Transcript Highlights:

• plan after plan, sustainable communities plan after plan after plan, and they've been...
• Sustainable communities plan after plan after plan, and they've worked hard with the California Air Resources
• These updates are four; that is, they're each 25-year plans.
• Let's put a plan in place before the gates close. Thank you.
• So to your question, is it effective to plan your approach?

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental, climate, transparency, water affordability, recycling, and refinery transition issues. SB 1087 would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time spent on modeling and CEQA-related work; it drew strong support from MPOs and environmental groups with some opposition from clean air, housing, and industry advocates concerned about VMT, housing impacts, and agency authority. SB 1239 would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when major regulations are materially changed; manufacturers and business groups supported the transparency measure, while the chair opposed it as adding delay and inefficiency to rulemaking. SB 1125 would create the framework for a statewide low-income water rate assistance program; it received broad support from utilities, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members, and the committee advanced it on a 3-1 vote. SB 1180 would set rules for spending from the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, with broad support from environmental justice and conservation groups and opposed-unless-amended positions from industry groups seeking tighter limits and more oversight; it advanced on a 3-0 vote. SB 1161 would require CARB to present household-level cost impacts of regulations in plain language, and it advanced on a 4-0 vote despite late opposition from environmental groups. SB 955, updating beverage container recycling and redemption requirements, passed 5-0, and SB 1259, requiring refineries to disclose cleanup liabilities and decommissioning information to aid long-term planning, drew strong support from environmental and local government witnesses but firm opposition from petroleum, labor, and business groups; the committee began discussion but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• All 23 districts have to have a plan, a management plan, in place and approved by DNR.
• plans.
• So as I said, the one watershed one plan is really around watershed planning and implementing those plans
• for implementing these plans.
• And then sometimes there's a planning consultant that will come in and help them write the plan.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• plan after plan, sustainable communities plan after plan, and they've been... ...sustainable communities
• plan after plan after plan, and they've worked hard with the California Air Resources Board in order
• Let's put a plan in place before the gates close. Thank you.
• So to your question, is it effective to plan your approach?
• And recognizing the To do planning.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental quality, climate planning, transparency, water affordability, plastics, recycling, and refinery transition planning. SB 1087, by Senator Cabaldon, would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time and cost burdens; metropolitan planning organizations strongly supported it, while environmental groups and industry raised concerns about VMT, GHG metrics, CEQA, and implementation details. Committee members generally agreed the process is too costly and complex, but urged the author to keep the bill focused on simpler, less expensive planning and better progress reporting. The bill was moved as amended to Senate Transportation and kept on call. SB 1239, by Senator Jones, would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when a major regulation is materially changed; supporters framed it as a transparency and affordability measure, while the chair argued it could slow rulemaking and discourage agencies from incorporating public feedback. The bill failed on the committee vote and was kept on call. SB 1125, by Senator Menjivar, would create a statewide low-income water rate assistance program, contingent on funding, to help households facing rising water bills; public water agencies, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members from rural areas testified in support, emphasizing affordability and the lack of statewide assistance. The chair and members expressed support for the need for such a program, and the bill passed 3-1 and was kept on call. SB 1180, by Senator Allen, would establish implementation rules for the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, including eligibility, reporting, transparency, and technical assistance for smaller organizations and tribes; environmental justice, conservation, and local government groups supported it, while producer and industry groups opposed unless amended, seeking tighter links to measurable mitigation outcomes and the covered products under SB 54. The bill passed 3-0 and was kept on call. SB 1161, by Senator Valadares, would require CARB to provide clearer, plain-language economic analysis of regulations and their impacts on households; supporters described it as a transparency and affordability measure, while some environmental groups offered respectful or qualified opposition. The chair said she could support it as amended, and the bill passed 4-0 and was kept on call. The committee also heard SB 955, by Senator Blakespear, to update California’s beverage container recycling program so major sellers participate and consumers have convenient return options; supporters said it would improve redemption access and program effectiveness, and the bill passed 5-0 and was kept on call. Finally, SB 1259, also by Senator Blakespear, would require refineries to provide earlier disclosure of cleanup liabilities and closure planning information so the state and communities can plan for refinery site remediation and reuse; the author framed it as a transparency and transition-planning measure, and testimony began in support as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• qualified health plans.
• , or not offering a bronze plan.
• And at the same time, insurance plan design is often confusing, leaving families unsure what their plan
• and that the plans meet their needs.
• plans, will decrease.

Bills: SB5877 , SB5904 , SB5988

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: anesthesiology, medical personnel, surcharges, licensing, healthcare regulations, nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, opioid treatment, accreditation, health department, fee authority, substance abuse

Transcript Highlights:

• Sixth, the department is without a current strategic plan, as the prior strategic plan expired in 2024
• DTSC is currently developing a strategic plan, and a new forward-looking plan will be an important tool
• on top of planning, on top of planning, and outreach that's repetitive. by our planning on top of planning
• on top of planning, on top of planning, and outreach that's repetitive. by our planning on top of planning
• Of the plan? Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. To accelerate implementation of the plan? Yeah, absolutely.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• , individual health plans.
• , individual health plans.
• , individual health plans.
• , individual health plans.
• </c> in the auto industry uh the auto plan. in the auto industry uh the auto plan.

Bills: HF1546 , HF2403 , HF2389 , HF2398

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• have adopted site plan review locally as a process to outline requirements of a plan for development
• In my previous role as Planning Director and as a member of the American Planning Association Mass Chapter
• In my previous role as Planning Director and as a member of the American Planning Association Mass Chapter
• So yes, to the site plan review, please support.
• We also support YIMBY and site plan review.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight. The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I hope that helps. ...of the PERS plan.
• Okay, Plan 3 overview.
• Most of us choose our plans; everyone else gets to choose their plan these days, and we don't have issues
• Are there advantages in being in both plans? You know, no question. You can have a direct plan.
• Two related to COLAs for Plan 1 retirees.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The executive committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote, then received an actuarial update from Sarah Baker of the State Actuary’s Office. Baker explained the office’s annual work, including the DRS pension actuarial evaluation, support for state financial reporting, cash flow analysis, a six-year pension contribution outlook, interim support for GIT and WAL CARES, and an upcoming actuarial evaluation of the volunteer firefighters pension plan. She also responded to questions about bills allowing members to transfer into PERS, noting that such transfers have historically increased PERS costs and that any added cost would be borne by PERS members and employers depending on bill structure and affected demographics. Kate Adams of the Attorney General’s office reported no new developments in the cases the committee is monitoring. She said the Dawson case is still in its early stages, with a judge assigned and a discovery plan due at the end of July. The committee asked for continued updates on that litigation. The committee then discussed interim work planning, focusing first on animal control officers’ eligibility for PERS and asking staff to continue researching definitions, comparable treatment in nearby states, and the cost and service-credit implications for affected employees. Members also discussed Plan 3 issues, including comparisons of Plan 2 and Plan 3 membership and data, and possible future briefing topics. The largest discussion centered on Plan 1 COLAs: members and retiree representatives debated whether to pursue a permanent COLA or an ad hoc COLA, and whether budget language should require future budget writers to consider a COLA. Retiree groups said they preferred a permanent COLA but were open to further discussion; staff was asked to continue work on possible language and policy options. The committee reviewed correspondence on four topics: Plan 1 COLA requests, a request to study LEOFF 2-style medical reimbursements for Washington State Patrol survivors, and a request to allow certain members to change survivor option elections after the federal Social Security Fairness Act. The committee agreed to bring the State Patrol medical reimbursement issue and the Social Security Fairness Act issue back for July, with staff to gather more information and provide an informational briefing. The July agenda was approved and includes the OSA annual update, the LEOFF 2 Board annual update, a PERS/TRS Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item, and the two survivor-related topics.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think if everyone planned in a silo, you're not going to get the optimal plan.
• regional planning?
• planning.
• plan.
• The Texas Fair Plan. The Fair Plan is Texas' residual insurer for homeowners.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• requires the plan to consider housing needs as part of the plan update. ...even requires the plan to
• The departments should report on these plans and their plan outcomes regularly to the legislature.
• SB 375 is a planning law.
• the goals of the scoping plan after the scoping plan is updated.
• So we don't have any upcoming regulatory reforms planned or new regulations planned.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Regulatory Authority held its first hearing to examine how California’s regulatory framework affects housing availability and affordability. Chair Pacheco and Assembly Member Haney framed the discussion around the state’s housing shortage, rising costs, and the need to reduce unnecessary delays and burdens while still protecting public health, safety, and environmental goals. The first panel included housing policy experts and industry representatives, who argued that overlapping state and regional rules, complex code requirements, utility delays, and lengthy review processes add substantial cost to new housing. Bill Fulton described California’s land use system as a “big Rubik’s Cube” of competing goals, while CBIA’s Chris Ochoa and Bob Raymer urged more attention to affordability impacts in code adoption and state agency rulemaking. The Bay Area Council’s Louis Marante called for a statewide cost target for housing and stronger accountability for state agencies, citing project review delays, regulatory costs, and indirect impacts from water, stormwater, and transportation policies. State agency witnesses generally defended their roles as balancing housing with other statutory mandates. HCD said its enforcement of housing element law, streamlining statutes, and technical assistance has helped increase production, reduce entitlement times, and approve tens of thousands of homes that might otherwise have faced discretionary review. CARB said SB 375 does not regulate local land use or reduce housing supply, and that sustainable community strategies are planning tools that could support housing if fully implemented. The Coastal Commission said it has worked with local governments to streamline coastal housing approvals, approve density bonus and ADU ordinances, and support legislation to exempt some affordable housing from coastal permits, while still protecting coastal resources and sea-level-rise hazards. The Energy Commission said its building energy standards are required by statute to be cost-effective and save consumers money over time, though they can add some design complexity and upfront cost. Other agencies emphasized collaboration and early engagement as the best way to reduce delays. Fish and Wildlife said its mission is to protect California’s natural diversity and that better early coordination with developers can improve outcomes. DTSC said brownfield cleanup and vapor intrusion review are necessary to protect public health, but that early engagement, workshops, and site-specific approaches can help projects move forward; it also noted grant funding supporting affordable housing on contaminated sites. The Water Board said it uses general orders and basin planning to streamline permitting while meeting federal and state water-quality obligations, and that its infrastructure grants and loans support housing affordability. In response to Assembly Member Haney’s questions, several agencies said they already coordinate across departments, but he pressed for more cross-agency clarity and less siloed decision-making. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2025, they took some feedback, revised the plan, and submitted a final plan to the court in November
• In my humble opinion, we have the plan.
• There's some things that no plan carries out.
• What is the plan for sustainability? What is the plan to move forward?
• In addition, we will have a transition plan, and we will be able To help with that transition plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is me being a Growth Management Act and planning wonk and comprehensive planning...
• This is me being a Growth Management Act and planning wonk and comprehensive plans.
• The GMA and our climate planning guidance, in particular, is a planning effort for the whole of a local
• That would be another level of planning that goes beyond comprehensive planning.
• We call that the implementation planning.

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of State Auditor recommendations. JLARC staff said that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three previously unresolved recommendations from earlier years. They reported that the legislature did not convene the civil asset forfeiture work group recommended by the auditor, and took no formal action on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The committee then heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on ensuring climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The audit concluded Washington has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure to climate change by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and stronger use of vulnerability assessments. The auditors recommended expanding the Climate Impacts Group’s analyses if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory coordination office, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed with the importance of resilience but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicating current planning and SEPA processes, and concerns about funding, staffing, affordability, and preserving regulatory roles. The final audit examined fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed these mandatory fines inconsistently, collection rates varied widely, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not clearly use the money for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services as required. The audit recommended better coordination with prosecutors, improved court coding and templates, and stronger local processes for tracking and spending fine revenue. King County provided testimony thanking the auditors and describing its anti-trafficking work. The meeting ended with no votes taken and the next meeting announced for September 17.

Transcript Highlights:

• Drafting the evaluation plan, I believe, for attendance. That's one area.
• you'll hear about the work plan.
• process for the development of the plan.
• Is there a plan for that in place? Uh, we are developing a plan.
• And the summary of plan components requested by the plaintiffs.

Transcript Highlights:

• forth in the CARB scoping plan.
• But it's a plan.
• How are you planning for that?
• with the transmission plan, got ahead of the curve with the transmission planning, and then reformed
• It's kind of this is a plan. It's not the actual implementation, but it's a low-cost plan.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• So under federal law, all plans are classified as either individual plans or group plans that are tied
• health care plan.
• So under federal law, all plans are classified as either individual plans or group plans that are tied
• So under federal law, all plans are classified as either individual plans or group plans that are tied
• </c> insurance plan. insurance plan.

Bills: SB2141 , SB2593 , SB2824 , SB2135 , SB2115

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll turn now to Washington State Ferry's plan so this is their 2019 long-range plan published in 2020
• planned baseline.
• Plan going forward.
• and then execute that plan.
• what WSDOT, what your plan would be for our state's plan to address this?

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital program, service levels, fleet age, and long-term funding needs. Staff said the system is operating with 21 vessels, no Sidney, B.C. service, and limited spare capacity, which leaves service vulnerable to disruptions. They described aging vessels, deferred preservation work, dry dock constraints, terminal needs, and the state’s electrification plan, including three new hybrid-electric Olympic class vessels now funded, one Jumbo Mark II conversion, and several terminal electrification projects. Members asked about ridership trends, biodiesel supply, procurement risk, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessels, and the possibility of restoring international service; staff said many of those questions would need follow-up with the department. The presentation emphasized that current funding covers near-term needs, but long-term ferry capital needs exceed available resources by roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with additional future needs not yet funded. The committee then heard from WSDOT maintenance operations staff on the condition of the highway system. The presentation said maintenance is increasingly reactive because of underinvestment, rising material costs, and the addition of new assets without corresponding operating funds. Staff highlighted winter operations, facilities that are mostly in poor or critical condition, a large equipment fleet, growing guardrail damage, and increasing pavement and bridge preservation backlogs. Members asked about asbestos in facilities, the effect of deferred maintenance, and whether the agency had previously warned about these needs. Staff said the program is funded at only about half of its facility need and that more than 40% of roadways are due or overdue for preservation. A separate preservation presentation focused on highways and bridges. Staff said WSDOT is below the lowest life-cycle cost for preservation and that delaying work can make repairs three to five times more expensive later. They reported that about 40% of roadways need preservation now, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the agency is prioritizing the highest-risk bridge and closure threats first. The presentation cited an estimated $8 billion 10-year preservation need to change the trajectory of the system. Members asked about prioritization, whether other states face similar issues, and whether a cost-benefit analysis of earlier repairs versus later costs had been done; staff said they would look into those questions. Finally, the committee heard about bridge strikes and financial recovery. WSDOT bridge staff described recent overheight vehicle strikes on Bullfrog Road over I-90 and SR 410 over White River, noting the safety risks, closures, and repair costs. They outlined countermeasures such as improved trip-planning tools, outreach, and a possible sensor/beacon pilot on SR 410. Financial recovery staff said the agency collects about $20 million per biennium from third-party damage claims, recovering roughly 78% to 80% of billed amounts, with insurance claims and collections used to recoup costs. Members asked about prevention feedback loops and where recovered money goes; staff said recoveries go to the motor vehicle fund and that there is not a formal routine mechanism for design or policy changes from individual claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• -year plan.
• . plan. plan.
• </c> 10-year plan. 10-year plan.
• ><c> plan.
• </c> the 10ear plan. the 10ear plan.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• care plan.
• by planning for child care.
• family planning.
• plan.
• So general plans are hard.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• plans.
• You'll see a description of what the plan is, and then some strengths and challenges of the plan.
• What I can see in the plan is that they plan to mirror the McKinney-Vento requirements.
• And so, this plan is really our three-year guide.
• the plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or action plan, which is developed by WDFW.
• , or the plan that you've heard so much about already.
• I can speak a little bit more about the plan.
• into certain highway planning, design, and construction.
• recreational trails are extended to existing or planned shared use paths.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 18 and heard several Senate transportation bills, then announced it would caucus after the public hearings. Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, concerning unattended motor vehicles and remote starter systems, was briefly introduced and described as having no fiscal impact; the sponsor framed it as a public-safety and anti-theft measure, but no substantive testimony followed before the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203 on wildlife habitat connectivity and safe wildlife crossings, which would require WSDOT and WDFW to develop and update a statewide connectivity strategy, create dedicated wildlife corridors and crossings accounts, and report regularly to the legislature. Supporters emphasized reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions, better habitat connectivity, and access to federal matching funds, while opponents from southwest Washington argued the bill lacked local landowner and county input and could push wolves or other wildlife into agricultural areas. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5705, which would double penalties for using a personal electronic device while driving in school, playground, and crosswalk speed zones and direct the additional revenue to school zone safety accounts. Testimony from the Traffic Safety Commission and the sponsor stressed rising distracted-driving fatalities, the vulnerability of children and pedestrians, and the need for stronger deterrence; members asked about messaging, enforcement, and how the new penalties would be used. Finally, Engrossed Senate Bill 5581 was heard, a broad active transportation and complete streets bill that would update roundabout and crosswalk definitions, integrate shared-use paths into highway planning, and allow WSDOT to use local or tribal facilities as mitigation when they provide equal or better access. Supporters from transportation advocacy groups and local governments said it would improve safety and clarify existing law, while one Lake Forest Park official warned that complete streets mandates can create unfunded costs that delay needed maintenance. The committee closed public testimony on all bills and adjourned without taking final action.