Transcript Highlights:

• We'll play these silly political games.
• Let's go ahead, we'll pass this resolution, we'll play these silly political games, and I suppose in

Committee: House Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• assessment based on the Texas standards for the end of the year assessment.
• Well, everybody's on base, so you better hit it out.
• So when you get final rules as a school district, you receive them almost at the end of the game.
• That has to be done in advance, based upon an industry-based commissioner list or an IBC list produced
• They have the same resource base that they did two years ago.

Bills: SB8 , SB 8

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• And based on L&I estimate, it shows additional annual claims estimated to be approximately $12 to $27
• The bill is based around a large national chain closing.
• The bill is based around a large national chain closing.
• The cost of living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage.
• The COLA's The cost of living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage.

Bills: SB5379 , SB6106 , SB6147 , SB6180 , SB5927 , SB6287

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, laid-off employees act, WARN notice, mass layoff, business closure, plant closing, worker adjustment and retraining notification, employment security department, employee notice, layoff notice, worker protections, job loss, employment loss, public records exemption, privacy, employee names and addresses

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on L&I's estimate, it shows additional annual claims estimated to be approximately $12 to $27 million
• So we're asking that based on that at this time, you don't take any action and you don't advance this
• The bill is based around a large national chain closing. ...bill is based around a large national chain
• The cost-of-living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage. The COLA’s...
• The cost-of-living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage.

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures. Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• no matter what a committee has decided, we are all sent here by our constituents to make decisions based
• here by our constituents to make sent here by our constituents to make decisions<00:15:45.440><c> based
• on what they sent us decisions based on what they sent us here<00:15:48.079><c> to</c><00:15:48.320>
• And it may be late in the game, but again, like I said, and some of them mentioned it in here.
• This effort was not based on Republican values or Democrat values, but on Vermont values.

Transcript Highlights:

• that in our world, the concern is access for primary, prescription, pediatrics, and dental care at a base
• So we have nice facilities, but we're lacking the skilled professionals, the doctors and nurses.
• The health care system is already making decisions based on...
• But the impact of H.R. 1 extends beyond the dollar... ...decisions based on.
• It is the base funding that all states were eligible to apply for, and then there's a workload funding

Transcript Highlights:

• the underlying bill resulted in reductions of $71.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $256.2 million based
• Based on 2025-26 free and reduced-price meal percentages, this would exclude roughly about 45 percent
• This equates to roughly $10 to $11 million per calendar year based on the current enrollment in charter
• would change the overall focus of the board's makeup and not necessarily get us those with the most skill
• As you note, rural communities don't have the tax base to provide the resources and funding.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• potential harm to patients, giving highest priority to allegations... ...to prioritize complaints based
• Students may graduate without hands-on skills that are required to keep patients safe.
• The rough math that I did, based on 27 investigators and 5,000 complaints, sorting those down to 3,500
• FTEs every single board does not have enough capacity to get through it the rough math that I did based
• Our finance folks are currently developing those based on the current iteration of the bill.

Bills: HB2408 , HB2434 , HB2725 , HB2728 , HB2729 , HB2730 , HB2731 , HB2732 , HB2733

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a consultant based here in New Mexico, and I'm representing the Low Income Investment Fund for a
• We also support networks, home-based providers across the state, and we stand on the next few to vote
• We need to make these big decisions based on data. We stand strongly in support of this memorial.
• They have the skill level to be able to do it.
• But based upon my sense of how this has been done and my experience in the office, which was some time

Summary: The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona already locked in a flat tax, and it's narrowed our revenue base by $2 billion.
• Arizona already locked in a flat tax, and it's narrowed our revenue base by $2 billion.
• Arizona is home to nationally and globally significant aerospace assets, including Luke Air Force Base
• Army Yuma Proving Ground, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the U.S.
• And whereas through their skilled labor, professionalism and dedication, Teamsters Local 104 members

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including International Mother Language Day, Arizona Nurses’ Day, Environmental Day, Teamsters Local 104, and Arizona Aerospace Day. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and three excused. The chamber also announced committee meetings, bill referrals, and later adjourned until Thursday, February 12, 2026. The main floor action centered on House Bill 2785, a taxation measure tied to federal tax conformity. Members debated whether Arizona should conform to federal tax changes, with supporters arguing it would validate current tax forms and provide tax relief, and opponents warning it would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers and corporations while reducing state revenue. The bill passed 32-26 with two not voting. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for two calendars of bills. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced HB 2190, HB 2206, HB 2396, HB 2442, and HB 2448, all on health and human services topics, with amendments adopted on the first three. HB 2206 drew extended debate over SNAP payment error rates and whether the bill would impose an unfunded mandate and make benefits harder to access; supporters said it would reduce waste and save money, while opponents said it would set DES up for failure. HB 2396, which would restrict certain SNAP purchases, drew testimony over whether it would improve nutrition or unfairly limit low-income families and create a “food police” system. HB 2442 and HB 2448 also drew criticism over added SNAP work requirements and limits on agency waiver authority during recessions. The Committee later advanced HB 2688, HB 2689, HB 2690, HB 2796, and HB 2797, including bills on government staffing, hospital immigration-status data collection, unemployment benefits, SNAP eligibility/redeterminations, and fraud reporting. HB 2689 prompted sharp opposition over fears it would deter immigrants and mixed-status families from seeking medical care, while HB 2796 and HB 2797 were criticized as adding administrative burdens and duplicative SNAP checks. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and a motion to amend the report to show HB 2689 failed was rejected 24-32.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of these already qualify based on domestic violence or other factors.
• The family went twice weekly to join her for therapy and skill building.
• Our children need a unified, stepwise, and thoughtful approach, an approach that is evidence-based and
• Perinatal Fund is a Washington-based national philanthropic organization with a focus on parent mental
• Perinatal Fund is a Washington-based national philanthropic organization with a focus on parent mental

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held an evening hearing on several bills. Senate Bill 6249, sponsored by Sen. Torres, would require all people convicted of stalking to be supervised by the Department of Corrections. Staff explained current community custody rules and said the bill would make stalking convictions subject to DOC supervision; the fiscal note had been requested but not yet received. The sponsor and several survivors and advocates testified in support, saying stalking is dangerous, victims need ongoing monitoring, and supervision could help prevent future harm. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6255, sponsored by Sen. Lovelett, which renames and updates the Legislative Executive Poverty Reduction Oversight Task Force (LuPRO) as the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force, expands membership, and revises duties to monitor and update the state’s 10-year plan to dismantle poverty. Staff said the bill has a partial fiscal note showing a $4,000 OSPI cost for a report, with no additional cost beyond that this biennium. Testimony from DSHS and a constituent supported the bill as a way to improve coordination and accountability in poverty reduction efforts. Senate Bill 6286, sponsored by Sen. Orwall, would authorize the Department of Health to fine private detention facilities that deny inspectors entry, with escalating daily fines and a new account to support people harmed by wrongful detention or ICE-related abuse. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a human rights and public health measure, citing complaints about food, sanitation, medical care, and mental health conditions in private detention facilities. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6224, sponsored by Chair Wilson, which would create a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to implement the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan and extend the existing work group. Supporters from state agencies, providers, parents, and advocates emphasized early intervention, cross-system coordination, and youth mental health needs; one witness opposed the bill, arguing it should focus more on non-psychiatric causes of distress. The hearing ended with no recorded votes or final action on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• and worked with the supervisors of election and impacted counties to determine their specific needs based
• And we can determine voter intent based upon how they've marked the rest of their ballot and a whole
• injunction that had been entered by the lower court, said that we were likely to prevail on the law based
• So I think because we have talented people who have different skill sets and investigatory capabilities
• I think the results speak for themselves based upon the reports we are lawfully required to provide to

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a defense attorney as well, uh, based out of Dallas, Texas.
• We know based both on research and lived experience that violence and mental health concerns are on the
• You get to learn those skills, and I have seen that firsthand and weaponized and the first responder
• The bill further enhances penalties based on the type of forged documents and the value of property or
• Gun violence involving children is a tragedy, and there are many community-based intervention programs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> parents to make those decisions um based parents to make those decisions um based on<00:20:21.440
• Thank you. based on big tech knowing where your ch based on big tech knowing where your ch where<00:24
• It's not the whole game, is a big win.
• Everything in a prediction market is done live based on what people actually think.
• Now therefore, The base serves as an indispensable The base serves as an indispensable strategic<03:43

Transcript Highlights:

• the commissioner to conduct a study of market-based rates within the waiver services program.
• Um, like, then that's the end, and uh they can submit evidence based upon not knowing anything.
• </c><01:44:54.480><c> Thank</c><01:44:54.639><c> you,</c> the game. So A4 is withdrawn.
• Thank you, the game. So A4 is withdrawn. Thank you, Senator<01:44:55.119><c> Rasmmanson.
• Um and the people, the young base.

Summary: The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms. The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget. Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, we're asked to kind of handle these one-offs based on different holidays.
• Would a normal pathology certification also have most of the same skills?
• HB 5611 is based.

Bills: HB2814 , HB4477 , HB5084 , HB5108 , HB5127 , HB5383 , HB5611 , HB5663 , HB5664 , SB1563 , HB2668 , HB3841 , HB4114

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• We must stop Chinese exploitation of our technological base.
• to appropriately stewarding the public diplomacy resources, equipping our practitioners with the skills
• But it's going to take a while for them to step up and create the industrial revolution. base to produce

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications

Summary: The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So part of the thing is we do not base the testing on this at all on sex, right?
• We'll ensure that young Texans graduate with foundational knowledge and skills in their life's tool belt
• Lauren Gamble, and I am a hospital-based pediatrician here in Austin.

Bills: HB321 , HB 1027 , HB 1295 , HB1782 , HB2295 , HCR29 , HCR56

Committee: House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Foothill Family, they have found when we are able to support parents in building their parenting skills
• Today, Bradley Thomas, CEO of Triple P America, an evidence-based positive parenting program implemented
• money bill is able to be available to our local governments, to our fire safe councils, to community-based

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Duggan, in looking at Section 4 and based on your description, I'm sure you're aware, homeowners
• It is going to allow them to open up community-based schools, 150 or less, for those families that are
• There are faith-based schools serving communities that want education aligned with their values.
• To my understanding, there's at least one law enforcement officer who has had a firearm based on this
• To my understanding, there's at least one law enforcement officer who has had a firearm based on this

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two fallen service members, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement officers and visiting students and advocates. Members then adopted the special order report and moved into the special-order calendar. The first major item was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which was explained as a broad measure covering sales tax holidays, property tax changes, tax credits, pari-mutuel tax reductions, vacation-rental tax collection, and decoupling from federal tax changes. Members asked about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution and the package’s mix of consumer and housing provisions, while opponents objected to the gun-related tax holiday. The bill passed 105-2. The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations 107-0, with supporters saying it would strengthen Florida’s competitiveness in commercial aerospace. CS for SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed unanimously after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened specialty-plate financial and nonprofit requirements. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed 100-0 after supporters said it built on prior PBM reforms by requiring fairer pharmacy reimbursement and limiting forced losses on drugs. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed 109-0 after an amendment clarifying fingerprinting requirements, and CS/CS HB 527 on insurance claim denials passed 100-0 with a requirement for human review before claims are denied or reduced solely by AI. The House also passed CS HB 1449 on the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program 100-0 after narrowing the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims at or below $50,000. CS HB 93 on protection from surgical smoke passed 178-0 after extensive emotional debate, with supporters describing it as a long-sought patient and worker safety measure requiring smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers. Later, CS HB 1217 on prohibited governmental greenhouse-gas policies passed 29-0 after questions clarified that it would bar net-zero policies and related funding arrangements but not general energy efficiency or incidental emissions reductions; opponents argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts, while supporters said it protected energy reliability and affordability. The House then began debate on CS/CS HB 1461 on advanced nuclear reactors, with sponsors describing a framework for licensing and oversight of small modular and microreactors and supporters arguing it would help meet future energy demand and improve reliability.