Transcript Highlights:

• The vote at town meeting was 69 in favor, 55 against.
• When voters elect commissioners, they have a direct vote.
• What happened to my vote? It's gone.
• They would like their vote to count. And this is a measure that would definitely be vote to count.
• They don't want to have to vote, find new members of the commission to... vote, find new members of the

Bills: H5426 , H5434 , S3084 , S3087 , S3088 , S3092

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on several local bills and home rule petitions. The first major item was Senate Bill 3092, authorizing the city of Newton to issue pension obligation bonds or notes. Senator Cindy Cream and Mayor Mark Laredo’s chief of staff, Dana Hansen, testified in support, saying the measure would help Newton manage its unfunded pension liability, preserve its AAA bond rating, and create about $10 million in budget flexibility over five years. Senator John Keenan supported the bill but cautioned that pension obligation bonds depend heavily on market timing and assumptions about future funding and hiring. The committee then heard testimony on a Boylston bill, Senate Bill 3088, allowing the town to contract for a newly created police lieutenant position. Boylston officials said the town’s growth and public safety needs justify a second-in-command role with supervisory, internal affairs, and emergency command duties, and that a contract is needed because of the position’s management-level responsibilities. Representative Wells asked why a lieutenant position required a home rule petition, and the chief explained that town counsel advised the arrangement functioned more like an employment contract than a standard personnel-plan position. Next, the committee took up House Bill 5426 for North Attleboro, a charter amendment package. Town Manager Mike Borg said the bill makes limited local changes: correcting charter language, expanding the Board of Health from three to five members, and requiring write-in candidates to meet a minimum vote threshold comparable to ballot candidates. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3087 for Walpole, which would create a water and sewer advisory board and change the governance structure for the town’s water and sewer system. Town officials supported the bill as a way to improve planning and accountability, but several elected water and sewer commissioners and a town meeting member opposed it, arguing it would abolish an elected board, reduce voter representation, and concentrate power in appointed officials. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a vote in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• from 2020 to 2022, returning to remotely from 2020 to 2022, returning to Velco<00:13:18.320><c> in</
• >> Roll call has been requested, and when the vote is taken, it shall be by roll.
• &gt;&gt; Yes, The vote is 30-0.
• That is when this vote will come up.
• Um I just when this vote will come up.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're really great, and we'll get a chance to vote on them later this week.
• And Breck is remote. Unmute yourself and turn on your camera, please. Vicki Clark, are you remote?
• Let's go with the remote testifier, Laura Lant, followed by Kurt Huberkotter.
• Remote testifier, Brad Brotherton, please.
• Remote testifier, Brad Brotherton, please.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills: SB 6225, a proposed substitute bond bill authorizing transportation funding bonds; SB 6005, the proposed substitute supplemental transportation budget; and SB 6354, a bill to expand access to electric vehicles through limited direct sales by qualifying EV-only manufacturers and changes to the documentary service fee. Staff explained that SB 6225 would authorize $1.1 billion in general obligation bonds, an additional $400 million for selected Move Ahead Washington highway projects, a $500 million increase in SR 520 bond authority, and the expiration of some older unused bond authorizations. For SB 6005, staff described a $17.5 billion supplemental budget with $1.5 billion in new funding, including reappropriations, preservation and maintenance spending, ferry investments, Climate Commitment Act-related adjustments, and a six-year balanced plan through 2031. For SB 6354, staff outlined the direct-sales framework for qualifying EV manufacturers, dealer licensing requirements, penalties for violations, and a fee increase that would direct revenue to EV rebates and multimodal transportation. Testimony on the budget and bond bills was broadly supportive from transit, local government, labor, construction, ports, and climate advocates, who praised preservation funding, ferry investments, safety programs, EV charging, rail electrification, and flood-response or local project funding. Several witnesses asked for specific project or account changes, including support for Skagit Transit, Day Road and Poplar Way bridge-related funding, Spokane TMC operating support, Kent corridor funding, and additional rail capital projects. Some speakers also urged more Climate Commitment Act funding for EV rebates, charging, and rail electrification, while others warned against deeper cuts to local programs and stressed the need for long-term preservation and bonding to stabilize the system. Testimony on SB 6354 was sharply divided. Rivian, Lucid, and several Washington auto dealers supported the bill as a compromise that would allow limited direct sales for EV-only manufacturers while preserving franchise protections and generating revenue for EV rebates. Climate advocates supported the bill as a way to accelerate EV adoption and asked that more of the fee revenue go to instant rebates for low-income buyers. In opposition, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Honda argued the bill creates unequal rules, weakens the franchise system, and was not the product of a true compromise. The committee announced that SB 6225 and SB 6005 would be in executive session Thursday at 8 a.m., with amendments due by noon the prior day, while SB 6354 would be scheduled for executive action later.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> definition of what a remote worker is. definition of what a remote worker is.
• In a remote office that's stable.
• remote workers at this point.
• I will say I our remote workers.
• </c><03:52:57.600><c> Um,</c> enforce that for remote workers. Um, enforce that for remote workers.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> public</c> Members, just so you'll know, since there's public hearing call today, we won't be voting
• Okay, we're not going to vote on the bill itself.
• Okay, we're not going<00:07:41.120><c> to</c><00:07:41.199><c> vote</c><00:07:41.280><c> on</c><00:07
• </c><00:07:42.000><c> We</c><00:07:42.160><c> may</c> going to vote on the bill itself.
• We may going to vote on the bill itself.

Bills: SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote Thank you ma madam speaker.
• </c> The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Gander votes aye.
• Members, please vote green.
• I recognize the please vote green.
• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Gander votes aye.

Transcript Highlights:

• It passed the House with a vote of 88 to 3, and the bill does not have a Senate companion.
• Real concerns about the bill, and I'll be voting no. Well, I would recommend an aye.
• Ezra Eichmire, Bonnie Jo Peterson are both remote. Good morning.
• It passed the House with a vote of 92 to 2, and the bill does not have a Senate companion.
• My co-panelist was forced to testify remotely, so she will be doing that after I conclude.

Bills: HB1347 , HB2091 , HB2264

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, unemployment insurance, benefits, employment, layoffs, workforce reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• In California, ultimately, we got a unanimous vote.
• And so I please encourage everyone to vote yes on this bill. Thank you. Thanks. Any questions?
• And so I please encourage everyone to vote yes on this bill. Thank you. Thanks. Any questions?
• And so I please encourage everyone to vote yes on this bill. Thank you. Thanks. Any questions?
• Okay, so we have several folks signed in to testify remotely.

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2152 would allow terminally ill qualifying patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities under facility policies that prohibit smoking/vaping, require patient self-administration and secure storage, and allow facilities to suspend compliance if federal enforcement arises. The prime sponsor and supporters, including family members, cannabis advocates, nurses, and hospital-related groups, described the bill as a compassionate end-of-life measure based on California’s Ryan’s Law; the Washington State Hospital Association asked for clarifying amendments to limit the bill to inpatient beds and to bar staff from retrieving cannabis as well as administering it. HB 2122 would require hospitals, starting in 2027 and during flu season, to offer influenza vaccines to inpatients age 65 and older and to inpatients with chronic health conditions when not contraindicated. The sponsor and supporters from diabetes, infectious disease, AARP, and public health emphasized rising flu deaths, the benefits for high-risk patients, and the chance to reduce severe illness and costs. The Washington State Hospital Association supported the goal but said the bill would create an unfunded mandate and requested amendments related to vaccine availability, emergency declarations, and operational flexibility. One witness from Informed Choice Washington opposed the bill but suggested adding vaccine information statements to strengthen informed consent. HB 2110 would change staffing rules for inter-facility specialty care ambulance transports so a registered nurse without EMT certification could satisfy the personnel requirement when no paramedic or EMT-certified nurse is available, provided an EMT-certified EMS provider is in the ambulance and the nurse has appropriate competencies. Rural hospitals and ambulance providers said the current rule delays transfers and can force long waits or air transport, while the Washington State Nurses Association supported the concept but raised concerns about standardized training, medical oversight, and staffing impacts on hospitals. HB 2113 would update radiologic technologist supervision rules for IV contrast and other procedures, allowing virtual direct supervision for contrast procedures and supervision by physicians, APRNs, or PAs in some cases; supporters said it aligns with current practice and improves rural access, while radiology groups asked for a distance/proximity requirement for virtual physician supervision. HB 2168 would require the Department of Health to rapidly share overdose data from the state EMS information system to ODMAP within 24 hours, with privacy protections and limits on law-enforcement use. Supporters from Yakima County, public health, and the poison center said near-real-time overdose mapping would improve spike alerts, prevention, and response, and could save lives; the Washington Poison Center asked that its data be included and that the bill clarify language around opioid versus other overdoses. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing; the meeting ended after public testimony on HB 2168.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start with a remote testimony from We'll start with a remote testimony from Jenny Arnold and Carrie
• I ask you all to vote no on 6231. This bill is not ready.
• We will come back to Blake when we do remote testimony.
• Please vote no.
• We'll come back to Tim when we get two remote testifiers.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Burkel. Burkel votes I.
• Vote<01:24:45.199><c> green.</c> Vote green. Vote green.
• </c> important vote to vote green. Thank you. important vote to vote green. Thank you.
• The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. >> Burl. >> Burl votes no. >> Burkl
• . vote. vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• He signed up remote, but oh, there you are. John, please come forward.
• I think Jason is remote and another member. We signed up as a panel remote.
• For these reasons, we urge the committee to vote no on both 2457 and 2430. Thank you.
• So we urge you to vote against it. Thank you. Thank you very much.
• Carrie Holly, you're here remotely on the teleconference. We'd like to hear from you, please.

Bills: HB2146 , HB2349 , HB2430 , HB2457 , HB2510 , HB2532

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: sexual exploitation, minors, human trafficking, child safety, law enforcement, victim support, sexually violent predator, SVP, civil commitment, community notification, release notification, conditional release, unconditional discharge, escape notification, victim notification, witness notification, prosecuting attorney, Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS, Department of Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• I suggest a vote in favor of this bill. Thank you, Chair. Thank you very much.
• I suggest a vote in favor of this bill.
• I would emphasize that voting no for this bill is what's fair for students.
• Lowand's Ayers will be on deck, and I believe they're all remote. So go ahead.
• So now we will go to our remote testimony from Brooke Fisher-Clark.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on Washington’s child care oversight and subsidy system, focusing on Working Connections Child Care, licensing, audits, and fraud prevention. DCYF officials said the program serves over 63,000 eligible families, with about 6,600 licensed providers and roughly 2,200 license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor providers. They described annual unannounced licensing visits, complaint investigations, attendance tracking, eligibility verification, random and focused audits, and referrals to the Office of Fraud and Accountability or Office of Financial Recovery when needed. Senators asked about voucher amounts, visit frequency, and what happens when children are not present; officials said the average subsidy is about $2,200 per month, providers are paid directly, and repeated failed visits can lead to license closure. Child Care Aware and provider testimony emphasized the quality system, Early Achievers, and a virtual provider described the practical realities of home-based care and unannounced inspections. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5952, which would standardize the process for waiving high school physical education requirements. The bill’s sponsor said the goal was to make PE waiver decisions consistent across districts so students who move schools are not disadvantaged, especially in six-period schedules with limited room for electives. Student supporters said a uniform process would improve fairness and help students fit in AP, career, or other coursework. Opponents, including PE teachers and the Washington Association of School Principals, argued that PE is a core academic subject, that athletics is not interchangeable with PE, and that local flexibility should remain. The State Board of Education supported the bill, saying current district policies vary widely and a standardized process would improve equity and transparency. Next, the committee took testimony on Senate Bill 5961, which would transfer the Imagination Library of Washington from DCYF to OSPI. The sponsor called it a simple administrative move to align the book-gifting program with early literacy and K-12 education, noting the program serves about 120,000 children in all 39 counties. OSPI and program representatives supported the transfer, saying it better fits the birth-to-grade-three literacy continuum and strengthens accountability. Testifiers highlighted the program’s role in school readiness, early brain development, and access to physical books for young children. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 5969, which would allow a student’s IEP transition plan to satisfy high school and beyond plan requirements if the IEP team chooses. The sponsor, a special education teacher, said the bill would reduce duplication and better support students with disabilities as they transition to postsecondary life. The committee then began hearing testimony on the proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• They obviously would not be able to vote in person, and sometimes using remote voting is very difficult
• The clerk will call the vote. First of all, the name of the members voting remotely: Hussain.
• The clerk will call the name of the members voting remotely. Hussain. Go ahead. Hussain, aye.
• Members, please vote. The clerk will call the name of the member voting remotely. Hussain.
• Members, please vote. Thank you. The clerk will call the names of the members voting remotely.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• I urge your no vote. Thank you. Thank you.
• I ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• I urge respectfully a no vote on this bill.
• That has 10 votes. We will hold that open.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely in support and some opposition on a few measures. AB 458 would direct the Department of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to develop model procurement guidelines for state purchases of firearms, ammunition, and accessories so agencies avoid vendors that violate gun laws; law enforcement and San Francisco representatives supported it, and members discussed adding oversight and vetting. AB 1729 would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans for return-to-office decisions and restoring public reporting on telework savings; supporters cited cost savings, productivity, climate benefits, and worker flexibility, while the author clarified it would not alter collective bargaining under the Dills Act. AB 1754 would require post-completion reporting on bond-funded programs’ goals and outcomes; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure, while counties and water agencies opposed it unless amended, warning of added bureaucracy, delays, and litigation risk. AB 1841 would create a paid state holiday recognizing California Native American Day, and AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California’s first peoples and install a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; both drew strong tribal and labor support and broad committee praise, with members emphasizing education, historical acknowledgment, and healing. AB 2211 would allow craft distillers to operate a satellite room and use certain alcohol modifiers on premises, and AB 1991 would authorize wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries to conduct sensory tastings for research with guardrails; both had industry support, with AB 1991 drawing one opposition voice from Alcohol Justice. AB 1578 would require elected officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing sexual harassment training; it drew sharp First Amendment objections from opponents and mixed committee views, but the motion to send it to Appropriations passed on a recorded vote. The committee also heard AB 1807, which would bar state-owned property from being used for federal immigration enforcement operations; the author and supporters argued it would protect communities and prevent state complicity in federal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the legislature, then it can be placed on the ballot to be ratified by a majority of the popular vote
• Due to the hybrid nature of this hearing, those wishing to provide remote testimony were required to
• Only the public and legislators who are not members of the committee may participate remotely.
• First up, I believe joining us remotely is Senator Comerford, who's here to share her testimony.
• Thanks for hearing my testimony today remotely, and thank you for hearing this bill so early in the legislative

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held its first hearing of the session, led by House Chair Adrian Madaro and Senate Chair James Eldridge. The committee explained the constitutional amendment process and the hearing procedures, then took testimony on four bills concerning proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, with the main focus on S. 11 and H. 71, which would amend Article 99 relating to agricultural and horticultural land taxation. Senator Jo Comerford, Rebecca Miller of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and Representative Natalie Blay all testified in support of the bills. They argued that the current five-acre minimum for farmland tax treatment is outdated and harms farmers, especially new, urban, and smaller-scale farmers, by forcing some land to be taxed at higher commercial rates. Supporters said the change would help preserve farmland, strengthen the local food system, and address economic pressures on farms, including high land values, climate impacts, and an aging farm workforce. In response to a question about abuse or false claims, Comerford and Miller said existing certification processes under Chapter 61A and municipal review help verify active farming, and Miller noted the bill requires land to be in production for two years before receiving the rate. Committee members asked about the status of the 21st Century Farm Commission, and Comerford said a report was expected in the spring. After testimony concluded, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then entertained a motion to adjourn, which was made and accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start with the five in person and then the two remote.
• And then we'll go to the remote testifiers, starting with Rob Krabel and then Jennifer Godfrey.
• Now we're on to remote testifier, Rob Crable. Rob Crable.
• We do not see the last testifier remote. Great, thank you. We do not see the last testifier remote.
• All right, we're going to our one remote testifier. Oops, that was a comment.

Bills: HB2267 , HB2183 , HB2174 , HB1529

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: urban forestry, local government, environmental policy, tree management, community planning, heat response, counties, public health, emergency management, climate action, crash prevention, traffic safety, roadside regulations, emergency zones, public safety, state legislation, infrastructure, county resources, road construction, maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, no, I'm sorry, those are remote.
• And then we'll do the remote panel first.
• The next panel of testifiers are remote: Hugo Huang, Ishan Sharma, and Jaden Hong. Thank you.
• Oh, I'm, we're going to do the remote first. Sorry, I didn't get that message. I know.
• Oh, I'm, we're going to do the remote first. Sorry, I didn't get that message. I know.

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee began with a work session on student complaints in higher education. Faculty, union, and research witnesses argued that current complaint systems are sometimes misused in bad faith, disproportionately affecting faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty, consuming institutional resources, and chilling academic freedom. They called for an initial screening process for bias or retaliation, routine data collection and equity review, and a faculty bill of rights. Committee members asked about FERPA, Title IX, and how complaint data could be tracked consistently across institutions. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6090 would create a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University to register and preserve heritage orchards and rare apple varieties; Senator Braun said it would honor Washington’s apple history and support research at low cost. SB 5931 would make technical changes to the Workforce Education Investment Oversight Board, including two-year co-chair terms, a later annual report date, and removal of a dashboard requirement; WASAC, labor, and Microsoft testified in support. SB 5963 would automatically qualify Passport to Careers students as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and align financial aid definitions; WASAC, College Success Foundation, students, and student advocates supported it as a way to reduce barriers for foster and homeless youth. The committee also heard SB 5978, which would codify and expand the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program and require annual student notifications about admissions, financial aid, dual credit, and related opportunities. Supporters included the Council of Presidents, faculty, students, parents, and the Washington Roundtable, who said guaranteed admission and better outreach would reduce anxiety, improve transparency, and help more students enroll. Finally, SB 6082 would direct JLARC to audit fraud in state financial aid programs, including fictitious students and AI-enabled abuse; the sponsor cited recent fraud concerns, while community and technical college officials said colleges already have fraud controls in place, warned the audit was unfunded and potentially duplicative, and asked for more resources. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Paul joining us remotely, not to be confused with our And Trom Hong also joining us remotely.
• Mark Paul, joining us remotely. Not to be confused with our colleague, Dr.
• And Trom Hong also joining us remotely. Remind of the proponents, you have 30 minutes.
• Shelly, are you on with us remotely? Okay, we don't see Shelly.
• So remotely, Ace, are you with us? Yes, I am. Great, we can hear loud and clear.

Bills: H5008

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Brunoski votes aye. Representative LeCannoff votes aye. Rule votes aye.
• Representative Simmons votes aye. Stonyer votes aye. Stonyer votes aye.
• Representative Obras votes aye. Shavers votes aye. Representative Shavers votes aye.
• Simmons votes aye. Representative Simmons votes aye. Stonier votes aye.
• Representative Stoner votes aye. Steby votes aye. Representative Steby votes aye.

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on three measures. HB 2555 would require the Health Care Authority to apply for a Medicaid waiver to cover traditional health care practices provided through Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian facilities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, tribal health leaders, and the Health Care Authority, said the bill would recognize traditional medicine, expand access, and leverage federal funding, though HCA noted the July 1, 2026 waiver deadline and urban Indian reimbursement questions may be difficult to resolve. HB 2685 would codify tribal data sovereignty principles for state agencies, require reporting of notifiable conditions to tribal health jurisdictions, and exempt certain tribal data from public disclosure. Tribal representatives supported the bill as necessary for access, governance, and better public health planning, while the Washington Coalition for Open Government and HCA raised concerns about the breadth of the PRA exemption, undefined ownership interests, and implementation details. HB 2658 would require health carriers to submit standardized public data on behavioral health and other coverage and access metrics, with the Insurance Commissioner posting the information on a public dashboard. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency about mental health parity and help families, employers, and policymakers compare plans; opponents argued it duplicates or complicates recent parity reforms and could be misinterpreted. HB 2683 would shorten carrier credentialing timelines from 90 days to 30 days and require carriers to post billing and coverage information online. Supporters said it would reduce delays for providers and patients, while opponents warned the shorter timeline could be hard to meet and that posting information without login protections could raise privacy concerns. In executive session, the committee adopted two amendments to HB 2168, which concerns overdose mapping data, then reported the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 16-1. It rejected an amendment to HB 2196 that would have extended PANDAS/PANS coverage to public and school employee plans, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-2. Finally, the committee passed HB 2545, which would allow ambulatory surgical facilities to perform elective percutaneous coronary interventions, by a vote of 13-4, after members discussed safety, access, and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the changes and I would urge a green vote, please.
• I ask for your support and a green vote again on this bill.
• More fitting to vote green on the Ag bill today.
• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely: Swazinski. Swazinski votes aye.
• I want to Members to vote yes for it.