Transcript Highlights:

• It's a constant pressure on homeowners, insurers, and our entire communities.
• So I would just encourage that that communication continues.
• Cal was still with the California Community Foundation in support. Thank you.
• Response: Assembly Member, I don’t think it’s opposition to these communities.
• It’s in these communities that Senator Zabur represents where I don’t know— Response: In these communities

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• ICE is still in our communities. Our children are still afraid.
• Our children still in our communities.
• This happened right here in our community.
• And hopefully we can all community.
• </c> communities. And that vote is green. communities. And that vote is green.

Transcript Highlights:

• positions with Baltimore County Public Schools, including Chief of School and Climate and Safety, Community
• Martin Knox is passionate about continuing to serve students in the Raytown community, and she is committed
• It helps clean up crime in our communities that are affected by juvenile crime and repeat offenders.
• , introduce transparency in sentencing. ...of people in the law enforcement community transparency in
• Ultimately, this bill promotes safer communities across Missouri. With that, I close.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is particularly important for patients in rural communities.
• In my community and others across the state, we do not have paramedics.
• House Bill 2110 is critical to our hospital and our community.
• Like other small communities, the Forks community has been unable to retain paramedics.
• I reside in eastern Washington, in a small community of Albion.

Bills: HB2340 , HB2155 , HB2531

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin Knox is passionate about continuing to serve students in the Raytown community, and she is committed
• That would be beneficial to Main Street and to our communities, and that's why I'm going to be voting
• You're now putting mom-and-pop shops out of business in rural communities where they already do not have
• It helps clean up crime in our communities that are affected by juvenile crime and repeat offenders.
• Ultimately, this bill promotes safer communities across Missouri. With that, I close.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by roll call vote, and established a quorum. Members then offered personal privilege remarks recognizing Dr. Penelope Martin Knox for Black History Month and introducing guests, including Adeline Overcast, who was made a page for the day, and visitors connected to a rural hospital in Rolla. Several bills were read for the first time, including measures on blind pension tax levies, penalties for impeding first responders, and flag display in the state capitol, and committee reports recommended passage of multiple deferred measures. The chamber then took up several bills on third reading. House Committee Substitute for HB 2596, concerning multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed 145-0. HB 1644, dealing with franchise employment liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over worker rights and franchisor liability. HB 2423, which would increase funding for the Division of Finance through higher licensing fees, passed 146-0 despite concerns about costs being passed on indirectly. House Committee Substitute for HB 2641, which aligns state law with federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, drew extensive debate over hemp, beverages, and the impact on small businesses and consumers; it passed 109-34 with six present. Members also debated HB 2498 on juvenile justice reform, including changes to certification procedures and information sharing. Supporters argued it would improve accountability and public safety, while opponents warned it would politicize juvenile decisions, burden treatment facilities, and push more youth into the adult system. After a successful previous-question motion, the bill passed 100-44 with three present. House Committee Substitute for HB 2637 and 3155, described as a truth-in-sentencing measure that would make parole eligibility and time-served credit clearer, passed 102-45 with two present after debate over whether it effectively increased mandatory minimums. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for HJR 154, a proposed constitutional amendment tied to Medicaid expansion and work requirements. Supporters framed it as encouraging work and reducing dependency, while opponents called it an attack on Medicaid expansion that would increase administrative costs and risk coverage losses for vulnerable residents. The transcript ends during the motion for the previous question on that resolution, before the final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We all try to touch on fraud when we're talking out in our communities.
• Maybe I had the wrong email or communication, but when you try to reach out to them...”
• And if you think about it, we're a community bank, but we do have shareholders.
• And if you think about it, we're a community bank, but we do have shareholders.
• And our shareholders are people in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our unions do that, and we do not penalize the contractor that works in their home community, in their
• Time and don't have to come back and cost the community more money in back orders and change orders.
• We've definitely gotten complaints from the community. ...bill.
• And this is something that has been happening in our communities.
• to those communities, even through apps, can be really helpful and really powerful.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor. The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't know what your communities are ...to $1,000 a week.
• The Washington Council provides crisis services statewide in all of your communities.
• Moore mentioned, we do recognize there are issues in our rural communities. As Ms.
• We need systems of care that support people in their own communities, not policies that pull them out
• Support community care and choice and not coercion.

Bills: SB5962 , SB6105 , SB6203 , SB6296

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor

Transcript Highlights:

• And as I continue to speak with community members, many of them being young leaders in our communities
• Thank you to Madame Chair and members of the community committee.
• community loved him back.
• Today, the community needs your support. Today, the community needs your support.
• Our communities are left vulnerable.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2255, House Bill 2548, and House Bill 2320. HB 2255 would regulate third-party litigation funding by requiring disclosure of funders and agreements, prohibiting funder control over litigation, capping funder recovery at 25%, and creating enforcement remedies. Supporters, including the sponsor, insurance groups, and liability reform advocates, described it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure that could improve court efficiency and reduce costs. Opponents, including the Washington State Association for Justice and the commercial litigation funding industry, argued it would burden plaintiffs, reveal protected work product, chill access to justice, and create satellite litigation. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing and asked testifiers to submit written comments. HB 2548 would expand state oversight of health care market transactions by broadening the types of mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, and ownership/control changes that trigger notice to the Attorney General, pausing transactions until information requests are substantially complied with, expanding interagency data sharing, and revoking nonprofit status in certain transactions. Supporters, including patient advocates, nurses, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Attorney General’s office, physicians, and individual health care workers, said private equity and consolidation are driving higher costs, reduced access, and lower quality. Opponents from the Washington State Hospital Association and MultiCare said the bill is unclear, may contain drafting errors, does not adequately target private equity structures, and could create problems around nonprofit status and charitable assets. The hearing ended with the committee moving on to the next bill. HB 2320 would update Washington’s ghost gun laws to address 3D-printed firearms, CNC manufacturing, digital firearm manufacturing code, and the sale of machines marketed for firearm production, and would make certain violations per se Consumer Protection Act violations. The sponsor and supporters, including school officials, gun violence prevention advocates, a trauma survivor, a 3D-printing industry representative, and others, said the bill closes a public safety loophole and responds to the growing availability of untraceable weapons. Opponents, including the NRA, makerspace representatives, and some industry witnesses, argued the bill is overbroad, may sweep in lawful 3D-printing and CNC activity, raises First, Second, and Fifth Amendment concerns, and could create uncertainty through rebuttable presumptions and the CPA provisions. The transcript ends during the HB 2320 hearing, with additional testimony panels still to come and no final committee action recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will want to first say that I love our ag community. It has been my goal. Thank you.
• but especially our ag community.
• you know, as we collaborate with the ag community.
• You know, my team would be, you know, as we collaborate with the ag community.
• But the question is, how do you communicate? ...been convenient for the property owner.

Bills: HB2016 , HB2104 , HB2105 , HB2288 , HB2289

Committees: House Ways & Means , House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Keywords: tax penalties, filing, tax returns, administration, Arizona Revised Statutes, agricultural property, classification, county assessor, property inspection, appeal process, property tax, agricultural classification, Department of Revenue, property valuation, inspection notice, inspection report, on-site inspection, full cash value, rural land, farm land

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, they're, they're really seen as like kind of a frontline community health approach.
• It's just my opinion that these are really the providers that are in the rural communities more than
• She's previously worked in community development throughout Southern New Mexico.
• Uh, the mention of inclusion with the veterans, of course, um, our tribal communities.
• How is the word, um, being, uh, disseminated through the different communities?

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to invest in their communities.
• They want to invest in their communities.
• It's about families and entire communities.
• I’m the director of strategy with Front Porch Community Services.
• , affordable housing communities, and, through our community services division and the Home Match program

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with members explaining that measures with significant fiscal impacts would be held for suspense or taken up later. AB 761 would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than needing approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would preserve transit funding for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while an opponent argued it would make it easier to raise a regressive tax. The bill was voted out 5-2 after being called for absent members. AB 1253, which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction beyond substantial equivalence, drew support from the Los Angeles County Assessor and the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8, dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration of hemp cannabinoids into the cannabis supply chain and tax system, drew strong support from cannabis operators and labor groups and opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates concerned about supply, tax revenue, and voter intent; it was also sent to suspense. The committee then heard AB 1138, a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program. Supporters, including entertainment unions, workers, studios, and local officials, said the bill would help keep production and jobs in California amid competition from other states and countries; opponents criticized it as picking winners and losers and argued broader business costs were the real problem. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 829, which would create a California Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program to support research and services, received unanimous support from advocates and was approved 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 would exempt rental income from nonprofit home-sharing programs for low-income homeowners from state income tax and protect participants’ eligibility for certain benefits; supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address housing shortages, and the bill was sent to suspense after members asked for clarification on the fiscal estimate. The committee also heard AB 376, which would exempt wildfire settlement payments from state income tax for certain disaster survivors; supporters from rural counties said the money is meant to help victims rebuild and should not be taxed, and the bill was referred to suspense. Finally, AB 480 would allow developers using low-income housing tax credits to switch from allocated to certificated state credits after an award, with supporters saying it would maximize private investment and stretch housing dollars further; it too was sent to suspense. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance policy goals with fiscal impacts, and several bills were held or referred to suspense rather than voted out immediately.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number four, Senate communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate communications?
• We are in receipt of a communication returning House Bill 1440, HD1, having passed third reading in the
• We are in further receipt of communications transmitting the noted Senate bills, all having passed third
• Also want to point out that according to the National Network of Youth Communities, establishing safe
• </c> national network of Youth communities national network of Youth communities which<00:41:43.880><

Summary: The House convened with 47 members present, read the journal, and received Senate communications, including notice that House Bill 1440, HD1 had passed third reading in the Senate and that several Senate bills were transmitted and passed first reading by title. Members also made introductions recognizing guests for Working Families Day 2025, including advocates and organizers, and welcomed visitors from Khu Valley, as well as family members and community advocates in the gallery. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the order of the day and adoption of numerous standing committee reports and accompanying bills, many of which were passed by voice vote or consent calendar. Several members registered reservations or opposition on specific measures, with comments focused on fertility coverage and the prepaid health care system, low-income tax policy, youth safe spaces and runaway youth, prenatal care for non-citizens, and fireworks regulation. In a few cases, members requested that their remarks be entered into the journal, and one member clarified a vote change on SCR 972 after the vote had been read. The House also took third-reading votes on additional bills listed on later pages, with the majority and minority caucuses announcing their votes and a few named no votes on particular measures. No resolutions were introduced for action. During announcements, members wished Representative Amato and staff members happy birthday. The House then voted to keep the journal open until midnight for further committee reports and transmitted bills, and finally recessed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and this is one way that we can continue to help that workforce shortage in this community.
• , and this is one way that we can continue to help that workforce shortage in this community.
• , and this is one way that we can continue to help that workforce shortage in this community.
• , and this is one way that we can continue to help that workforce shortage in this community.
• This is one way that we can continue to help that workforce shortage in this community.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation protects the rights of homeowners in planned communities and community associations
• It respects the role of the community association while recognizing that homeowners should be able to
• activities, and community events.
• activities, community events.
• the communities that built and supported these campuses for generations?

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the nature of what we do and its impact on the community and beyond, we need to be able to attract
• And we need to be able to attract to the judiciary individuals who reflect the communities that we serve
• and who will be leaders in both the law and in the community.
• It's important to me that I live in the same community as the people that I represent, but it's very
• H. 1974, S. 1143, an act relative to privileged communications and defamation actions.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn. On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees. The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Communication Nos. 483 to 493 return various Senate bills that passed third reading in the House
• House Communication Nos. 494 to 496 transmit various House Concurrent Resolutions, which were adopted
• ><c> returns</c> House Communication number 482 returns House Communication number 482 returns Senate
• 39.520><c> to</c><00:02:39.680><c> 493</c> House Communication numbers 483 to 493 House Communication
• 07.800><c> to</c><00:03:07.920><c> 496</c> House Communication numbers 494 to 496 House Communication

Bills: SB1432 , SB2024 , SB2043 , SB2060 , SB2069 , SB2153 , SB2259 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2338 , SB2360 , SB2396 , SB2405 , SB2407 , SB2544 , SB2550 , SB2552 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2607 , SB2614 , SB2671 , SB2800 , SB2805 , SB2816 , SB2835 , SB2877 , SB2892 , SB2928 , SB2934 , SB3063 , SB3199 , SB3233 , SB3325 , HCR8 , HCR10 , HCR11 , HCR13 , HCR14 , HCR18 , HCR19 , HCR22 , HCR24 , HCR31 , HCR32 , HCR33 , HCR35 , HCR54 , HCR62 , HCR63 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR85 , HCR91 , HCR93 , HCR94 , HCR96 , HCR98 , HCR102 , HCR104 , HCR105 , HCR106 , HCR110 , HCR111 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR118 , HCR121 , HCR122 , HCR123 , HCR124 , HCR125 , HCR127 , HCR128 , HCR137 , HCR139 , HCR140 , HCR141 , HCR144 , HCR146 , HCR162 , HCR165 , HCR166 , HCR173 , HCR178 , HCR179 , HCR180 , HCR181 , HCR182 , HCR185 , HCR189 , HCR191 , HCR192 , HCR193 , HCR194 , HCR200 , HCR202 , HCR6 , HCR36 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR53 , HCR57 , HCR61 , HCR64 , HCR69 , HCR84 , HCR101 , HCR103 , HCR107 , HCR112 , HCR126 , HCR136 , HCR154 , HCR161 , HCR175 , HCR186 , HCR187 , HCR188 , HCR197 , HCR203 , HCR204 , HCR206 , HB1870 , HB1588 , HB2429 , HB2386 , HB2583 , HB2361 , HB2270 , HB2137 , HB1643 , HB1682 , HB1692 , HB2078 , HB1553 , HB1667 , HB1700 , HB1728 , HB2293 , HB2096 , HB1959 , HB1511 , HB1961 , HB1858 , HB1897 , HB2088 , HB2093 , HB2279 , HB2314 , HB2505 , HB2433 , HB963 , HB1705 , HB1550 , HB469 , HB1334 , HB1710 , HB1737 , HB1753 , HB1881 , HB2309 , HB1713 , HB1741 , HB2062 , HB463 , HB1839 , HB1664 , HB2455 , HB2417 , HB1898 , HB1573 , HB1768 , HB1962 , HB2101 , HB1782 , HB2033 , HB1518 , HB1642 , HB1752 , HB2097 , HB2282 , HB1696 , HB1823 , HB1886 , HB2152 , HB2413 , HB2503 , HB1875 , HB1519 , HB1509 , HB1628 , HB1810 , HB1990 , HB2023 , HB2540 , HB1679 , HB1888 , HB2576 , HB2592

Transcript Highlights:

• And now we have several communities—dozens, actually—across our state that are feeling this pain.
• Our communities once again need an intervention. They need help from our state government.
• Our gateway communities cannot afford to go down.
• We need to keep going forward in these gateway communities.
• Our president has put many people in LGBTQ communities at severe risk.

Summary: The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, and tax administration. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce errors, citing food insecurity and staffing shortages, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment providing $500,000 for Free Period to supply menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins withdrew an amendment to extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Other adopted amendments included funding for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Randolph High School restroom improvements, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s student pharmacy technician program. Several amendments were debated and rejected after standing votes. Senator Tarr proposed oversight and reporting requirements for the Group Insurance Commission and the MBTA deficiency fund, as well as a 90-day notice requirement for tax-code decoupling with major fiscal impacts; all were opposed and not adopted. Senator Rodrigues and Senator Crighton argued that the GIC and MBTA already have oversight mechanisms and need flexibility, while Tarr argued the measures would improve transparency and fiscal discipline. Senator DiDomenico withdrew a Chapter 70 education funding amendment after speaking about declining enrollment, school funding losses, and the need to protect gateway city districts; he also used the opportunity to reaffirm support for gender-affirming care funding. Senators Collins and others echoed concerns about school funding inequities and the need for future action. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state representative, state senator, and longtime clerk magistrate of Quincy District Court, with a detailed tribute to his public service and military record. After all amendments were resolved, the Senate substituted the new draft, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed House No. 5280 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The chamber then agreed to adjourn until the following Monday at 11 a.m., with the clerk directed not to print a calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have over 1,600 young folks experiencing homelessness in my community.
• We have over 1,600 young folks experiencing homelessness in my community.
• I'm watching an administration that is purposely and maliciously targeting communities like mine on a
• to say, you have too many Black and brown kids in your community.
• Thanks to our generous community, Lake Washington passed a capital levy in November 2024.

Bills: HB1796

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Goddard, Madeline Goddard, who is a high school senior and is in our community and very active around
• The relocation of the Bob Oak Game Farm is imperative to ensure safe drinking water for our community
• If that does happen to a disadvantaged community like us, we will be asking the state to help us pay
• and the farming community.
• This is about water quality, basic fairness, and the long-term health of a community.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee met on February 4, with public hearing and executive action on several bills. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2668, as proposed substitute, which would direct the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify and pursue relocation of the Bob Oak Game Farm and to plan remediation of the current site. Testimony from the bill sponsor, Centralia city officials, Lewis County public health staff, a tribal member, and residents strongly supported relocation, citing nitrate contamination in a sole-source aquifer, risks to drinking water for Centralia and nearby households, and the need for long-term public health protection. The committee also heard that interim mitigation measures such as point-of-use filters and water/sewer extensions were underway, but witnesses said relocation was the only durable solution. The bill was added to the day’s executive session as an unusual late addition, then later passed out of committee on a voice vote with a due pass recommendation. During executive session, the committee also acted on House Bill 2598, creating a Salmon Advisory Commission; House Bill 2619, creating a legislative task force to reduce regulatory stress in agriculture; House Bill 2199, dealing with derelict vessels and disposal timelines; House Bill 2463, which revises agricultural donation and farm-to-food pantry programs; and House Bill 1735, which prohibits force-feeding birds and related foie gras sales. Amendments were considered on several bills, including a DNR amendment to the vessel bill and a narrowing amendment to the force-feeding bill, which failed. The committee approved House Bill 2598 by a 6-5 vote, and House Bill 2619, House Bill 2199, House Bill 2463, House Bill 1735, and House Bill 2668 all received due pass recommendations, with some on voice votes and others by recorded roll call. The chair noted that moving House Bill 2668 in executive session the same day as public hearing was highly unusual and done because of the bill’s urgency and bipartisan support.