Transcript Highlights:

• Those in support will rise. Division 1. Twenty.
• So I urge you to join me once again in standing with our educators and supporting H. 4361. ...supporting
• Madam Speaker, through you to the members, I rise in support of House Bill 4360.
• Members, I rise in support of House Bill 4360.
• And there's so many people to thank because there are so many supporters in this chamber, supporters

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with ceremonial and procedural business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the National Asian Pacific American Caucus and several orders extending reporting deadlines for committees, all of which were adopted by suspension of the rules. The House also concurred with a Senate petition concerning accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, referring it to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then took up several Ways and Means bills and local matters, including human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, teacher benefits under the Retirement Plus program, and land/easement measures for Westford, Wellesley, and Bourne. Most of these items were advanced to third reading after amendments were adopted. The House also moved through a series of local bills on the calendar, ordering multiple measures to third reading, including bills related to Watertown digital legal notices, Newton alarm divisions, Springfield property tax assessment, Natick’s charter, Beckett conservation commission membership, and Leicester stabilization funds. Later, the House considered and passed two major bills to be engrossed by roll call vote. H. 4361, relative to benefits for teachers, was supported by members who described it as a long-sought fix to Retirement Plus enrollment problems caused by unclear implementation and communication years ago; it passed 158-0. H. 4360, requiring human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, also drew strong support from members and advocates emphasizing victim identification, hotel and motel staff training, and anti-trafficking enforcement; an amendment updating the training language was adopted, and the bill likewise passed 158-0. The House then recessed until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Green cards are in support.
• I like to see the support here. Before we go there, Mr.
• Here in support, if it can provide some information if needed.
• We have also here in support, provide information if requested.
• Aaron Abert, present in support, not wishing to speak.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee met on March 31 with a quorum present and heard three bills by Representative Bacala. House Bill 205 sought to increase compensation for election commissioners, with the author and several clerks of court and commissioners testifying that pay had not changed in 19 years despite greater responsibilities, longer hours, and additional training tied to election security and new voting systems. To avoid a state fiscal note, the committee adopted amendment set 2855, which removed the base pay increase and instead allowed parish governing authorities to provide a supplemental payment of up to $100 for commissioners in charge and those who complete instruction. The bill was then reported favorably. House Bill 67 addressed protected information for certain public officials and aligned the rules for clerks of court with those already applied to the Secretary of State’s office. The author described it as a technical correction to prior legislation governing what personal information may be published or removed. Stephen Procopio of PAR raised broader concerns about transparency, possible constitutional issues, and inconsistent treatment of information depending on the source, suggesting the law may need a larger review. The committee did not amend the bill and reported it favorably. House Bill 73 would allow local public bodies to vote by electronic voting machine, so long as the vote is publicly displayed, instead of being limited to voice votes. Bacala said the change was intended to clarify that electronic in-place voting is permissible and does not affect quorum, proxy voting, or remote participation. Representatives asked about whether members and the public must be able to see the vote and whether the bill changed existing procedures; the author said it did not. Support came from local government associations, and the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's my honor to be here to support her today. support her today.
• each other in ways that you need to be supported as a cabinet secretary.
• I love John, a good guy, but I'm very excited to support you on the Senate floor.
• I'm in full support, and I want to thank you both for being here.
• It looks like, Representative, you've had unanimous support in the House.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I very much hope and I ask for your support. Thank you.
• In support, raise your hand. Is there anyone here in opposition? Oh, okay.
• Both organizations support this legislation. This bill addresses our workforce.
• So I support this bill. Thank you. Thank you, Representative.
• funding supports all apprenticeship programs.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met to hear House Bill 7, sponsored by Representative Garrett and Representative Cates, which would continue and support apprenticeship and workforce training funding. The sponsors and the Department of Workforce Solutions described strong growth in apprenticeship participation, especially in the building trades, and said the fund has helped expand programs while maintaining high retention and employment outcomes. They emphasized that the bill would provide predictable, sustained investment in skilled labor needed for construction, infrastructure, and other growing sectors. Supportive testimony came from contractors, chambers of commerce, trade unions, and a small business owner, all of whom said apprenticeship funding is essential to meeting workforce shortages and keeping workers in New Mexico. Committee members asked about program demographics, geographic distribution, rural participation, reentry and high school dropout data, and how apprenticeships connect to displaced workers from energy and industrial closures. The secretary explained that the department uses Rapid Response and economic transition programs for layoffs and closures, and also surveys current energy workers to gauge retraining interest. Several members praised the bill’s return on investment and retention of workers in the state, while Representative de Rassas suggested adding more public transparency and performance metrics. Representative Ortiz asked about future funding after 2031 and whether the program could scale with more money. After discussion, Representative Hall moved a do pass, Representative de Rassas seconded, and the committee approved House Bill 7 with no opposition. The chair also announced upcoming committee meetings and asked members to consent to sharing contact information for committee purposes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Excluded from participating in these secure family supporting jobs. At the same time.
• Now more than ever, we must celebrate and support the work of unions in supporting workers and bringing
• Speaker I rise in strong support of ACR 28.
• I today, to support, I stand in support of ACR 28.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote and support of HR 13.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Teacher support is student support.
• Student support is teacher support.
• Student support is teacher support.
• Student support is teacher support.
• Student support is teacher support.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> proposed partnerships, and they support proposed partnerships, and they support DBEDT<00:02:08.800
• </c> testimony in support. testimony in support. Thank<00:32:14.800><c> you.</c> Thank you.
• . support. support.
• So in strong support.
• So in strong support. community as well. So in strong support. Thank<00:58:38.040><c> you.

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> traffic</c><00:10:28.480><c> safety</c> continue to support traffic safety continue to support traffic
• you</c><00:21:23.280><c> for</c><00:21:23.520><c> your</c><00:21:23.760><c> support</c> support and
• thank you for your support support and thank you for your support for<00:21:24.240><c> traffic</c><00
• </c><00:31:44.880><c> active</c> afford to not support active afford to not support active transportation
• </c><00:47:09.520><c> of</c> Nelson, uh Aate came out in support of Nelson, uh Aate came out in support

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support at that local level as possible. support at that local level as possible.
• </c><00:10:10.959><c> their</c> for district leaders to support their for district leaders to support
• </c><00:13:29.440><c> to</c> practices increasing the support to practices increasing the support to
• </c> that ongoing support to those teachers. that ongoing support to those teachers.
• I hope you support this. Thank you.

Bills: HF2430 , HF2433

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:43.520><c> of</c><00:08:43.640><c> amending</c> strong support of amending strong support
• Please support this be put forward.
• </c><00:58:26.520><c> I</c> everyone's support of this bill. I everyone's support of this bill.
• </c><01:04:40.040><c> and</c> only do it with your help support and only do it with your help support
• </c> forward to support on this. forward to support on this.

Bills: HF1082 , HF2099 , HF4177 , HF2742

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, emergency management, local government, funding, preparedness, Minnesota, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, use of force, police accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• So for my district, I do not support... I wanted to point out.
• All those in support, please signify by saying aye.
• It is supported by the Treasurer. Mr. Chairman, thank you.
• So today I want to say that I do not support this. I do not support this bill.
• There is very strong corporate support for this bill.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sheriff's Office, great penmanship, waving in support.
• That counts as material support, not the support to hire.
• That counts as material support, not the support to hire an attorney to go to court to respond to this
• I support it. I think that civilization jihad is real.
• But I'm supporting this today.

Bills: S0500 , S0536 , S0762 , S1582 , S1632 , S1634 , S1742 , S1750 , S1792

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: security detail, protective detail, candidate protection, election security, statewide office, governor, lieutenant governor, cabinet officer, nominee, officer-elect, FDLE, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, primary election, general election, canvassing commission, political party, minor party, campaign safety, election protection, public safety

Summary: The committee first considered SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin and supporters said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but helps law enforcement and prosecutors establish gang-related connections for warrants and sentencing enhancements. Senator Smith raised concerns about the lowered threshold for being observed with gang members and possible unintended impacts on business owners and others; Martin said the language was not intended to cover ordinary business interactions and that a gang tattoo must be one used by the gang. After an amendment aligning the Senate bill with the House version was adopted, the committee reported CS/SB 536 favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 762, which allows chief judges to assign capital conflict cases across regional counsel offices, with an amendment requiring judges to consider judicial economy and geographic proximity. Testimony from regional counsel emphasized projected long-term savings, estimated at about $150 million over 10 years. The committee then approved CS/SB 1742, creating a new indecent exposure offense involving sexual conduct directed at minors, and CS/SB 1750, which increases penalties for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses; both bills were amended before passage, with law enforcement groups appearing in support. The committee next took up SB 1582, which creates statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions without creating a new state-run database, while preserving confidentiality protections and law enforcement access. An amendment was adopted, and pawnbroker and recycling stakeholders testified in support. The linked public records bill, SB 1792, creating an exemption for those transaction records while allowing certain information to be released to alleged owners, was also reported favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 500, which provides FDLE protective security details to major party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices after primary certification and until the general election is resolved; a technical amendment was adopted, and the bill was described as mirroring federal candidate protection practices. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would bar Florida courts from enforcing foreign or religious law in a way that overrides the U.S. or Florida constitutions and would create a process for designating foreign or domestic terrorist organizations, with related consequences for schools, funding, and student conduct. Senator Grall said the bill is intended to protect constitutional principles and target violent, criminal conduct rather than protected speech or religious practice, and she explained that designations would follow a public process with judicial review. Senators Smith and Polsky pressed repeatedly on First Amendment, due process, vagueness, and academic-speech concerns, asking how “promotion” would be defined and whether students, attorneys, or advocacy groups could be swept in; Grall said she was open to clarifying language but maintained the bill is aimed at furthering illegal acts, not mere opinion. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, warning it could be used to target Muslim students, religious communities, advocacy groups, and political dissent, while a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1632, with no final committee vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bill and we all need to be supporting bill and we all need to be supporting this<00:04:23.120><c
• With that, members, I ask for your support. Thank you. With that, members, I ask for your support.
• So I urge members' support.
• Please support it. Support the commission. Vote green. Thank you.
• I urge member support. All Mr. Speaker. I urge member support.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:28.839><c> this</c> I urge the committee to support this I urge the committee to support this
• </c><00:35:51.599><c> of</c> communicate after this I'm in support of communicate after this I'm in support
• it because I do believe that we have to support the workers that are designated to support our kids.
• </c> representative in I'm going to support representative in I'm going to support the<00:47:45.440><
• </c> today that had broad bipartisan support today that had broad bipartisan support about<01:30:29.920

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge your support. There are no further remarks.
• Appreciate your support. Were there remarks?
• I would ask for your support. Further remarks?
• I would ask for your support. Further remarks?
• And I would ask for your support. Further remarks?

Summary: The committee and rules meeting advanced a package pull of measures and then moved a series of individual bills and one joint memorial from the white sheet to the floor calendar or second reading calendar. Among the measures discussed were SB 6308 on tools for courts in shelter care hearings to address child protection and tort liability concerns; SB 6200 on tenant rights to install portable cooling devices; SB 6080 on parameters for local jails holding ICE detainees and reimbursement; SB 5911 on protecting benefits and funds for youth in extended foster care; SB 6177 on expanding disclosures on the LEAP website; SB 6052 on a statewide digital transcript data-sharing environment; SB 6182 on an Abortion Savings Program; SB 5828 on college scholarships for private universities; SB 6335 on changes to the Transportation Commission; SB 6017 on trauma-informed treatment of victims and witnesses; SB 6346 on a tax on high earners, which drew opposition over constitutionality and impacts on businesses; SB 6262 on vehicle weight thresholds for certain transportation vehicles; SB 5470 on detached accessory dwelling units outside urban growth areas; SB 5999 on allowing advanced practice registered nurses or physician assistants to serve as acting local health officers in smaller counties; SB 6244 on extending a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products; and SB 5961 on transferring the Imagination Library Program to SPI. The committee also advanced Senate Joint Memorial 8014 requesting an investigation into a killing. Most measures were described by sponsors as technical, administrative, or supportive of housing, transportation, public health, child welfare, or transparency goals. SB 6346 prompted the most substantive debate, with Senator Braun arguing it functioned as an income tax that could harm small and medium businesses and raise constitutional concerns, while the sponsor characterized it as a tax on millionaires. SB 5999 drew a brief concern about how long acting local health officers could serve, though the member said they would still support it. SB 5961 was noted as having local support and was framed as better aligning the Imagination Library with early childhood literacy goals. The committee approved the package pull and each individual motion by voice vote, with the record reflecting ayes carrying the motions and no recorded roll-call votes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Peterson said it was likely the last sit-down of the first half of session and noted one more standing rules meeting was expected on Monday before cutoff on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in full support of this bill.
• So not only are we supporting this bill, but we're supporting all the bills that are equally pressing
• People of faith like me support SB 31.
• In every one of those roles, I support the Life of the Mother Bill.
• Or to support women who want to be mothers?

Keywords: SB31, medical emergency, reproductive health, testimonials, abortion laws, Texas

Summary: This transcript is from a Faith Days at the Capitol press conference supporting Texas abortion-related legislation, especially Senate Bill 31 and House Bill 44, referred to as the “Life of the Mother Act.” Speakers said the bills would clarify the medical-emergency exception in Texas law so doctors can provide evidence-based care when a pregnancy threatens a patient’s life or health, and several noted concerns about delayed treatment, loss of fertility, and women leaving Texas because of uncertainty under current law. Faith leaders from Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Jewish, and other traditions described pastoral experiences with women and families affected by the abortion ban and said their religious beliefs support protecting the life of the mother. Multiple speakers emphasized that the current legal climate has created fear for pregnant Texans, especially those facing miscarriage or high-risk pregnancies, and argued that SB 31 would restore clarity, physician discretion, and religious freedom. Several also linked the issue to broader concerns about maternal mortality, including the higher risks faced by Black women, and framed the bill as a matter of bodily autonomy and family well-being. A Catholic attendee and clergy members shared personal stories about daughters, granddaughters, and congregants who could be harmed by delayed care. Representative Charlie Geren, the House author of HB 44, said the bill was the most important he had carried in his 24 years in the Legislature and pledged to work to get it passed. Representative Josie Garcia also spoke in support, saying existing medical ethics and malpractice rules already hold providers accountable and arguing that supporting mothers is consistent with being pro-life. The event concluded as a coordinated advocacy effort, including mention of a postcard campaign that had gathered more than 6,000 submissions since January 14.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I write in strong support of H. 4508, an act relative to the disability pension for Patricia M.
• Lastly, I would like to go on record that NAGE is also in support.
• I am here in support of House Bill 3,000.
• Thank you for allowing me to speak in support of Bill 2878.
• But before I do, I also want to express our support for House Bill 2896.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of retirement classification and benefit bills affecting municipal and state employees. Much of the hearing focused on proposals to move various workers from Group 1 to Group 2 or Group 4, including municipal building officials (H. 2776), MassDOT highway workers (H. 2908/Sousa’s Law), DCF attorneys (H. 2771), probation officers, licensed electricians, drinking water operators (H. 3000/S. 1834), MWRA non-clerical workers (S. 1803), transitional parole officers (H. 2878), Plymouth BCI criminal investigator officers (H. 2975/S. 1863), Beverly fire alarm operators/public safety telecommunicators (S. 1876), Massport pipefitters and refrigeration technicians (H. 2788/S. 1829), and other public safety or hazardous-duty classifications. Witnesses generally argued that their work is physically dangerous, understaffed, or comparable to already higher-classified employees, and several said the changes would help recruitment and retention with little fiscal impact because the affected groups are small. The committee also heard testimony on H. 4508, a home rule petition to grant a disability pension to Boston principal Patricia Lampron. Supporters, including Representative Dan Hunt, Boston city councilors, and Lampron herself, described a severe 2021 assault at the Henderson Inclusion School that left her with lasting physical and psychological injuries and forced her into early retirement. They urged the committee to advance the bill quickly. One witness, Pamela McLaughlin, testified in opposition, arguing the bill would set the wrong precedent and describing alleged prior misconduct by Lampron, and asked that the bill be sent to study. Several witnesses and committee members asked brief questions, mainly about the scope of the bills, whether certain workers were already in higher groups, and the fiscal or precedent concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing. At the end, the chairs announced that testimony was complete, asked whether anyone else wished to speak, and then the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have a card in support. Thank you. All right. The board is clear. Have a card in support.
• Those green cards are in support.
• Four years to help support that particular program.
• Look forward to supporting it on the floor.
• Look forward to supporting it on the floor.

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are supportive of this work.
• I'm here to testify in support of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6110.
• We've testified previously in support.
• Thank you for the chance to be here today in support of this bill.
• So we ask for your support for this bill, and thank you for your consideration.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation bills. ESSB 6262 would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds for vehicles subject to gross weight license fees; the sponsor and city representatives said it would close a loophole, make fees more equitable, and help fund road maintenance, while the fiscal note was described as indeterminate. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, aligning Washington with other states and supporting RV dealers; the bill drew support from the RV industry. SB 6110 would exclude certain faster electric vehicles from the e-bike definition and create a Department of Licensing work group to recommend a framework for electric motorcycles; testimony generally supported the effort but urged clearer e-motorcycle definitions and earlier work-group action, with some concern about youth safety and local enforcement. SB 5833 would allow a person to leave a vehicle running for up to 30 minutes to heat or cool a pet inside, with locking and brake requirements; the sponsor and a sheriffs’ association witness discussed balancing pet safety with auto-theft concerns, and the committee heard no fiscal impact. The committee also heard ESSB 6066, which would establish crash prevention zones in areas with unusually high serious-injury or fatal-crash rates, initially for a specific stretch of U.S. 395 and later more broadly beginning in 2029. The bill would allow local governments and WSDOT to designate zones, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, use speed cameras in the zones, and dedicate related revenues to safety improvements; supporters from Pasco and county risk pools backed the approach, while the sponsor asked for broader geographic coverage. ESSB 6311 would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during construction near hospitals, parks, and school routes, with temporary routes, safety plans, inspections, and enforcement tools such as stop-work orders and penalties; the sponsor said it was modeled on local practices and aimed at protecting pedestrians during construction, and contractors and transportation advocates supported it with a requested amendment clarifying design responsibility in design-bid-build projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed each public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're very supportive of this APA exemption and will continue to support the legislative effort to exempt
• We urge your strong support for AB 117.
• And we are asking for your support on the Bay Area transit loans.
• And we respectfully ask that you support this. Thank you very much.
• Of course, we're in support for Cal Fire funding moving forward. Good morning.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all