appropriate steps to reassert those best practices
• Both of our respective associations have been taking appropriate steps to reassert those best practices
• We'll call you by your appropriate name. Yes, Michelle. Representative Baker. Um, sorry.
• So thank you. appropriate in that emergency. But appropriate in that emergency.
• </c> the outcome of this proposed legislation the outcome of this proposed legislation would<00:16:07.120

Keywords: 1183, house