Transcript Highlights:

• The urgency clause request for AB 1318 by Assembly Member Bonta? I move. Second. Thank you.

Summary: The Rules Committee was called to order, a roll was taken, and a quorum was established. Members then approved the consent agenda after one member requested that item 8 be removed for separate consideration. Item 8 was the urgency clause request for AB 1318 by Assembly Member Bonta. A motion and second were made, and the committee voted on the item by roll call. The motion passed, with several members voting aye and a few voting no. After completing the vote on AB 1318’s urgency clause request, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please note that AB 915 has been added to today's referral list and will be referred to the Utilities

Summary: The Rules Committee met in afternoon session, called the meeting to order, and confirmed a quorum. The committee noted that AB 915 had been added to the referral list and would be sent to the Utilities and Energy Committee. Members also requested that items 18 and 22 be removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration. The committee then approved the remainder of the consent agenda by roll call vote. Item 18, SCR 39 by Senator DeRzo, was taken up separately and passed on a roll call vote, with Assembly Member Flora voting no. Item 22, SCR 57 by Senator Reyes, was also approved by roll call vote. After completing those actions, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2955 of the 86th legislative session, transferred oversight of the specialty court programs at the

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Using the framework for development impact fee disclosure and transparency developed in AB 1820, which
• Using the framework for development impact fee disclosure and transparency developed in AB 1820, which
• And we do believe that the language recently adopted into 222 is very close to that, which is in AB 1684
• AB 1684, which shares very similar language and goals.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Senator from Clay makes a very sound legal argument as to whether or not something that is void ab
• something<01:30:23.920> that<01:30:24.080> is<01:30:24.240> void<01:30:24.640> ab
• <01:30:24.800> initio<01:30:25.440> void something that is void ab initio void something
• that is void ab initio void from<01:30:25.880> the<01:30:25.960> beginning<01:30:26.520

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator ABS also talked about shaliz bills, and if you've been in the legislature for any period of time
• /c><00:01:23.400> me<00:01:23.840> four<00:01:24.840> Senator<00:01:25.200> ABS
• <00:01:25.479> also will go up to me four Senator ABS also will go up to me four Senator ABS

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• that when he has failed brakes and failed tires, bald tires mean poor traction in wet weather, the ABS
• It it it<00:55:52.720> undermines<00:55:53.200> the<00:55:53.359> ABS<00:55:53.920
• the it undermines the ABS system because the tires<00:55:54.960> don't<00:55:55.119> grip<
• <00:55:55.680> the<00:55:55.839> ABS tires don't grip the road. the ABS tires don't
• grip the road. the ABS system<00:55:56.480> is<00:55:56.720> going<00:55:56.799> to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, centering on Department of Education and, you know, foreign development funds, as well as AB
• you know, centering on Department of Education and, you know, foreign development funds, as well as AB
• you know, centering on Department of Education and, you know, foreign development funds, as well as AB
• you know, centering on Department of Education and, you know, foreign development funds, as well as AB
• you know, centering on Department of Education and, you know, foreign development funds, as well as AB

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The seven athletes who made this victory possible are Jacob Abe, Matt Cornier, Spence Delisso, Ethan

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial recognitions. Members congratulated the Longmeadow boys cross country team on winning its first-ever state title, and the chamber also welcomed the Nipmuc girls soccer team, which won the Division III state championship with a 1-0 victory over Medfield. The House noted the teams’ accomplishments and recognized the guests present in the chamber. A message from the Governor was filed recommending legislation to finance long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, and it was referred under Rule 30 to the Committee on Transportation. The Committee on Rules then reported a resolution recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, recommending adoption. The House suspended the rules, adopted the Holocaust Remembrance Day resolution, and then adopted an order to adjourn. The House subsequently adjourned to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• disclosure of top funders about measure and independent expenditure ads over the years, starting with AB
• Proposition 22 in 2020 exempted Uber, Lyft, and the like, using non-employee workers from AB 5, which

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot processing sites, limiting certain law enforcement activity near those sites, increasing vote center and drop-box access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline to 10 days. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and disruption, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult, costly, and too close to the election. The bill was amended and ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote, with the chair later recording it as out. The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city raised concerns about pending litigation. After discussion, including questions about how the bill would apply, it passed to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote. SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and standardize disclosure language on political advertisements, especially billboards and mailers, while increasing mailer disclosures from three to five top funders. It drew support from transparency and advertising groups and passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee then considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for ballot title and summary language from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while opponents said the current elected AG system is accountable and efficient. Both measures were opposed by labor groups and were ultimately approved on divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand language-access requirements for election materials, lower the threshold for coverage, and create a petition process for additional languages; it was supported by voting-rights and immigrant advocacy groups but opposed by county election officials unless amended. The bill passed 5-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• disclosure of top funders about measure and independent expenditure ads over the years, starting with AB
• Proposition 22 in 2020 exempted Uber, Lyft, and the like, using non-employee workers from AB 5, which

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion. The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly passed AB 506 and AB 519, which address other aspects of the so-called puppy mill pipeline

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture heard three bills. SB 18 by Senator Rubio would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program at CDFA to help open or improve grocery stores in food desert communities. Supporters said it would improve access to healthy food, create jobs, and help underserved neighborhoods; opponents argued it could favor large chains, lacked community input and accountability, and should better prioritize tribal, BIPOC-owned, and community-led retail. Committee members raised concerns about population thresholds, community engagement, and long-term commitments, and the author said the bill could be strengthened with guardrails. SB 18 passed 7-0 and was sent to Appropriations. SB 312 by Senator Umberg would require out-of-state shippers of dogs to electronically submit health certificates to CDFA and make them available to buyers and enforcement agencies, aiming to improve consumer protection and traceability in the puppy import pipeline. Supporters from animal welfare and humane organizations said the bill would help stop sick or misrepresented puppies from entering California and give investigators a central record. Members asked about privacy and enforcement, and the author indicated amendments could address consumer privacy concerns. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. SB 493 by Senator Becker would change how compensation is set for secretary managers of district agricultural associations and fairgrounds, shifting salary-setting authority to CDFA and requiring periodic salary surveys. Supporters said fairgrounds are critical emergency-response and community facilities and that the bill would help recruit and retain qualified leaders with fairer pay. Some members expressed concern about local control and appointment delays, but clarified the bill only addressed salary, not appointments. SB 493 also passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that AB 500 be placed on the Chief Clerk's desk. You've heard the motion.
• I rise in support of AB 596.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Air Resources Board is charged by AB 32 to reduce...
• The Air Resources Board is charged by AB 32 to reduce CO2 emissions, greenhouse gas emissions.
• The air districts and CARB are implementing the AB 617 program in many communities across the state.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy held an informational hearing on California’s hydrogen leadership, with Chair Bob Archuleta framing hydrogen as a complementary clean-energy pathway for hard-to-electrify sectors and emphasizing the need for balanced policy, community benefits, and strategic use of public funds. The first panel of private-sector witnesses from the California Hydrogen Business Council, Bosch, Hyundai, and Sierra Northern Railway described existing deployments in buses, trucks, rail, ports, and industrial uses, and argued that the technology is commercially ready but needs stable policy, faster permitting, stronger demand signals, and more infrastructure. They highlighted projects such as Hyundai’s NorCal Zero freight trucks, Bosch’s hydrogen components and refueling technology, and Sierra’s hydrogen switcher locomotive, while also noting major cost barriers, especially for fuel and equipment, and the need for continued state incentives and coordinated infrastructure planning. Committee members focused on labor standards, community engagement, and the current scale of hydrogen vehicles and fueling infrastructure. Witnesses said they work with labor groups, building trades, and safety organizations, and that early community involvement and first-responder training are important. In response to questions, panelists estimated roughly 15,000 to 16,000 light-duty fuel cell vehicles in California, around 100 hydrogen trucks, and growing bus deployment, with South Korea cited as having much larger fleets. They also discussed hydrogen fuel costs, with one rail operator saying delivered fuel had fallen from more than $60 per kilogram to about $35 per kilogram but would need to drop below $10 per kilogram for broad commercial viability. CARB’s incentive and regulatory programs, including heavy-duty vehicle subsidies and low-carbon fuel standards, were described as important supports, though federal tax credit changes and uncertainty were said to be slowing progress. The second panel addressed hydrogen’s public-health, air-quality, and climate role. CAPCOA, the Coalition for Clean Air, the building trades, and a UC Berkeley researcher argued that hydrogen should be used selectively in the most polluted, diesel-heavy settings such as ports, freight corridors, rail yards, transit depots, and backup power for data centers. They stressed that fuel cell applications provide zero tailpipe emissions, but cautioned that hydrogen produced from fossil fuels or used in combustion rather than fuel cells reduces the environmental benefit. The UC Berkeley witness presented modeling suggesting large reductions in NOx and particulate exposure, with significant avoided premature deaths and health savings if hydrogen displaces diesel in heavy-duty sectors. Panelists also urged that hydrogen not delay direct electrification, that environmental justice be central to deployment, and that infrastructure and safety planning include community engagement and measurable local benefits. The final panel featured public-sector updates from SamTrans, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Port of Long Beach, and the First Public Hydrogen Authority. SamTrans described its transition of more than 300 buses to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses, including a large order of 108 hydrogen buses, but said the loss of expected ARCHES funding created a major gap for fueling infrastructure and that state support is needed for grants, tax exemptions, and axle-weight rule changes. GoBiz said the federal cancellation of ARCHES funding disrupted the market, but that private capital remains available if demand and cost-reduction signals are strong; it pointed to permitting streamlining and targeted state action as key next steps. The Port of Long Beach reported 106 hydrogen fuel cell trucks in port drayage, a $10 million hydrogen truck grant program, and a request for proposals for a public fueling station, while warning that high costs, fuel shortages, and the Colton incident have slowed momentum. First Public Hydrogen Authority described efforts to aggregate municipal demand, support green hydrogen production projects, and create long-term market certainty for suppliers and off-takers. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses on where state funding should go next, with several suggesting that near-term support for transit fleets, fueling infrastructure, and targeted high-impact corridors would be the most effective way to keep hydrogen deployment moving.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:31.519> minority<00:14:32.000> whip<00:14:32.320> was<00:14:32.480> ab
• it and then and the minority whip was ab it and then and the minority whip was ab absolutely<00:

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The Maryland House met in session with 122 members present, received the journal, introduced several House bills and Senate Bill 37, and referred bond initiatives and executive nominations to committee. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. House Bill 146, concerning on-site wastewater system inspection and pumping requirements and implementation dates, drew extended debate. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and water-quality measure, while opponents argued it would add significant costs to home sales and rentals, especially in rural areas. After discussion of septic-system costs, enforcement, and the pace of replacement approvals, the bill passed 93-36. House Bill 220, dealing with individual water submeters, also prompted debate over a $1 monthly administrative fee and a provision affecting unpaid water bills in eviction proceedings; members clarified that the eviction language had been struck by floor amendment. Some members argued the bill could raise housing costs, while the sponsor said it mirrored existing electric and gas submetering law. The bill passed 95-34. House Bill 236 on blood-testing timing for contestants before the State Athletic Commission passed 130-0, House Bill 241 extending sunset provisions for state boards and commissions passed 130-0, House Bill 242 on unemployment insurance confidentiality passed 130-0, House Bill 259 revising the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund passed 120-10, and House Bill 308 on private mailboxes for associations passed 120-2. During the floor session, members also discussed septic-system policy more broadly, including the cost of inspections, the need for timely repairs, and whether government should intervene in real-estate transactions. One member explained that a floor amendment had removed a disputed provision from HB 220, which is why it did not appear in the reprint. The House also received a gubernatorial message with executive nominations, referred it to House Rules, and then heard committee and subcommittee announcements about upcoming votes, budget hearings, and caucus meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Satara AB volcano at the stadium, it’s going to be moved, but then it’s going to be relocated and
• The Satara AB volcano at the stadium, it’s going to be moved, but then it’s going to be relocated and
• The Satara AB volcano at the stadium, it’s going to be moved, but then it’s going to be relocated and

Bills: HB2437, HB2461, HB2604, HB2605, HB1860, HB2001

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, art management, performing arts, ticket surcharge, arts funding, education, community support, therapeutic arts, neurodiverse, autism, attention-deficit disorder, underserved communities, mental health

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources. After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, yeah, Abe Gardner, North Mason Regional Fire Authority. Keep it short and sweet.
• I'd also like to point out part of our team, as Abe stated, is medical, because medical crisis is a component
• Abe and I were able to review treatment options to try to prevent yet another overdose that may be fatal

Summary: The Community Safety Committee held an interim work session on crisis response, with members and witnesses discussing how Washington can better integrate 911, 988, mobile crisis, co-response, and alternative response models for behavioral health crises in public spaces. Travis Parker opened with an overview of the Sequential Intercept Model and the crisis care continuum, emphasizing early intervention, 988 access, regional coordination, navigators and peer support, and the need for sustainable braided funding. Several Washington witnesses then described current programs and system gaps, including the growth of co-response teams, the importance of integrating 911 and 988 rather than treating them as competing systems, and the need to reduce unnecessary emergency room use and improve first responder wellness and training. City, fire, and crisis-system representatives described local challenges and reforms. Kim Hendrickson of Poulsbo said most crisis calls still come through 911 and urged better coordination among field-based teams, more behavioral health training for fire/EMS, and more alternatives to ER transport. Laura Pippen, a designated crisis responder, described a strained involuntary treatment system, fewer DCRs statewide, difficulty getting law enforcement support for transports, and limited facility capacity, especially for substance use disorder. Jennifer Stuber and South County Fire’s Keith Sharp highlighted workforce training, a crisis responder certificate program, and first responder wellness efforts. Research witnesses Evan Lauder and James Pine said the evidence is still developing but generally supports on-scene resolution, reduced ED transport and detention in some models, and the importance of clear dispatch protocols, coordination, and ongoing evaluation. Dispatch and program operators then gave examples of how systems are working in practice. Katie Myers of Washington APCO/NENA said 911 remains essential, but needs evidence-based triage protocols, liability protections, and additional funding if it is expected to take on more crisis-response responsibilities. Whatcom County described embedding a “community connector” in the 911 center to coordinate alternative response, while ValleyCom reported that its 988 diversion pilot transferred 2,165 calls with 98% resolved through 988/211 without returning to 911. National examples included Denver’s STAR program, Albuquerque’s Community Safety Department, and Atlanta’s PAD initiative, each showing different ways to route low-acuity or behavioral-health-related calls away from police and toward clinicians, peers, or civilian responders. The session ended with Washington examples continuing, including Whatcom County’s alternative response team, underscoring the committee’s interest in refining and expanding integrated crisis response systems in the next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Snell um Mr chair uh representative<00:16:01.920> P<00:16:02.319> yes<00:16:02.519> ABS
• /c><00:16:03.000> it<00:16:03.120> would<00:16:03.279> be representative P yes ABS
• it would be representative P yes ABS it would be like<00:16:04.199> virtually<00:16:05.199>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• chair's recommendation is to pass with chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments<00:41:07.680> AB
• noting<00:41:08.200> the<00:41:08.319> absence<00:41:08.599> of amendments AB
• noting the absence of amendments AB noting the absence of Representative<00:41:09.319> Ward<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group. Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• part<00:31:01.840> of<00:31:01.960> the<00:31:02.120> question<00:31:02.720> AB
• <00:31:03.039> absolutely<00:31:03.600> I part of the question AB absolutely I part
• of the question AB absolutely I believe<00:31:03.960> there's<00:31:04.240> better<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the January 21 minutes and then reviewed committee rules, emphasizing deadlines for handouts, testimony notices, and substantive amendments, along with a warning that disruptive signs, noise, or demonstrations could lead to removal from the hearing room. The chair said the rules would be shared with the full House and noted the committee would operate with quorum and not tolerate chaos. The committee then heard a presentation from Tammy Baker Olson, the state program administrator for the Guardian ad Litem Board, on the program’s structure and budget request. She explained that guardians ad litem are independent voices for children’s best interests in child protection and family court cases, not attorneys or direct service providers. She said the program operates statewide, with 243 employees, and in 2024 advocated for more than 12,000 children, attended over 30,000 court proceedings, and filed reports in over 16,000 hearings. She also described specialized Family Court and Indian Child Welfare divisions, efforts to address racial disparities, and training requirements for guardians. Members asked about mileage and travel demands, the distinction between a child’s attorney and a guardian ad litem, caseloads, re-entry outcomes, the move from contractor/volunteer models to employee-based staffing, and the role of volunteers. Olson said most guardians use personal vehicles and mileage reimbursement, average caseloads are about 24, and the program has not seen a statewide increase in cases but does face staffing vacancies and turnover in some areas. She said the board believes the employee model improved advocacy and supervision, while the program is rebuilding a modest volunteer pool. She also said the program supports Indian Family Preservation Act-related work and has a formal process for handling conflicts of interest, which should be raised immediately to a supervisor rather than waiting for a complaint process.