Transcript Highlights:

• of Performance Evaluation for fiscal year 2027, exempting the appropriation from expense class and program
• of Performance Evaluation for fiscal year 2027, exempting the appropriation from expense class and program
• They do diagnostics, and it's a program completely different than what we're used to, which is why I
• In order to get into the chaplains program, you have to come with a master's.
• What are you providing as a solution to their problem for treatment?

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> program, a a wonderful robotics program, program, a a wonderful robotics program, great<01:47:13.440
• EFA program.
• This could be a clever way to kill the program.” programs all over the country and that programs all
• Is that money going into which program? program? program?
• </c><03:36:19.680><c> But</c> these programs. But these programs.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bill continues funding for the program. bill continues funding for the program.
• </c> programs. I urge my colleagues, Mr. programs. I urge my colleagues, Mr.
• program.
• program.
• </c> programs every three years. programs every three years.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have about 77,000 businesses that are actually running the program.
• We have about 77,000 businesses that are actually running the program.
• This is why the Dogwuf program is so important.
• , to get them signed up, to get them into the program, to get them the classes they need.
• And then come March, June of next year, July—that's the end of the program.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other federal programs, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, have a
• , including the DCYF program, the Department of Children, Youth, and Family programs, health care, and
• , including the DCIF program, the Department of Children, Youth, and Family programs, health care, and
• Whether it's a new program or a new enhancement, like a... ...a new program or a new enhancement, like
• of existing programs.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability

Summary: The committee held its first meeting, with co-chairs and members introducing themselves and staff outlining the committee’s statutory charge under the 2026 supplemental operating budget. Staff explained that the committee is tasked with studying budget transparency and fiscal sustainability in two phases: first, revenue growth, spending assumptions, statutory cost drivers, and carryforward/maintenance levels; and later, staffing, overhead, performance management, and public reporting tools. The committee also discussed its goals, with members emphasizing a shared factual understanding of Washington’s fiscal situation, the causes of projected structural deficits, and possible paths to a more sustainable operating budget. Staff then gave a detailed operating budget basics presentation. They reviewed the size and composition of the operating budget, explaining that most spending is concentrated in grants and client services, salaries and benefits, and goods and services, with K-12 education, DSHS, the Health Care Authority, DCYF, corrections, and higher education making up most NGFO spending. They also walked through the distinction between constitutional, federal, statutory, and discretionary spending; the role of caseload and per-capita forecasts; how maintenance level and policy level budgets are built; and how the four-year outlook works, including revenue forecasts, reversions, budget stabilization account reserves, and the official outlook adoption process. Members asked several questions about what is or is not included in the outlook, especially future collective bargaining agreements, health care inflation, court-ordered liabilities, and whether the budget could better separate mandatory from discretionary spending over time. Staff said some of those questions would require follow-up and noted the existence of an outlook accuracy report. The committee then heard from Josh Goodman of the Pew Charitable Trusts, who introduced Pew’s state fiscal work and its role as the nonprofit partner supporting the committee. He said Pew would help analyze long-term fiscal sustainability, reserve policies, recession preparedness, and practices from other states, and would draw on its 50-state data and subject-matter experts. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• If states begin to adopt differing rules governing interchange treatment, the result would be a patchwork
• We're not looking for special treatment.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission studying the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses held what leaders described as its last public hearing, though they said the commission would continue meeting to develop a report and recommendations. Chair Paul Feeney and other members noted the issue is complex and that they had sought testimony from a wide range of stakeholders before moving into a more deliberative phase. The commission adjourned after hearing from several in-person and virtual witnesses. Banking and card-industry witnesses, including the Massachusetts Bankers Association, the Card Coalition, the Electronic Payments Coalition, and others, argued that payment cards provide major benefits to consumers and merchants, including convenience, fraud protection, fast settlement, and broad access to electronic commerce. They warned that state-level changes to interchange rules could create a patchwork of conflicting requirements, disrupt global payment systems, and especially affect state-chartered community banks and small businesses. Several also said recent federal actions and litigation, including OCC and NCUA preemption rules and the Illinois interchange-fee litigation, have limited the practical reach of state laws. Restaurant, retail, and convenience-store witnesses pushed for relief from swipe fees, saying independent businesses operate on thin margins and pay fees on amounts that are not really their revenue, such as sales tax and gratuities. They urged transparency, the ability to surcharge, vendor compensation for tax collection, and limits on interchange or related fees. Some witnesses said merchants bear significant fraud and chargeback costs and that banks and card networks have not offered enough direct relief. Commissioners asked questions about surcharging, fee regulation, fraud, and whether industry should share more of the burden. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adjourning the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wilkeson is not asking for special treatment.
• We're not asking for special treatment.

Bills: SB5987 , SB6170

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 5987, SB5987, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, WSDOT, Washington State Department of Transportation, emergency bridge replacement, infrastructure failure, transportation emergency, climate commitment account, climate investment account, clean energy, climate funding, greenhouse gas reduction, environmental justice, renewable energy, building electrification, industrial decarbonization

Transcript Highlights:

• Wilkeson is not asking for special treatment.
• We're not asking for special treatment.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee began with a work session on the Fairfax Carbon River SR-165 Bridge closure and replacement. Wilkeson Mayor Jamie Pololi described the bridge as a long-neglected state asset whose closure cut off a gateway community from Mount Rainier access, hurt local businesses and municipal revenue, complicated emergency response, and severed access to public lands. Pierce County’s Melissa Littleton emphasized that the Fairfax closure, along with recent bridge closures from other causes, shows the need for stronger preservation and modernization funding. WSDOT’s Steve Rourke explained that the 105-year-old bridge was permanently closed after structural failure, that a detour route on private property is now the only access for some residents, and that the agency’s planning study considered seven alternatives; the current recommendation is to continue geotechnical work and NEPA review, with construction likely taking 24 months or more once a design is finalized. Committee members asked about detour distance, speeding up the project, emergency authority, historic-preservation issues, community mitigation, and funding needs; WSDOT said about $7 million in existing preservation funds has already been used and more will be needed. The committee then heard public testimony on proposed substitute Senate Bill 5987, which would declare the Fairfax Bridge closure an emergency, direct WSDOT to restore SR-165 access as soon as possible, and give the transportation secretary some emergency authorities. Supporters, including the mayor, residents, recreation advocates, and trail groups, said the bill is needed because the closure was foreseeable, has harmed local economies and recreation access, and lacks a current emergency response pathway. WSDOT testified in opposition, warning that the bill could create false expectations because most of the timeline is driven by federal environmental review and historic-preservation requirements that the secretary cannot waive. The bill drew strong support in testimony, with 606 pro, 1 con, and 2 other recorded on the sign-in tally. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6170, which would raise dollar thresholds for state highway work performed by state forces and for certain contracting rules that help small and disadvantaged businesses compete. Staff said the limits have not been updated since 2005 and the bill would increase the normal state-force threshold from $60,000 to $100,000 and the emergency threshold from $100,000 to $160,000. Senator King, the prime sponsor, said the change would better match inflation and help keep maintenance work in-house when appropriate. Washington Federation of State Employees and WSDOT supported the bill, saying it would help maintenance workers do more timely work without harming existing equity and small-business contracting programs; the committee noted 55 pro and no con on the sign-in tally. The chair then reminded members that amendment requests for the upcoming executive session were due the next day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• part of that, and Bill, I think you and Lynn may know more about this than I do, but there was a program
• There was a program called the MAMGIS system, so they knew they went out, they characterized aggregates
• They want to put on an incredible dinosaur program that's going to bring jobs. ...they're willing to
• They want to put on an incredible dinosaur program that's going to bring jobs and tourists into this
• pointed out in the audit, and I did review the audit, and I didn't find any mention of favorable treatment

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2150, which continues the State Land Department until July 1, 2030. Members questioned the commissioner extensively about agency procedures, backlog, appraisals, auction practices, privilege claims in the Fontamonte audit, and the Coyotes land transaction. The committee also discussed the Griffin amendment, which required quarterly updates, a public hearing on the department’s strategic plan, changes to conceptual land use plans and five-year disposition plans, and legislative findings. After debate over oversight and accountability, the amendment was adopted and HB 2150 was returned with a do pass recommendation by a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2975, which would suspend the State Land Department’s solar scoring map and require new mining and housing resource maps, with the amendment changing the mapping deadline and requiring the maps to be posted online. Supporters said the bill would improve fairness and maximize trust revenue for schools by avoiding favoritism toward solar; opponents argued the solar map is only a guidance tool and that removing it could reduce transparency and revenue. The department said it was neutral but asked for additional staff or consultant support if the bill passed. The committee adopted the amendment and passed HB 2975 as amended on a 6-4 vote. House Bill 2781 followed, addressing solar plant decommissioning, restoration, financial assurance, insurance, and a remediation fund. The amendment narrowed the bill to decommissioning standards and limited its reach to projects receiving permits after the effective date. Testimony focused on the need to ensure solar sites are restored and that taxpayers are not left with cleanup costs; several speakers cited abandoned or aging energy infrastructure as a cautionary example. The committee adopted the amendment and passed HB 2781 as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2267, which would classify certain utility-scale wind or solar projects within four miles of residential property as a public nuisance, with exceptions and grandfathering for existing projects. The sponsor argued the bill responds to concerns about large renewable projects near homes and property value impacts, while the amendment narrowed the scope to utility-scale wind and solar and excluded rooftop solar and existing projects. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 2267.

Transcript Highlights:

• workforce training programs lasting between six and 15 weeks.
• about that partnership, ensuring that students understand exactly what the program offers.
• These programs, however, have a mixed track record.
• to have access to training programs.
• It's just outside my district, but it's an incredibly important program.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused largely on labor, education, workforce, and public employment issues. AB 65 would provide public school employees up to 14 weeks of leave with full benefits for pregnancy and pregnancy-related health issues; supporters said current rules force educators to exhaust sick leave and suffer long-term retirement penalties, while the bill’s author noted it mirrors budget trailer language. AB 1818 would change HEERA procedures for CSU bargaining by shifting certain renegotiation disputes to PERB; Teamsters and other labor groups supported it as a way to stop CSU from unilaterally refusing agreed raises, while CSU moved from opposed to neutral after amendments. AB 1940 would explicitly reference menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause in workplace protections; supporters said it would clarify rights and improve awareness, while business opposition argued existing reasonable-accommodation law already covers these issues and warned of expanded liability. AB 1534 would add guardrails for new short-term Workforce Pell programs, including tuition caps, limits on income-share agreements, and transparency around partnerships with unaccredited entities; the author later said the bill would be amended to include private institutions. AB 1896 would bar people who participated in immigration enforcement from holding California public jobs during a specified period; supporters framed it as a public-trust measure, while police and public-safety groups opposed categorical exclusion and urged a more individualized vetting approach. AB 2300 would streamline distribution of WIOA workforce funds and reduce delays in local workforce board contracting, with supporters emphasizing faster service delivery and no reduction in accountability. AB 2223 would require CDCR to report standardized data on contracted medical and mental health staffing, vacancies, and costs, following an audit that found heavy reliance on contractors and poor transparency. AB 2483 would create a pathway and certification for formerly incarcerated firefighters to move into firefighting careers after release, with strong support from the author and witnesses who described the work as a real career path and reentry opportunity. AB 2142 would require temporary classified school employees working more than 75% of the school year to receive permanent-employee benefits and protections; school administrators and community college groups opposed it as too rigid for grant-funded and fluctuating positions. AB 2367 would require quarterly reporting from state-run health care facilities on vacancies, overtime, registry/contract staffing, and missed staffing minimums, building on state auditor recommendations; health care workers supported it as a transparency and accountability measure. Several measures were voted out of committee or placed on call. AB 1818, AB 1534, AB 2300, AB 2483, and AB 2223 all received do-pass votes to the Senate Appropriations Committee, though each was placed on call after roll call. AB 65 and AB 1940 also advanced on do-pass motions but were placed on call. AB 2142 received a do-pass vote with opposition and was placed on call. S.J.R. 15, a resolution urging Congress to protect California employers from higher federal unemployment taxes tied to the state’s UI debt, drew divided testimony: business groups supported it, while labor and some members argued California should solve the problem itself and keep the unemployment system solvent; the resolution was also placed on call. The transcript also included committee discussion about working with authors on amendments, especially for AB 1940 and AB 1534, and several members noted support or co-authorship while raising concerns about implementation details and fiscal impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:50.720><c> it</c> which grants qualify for the program it which grants qualify for the program
• </c><00:15:00.480><c> and</c> infrastructure Improvement program and infrastructure Improvement program
• </c> least one on site um for that program least one on site um for that program and<00:15:18.639><c>
• </c><00:20:35.200><c> for</c> um Exempted uh any payment programs for um Exempted uh any payment programs
• </c><00:26:23.320><c> but</c> he wanted to stabilize the program but he wanted to stabilize the program

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:10 HB 2 Discussion 00:01:00 HB 2 Vote 00:04:00 HB 544 Discussion 00:05:05 HB 544 Vote 00:06:15 HB 552 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 552 Vote 00:08:40 HB 605 Discussion 00:09:35 HB 605 Vote 00:11:35 HB 606 Discussion 00:12:10 HB 606 Vote 00:15:40 HB 695 Discussion 00:16:25 HB 695 Vote 00:34:05, 958, all

Summary: The Appropriations and Revenue Committee took up several House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 2, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, was described by Rep. T.J. Roberts as restoring a tax exemption enacted in 2024 by providing refunds with interest to those improperly taxed and creating a cause of action; the substitute also aligned state filing deadlines for certain flood-disaster counties with the federal November 15 deadline. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the bill with favorable expression. The committee also adopted a title amendment for House Bill 544, which Rep. Jason Petrie said was part of the state’s flood-relief discussion and would allow the guard cap to be used over the biennium rather than annually, effectively increasing the cap from $50 million per year to $100 million over two years; the measure passed with favorable expression. House Bill 552, handled by Rep. Josh Bray after Rep. Kim King’s absence, was described as simplifying tourist commission appointments. The committee substitute added creation of the Kentucky-Ireland Trade Commission and changed marina licensing agreements by exempting private contractors from the model procurement code. The committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 605, sponsored by Rep. Kim King, clarified which grants qualify for a grant program and allowed cities or counties to apply on behalf of water districts or other entities not directly affiliated with them; Rebecca Hearts of Grant Ready Kentucky said the program had matched $103 million of the $200 million allocation, generating about $469.98 million in total project value. The committee adopted the title amendment and passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 606, by Rep. Wade Williams, added a capital-oversight reporting requirement for school district general obligation bonds that had been omitted from prior legislation. The committee substitute also made several budget and program adjustments, including moving Regional Training Center funds, accelerating funding for the Grand Lyric Theater, correcting water funding language, removing Odyssey Inc. language from a treatment-related item, fixing a double appropriation to LifeWorks Transition Academy, clarifying carry-forward language, allowing SRO reimbursements for public and non-public schools, and authorizing an additional $10 million in agency bonds for Western Kentucky University athletic facilities. The committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and passed the bill with favorable expression. The committee then spent the most time on House Bill 695, a Medicaid-related bill. Rep. Adam Bowling said the bill was intended to stabilize Medicaid, create oversight and advisory mechanisms, and address growth in the program. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander and Medicaid CFO Steve Beckle said they were generally supportive of the transparency and reporting changes but flagged risks, including federal compliance concerns, budget growth from changing the drug rebate treatment, administrative costs tied to MCO rebidding and a managed long-term services study, and some data-collection challenges. Representatives from the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities opposed the section calling for a managed long-term care reimbursement study, arguing it would be costly, duplicative, and likely ineffective, and they warned against managed care models for long-term care. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the committee substitute by voice vote and moved the bill forward with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• As with the bill we just heard about, there are times when tweaks to programs or making programs more
• Senate Bill 1006, An Act Creating the Homeworks Program.
• Why aren't they in after-school programs?
• does not qualify for these programs.
• We operate high-impact savings and financial coaching programs.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing bills, with much of the discussion focused on seasonal communities and funding for year-round housing in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires. Speakers supported bills including H. 4410/S. 966 and related seasonal communities legislation, which would allow local option real estate transfer fees and expand tools for towns to preserve and create affordable housing. Testimony emphasized severe housing shortages, high home prices, workforce displacement, and impacts on public safety, schools, health care, and local businesses. Many witnesses said the transfer fee would provide a sustainable local revenue stream, citing prior land bank models on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as proof the approach can work. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3989 regarding seasonal community designation, with supporters arguing that towns should be included automatically or through a simpler opt-in process, and on H. 4568 to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which would broaden access to a federal voucher-based savings and self-sufficiency model. Senator Edwards testified in support of a bill to create training for municipal board members, describing it as a toolkit to improve informed local decision-making. Senator O’Connor testified for a bed bug bill, saying it would create clearer landlord and tenant notification and treatment requirements and provide needed legal guidance after his family’s experience with an infestation. Senator Lovely also testified for the Homeworks program, which provides transportation so homeless children in motels and shelters can attend after-school activities. The committee further heard testimony on a bill to fund housing in seasonal communities through a transfer fee and on a companion measure to expand the seasonal communities toolkit, with repeated calls for favorable reports. Witnesses from public safety, health care, housing nonprofits, schools, and local government described staffing shortages and housing insecurity as urgent problems. Later, the committee took testimony on H. 1559/S. 102 to maintain stable housing for families with pets, with animal welfare groups supporting protections against eviction, breed discrimination, and excessive pet rent. They said housing-related pet surrenders are a major driver of shelter intake. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1498 to limit criminalization of homelessness, which would restrict citations, fines, and related consequences for outdoor camping tied solely to homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Engaged California program.
• It is the home of the Engaged California program.
• The goal of the Engaged California program is to give residents, California program.
• That certainly makes sense because it is a program very, very important.
• So I think this is a fantastic program.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1979, which would limit the use of AI in health care by requiring licensed professionals to retain final clinical judgment, prohibiting automated systems from directing unlicensed individuals to perform licensed clinical functions, and clarifying medical-record privacy rules for direct-to-consumer health chatbots. Supporters, including nurses and labor groups, said the bill preserves patient safety and keeps care decisions in human hands. Hospital and industry groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could create compliance burdens and interfere with training and legitimate AI-assisted care. The bill was approved 6-1 and placed on call. Members then considered AB 2624, which would expand California’s Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers facing harassment or doxing. The author and supporters described threats, stalking, and online targeting of immigrant advocates and said the bill would let them use substitute addresses to protect their safety. Opposition focused mainly on concerns about the bill’s legal enforcement language, though the author said it mirrors existing Safe at Home provisions and does not create a new private right of action. The measure passed 4-1 and was placed on call. AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program. The author and the Office of Data and Innovation said it is meant to broaden civic participation through structured deliberation and transparent publication of results. Some members raised concerns about partisan balance and topic selection, while supporters emphasized the need to reach Californians who do not typically participate in hearings. The bill passed 6-0 and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2, a social media accountability bill for harms to children and teens, and AB 883, which would expand privacy protections and shorten data-broker deletion timelines for elected officials and judges; both drew support and opposition, were approved on committee votes, and placed on call. Later, the committee began AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, and limits on ads and data sharing; testimony was strongly supportive from child-safety advocates, while industry groups raised concerns about vague standards, audits, and liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• This could lead to similar restrictions on other assistance programs, making it even harder to manage
• making even harder to manage programs making even harder to manage rental<00:19:56.640><c> properties
• uh this life treatment issue many aosome<00:53:11.480><c> individuals</c><00:53:12.480><c> want</c><
• Our primary program is a free and confidential legal hotline available to any renter in Minnesota via
• Our programs are relied upon throughout the state.

Bills: HF2296 , HF1566 , HF1854 , HF1385 , HF1142

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: landlord-tenant, victim confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, tenant privacy, housing law, eviction, unpaid rent, damages, release of information, shared database, protective order, victim of violence, Minnesota Statutes 504B.206, housing finance, civil law, autism, rental properties, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Engaged California program.
• It is the home of the Engaged California program.
• The goal of the Engaged California program is to give residents ...California program.
• That certainly makes sense because it is a very important program.
• So I think this is a fantastic program.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paper from the House: the Senate bill promoting credit, equity, treatment, and safety, Senate No. 3028

Summary: The Senate took up several local and conference matters. It passed to be engrossed House No. 4224, validating the actions taken at the New Salem annual town election, House No. 5561, authorizing the transfer of certain land in Norton, and House No. 5227, further regulating vacancies in the office of Ward Councilor in Marlborough. The Senate also referred a House petition concerning the retirement classification of a Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office employee to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber addressed two major bills in disagreement with the House. On Senate No. 3028, promoting credit, equity, treatment, and safety, the Senate voted to non-concur in the House amendment and requested a committee of conference, appointing Senators Feeney, Lewis, and Tarr. On House Bill 4706, an act to improve Massachusetts home care, the Senate voted to insist on its amendment and also requested a committee of conference, appointing Senators Brownsberger, Jehlen, and Fattman. The Senate adopted two congratulatory resolutions honoring Lewis Joufrey and Stephen Hatchy for attaining Eagle Scout rank. It also adopted an order to adjourn to Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar, then adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we also added Representative Black's treatment court administrator position to this bill

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first considered a House Committee substitute for Senate Bill 1067, a measure relating to civil actions based on public expression. The committee then moved to adopt a broader substitute that combined several bills into a jurisprudence omnibus package: House Bills 1711, 2666, 3116, and 3289. Members briefly explained each component, including the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, an anti-SLAPP provision, a workers’ compensation attorney-change provision, a domestic LLC deadlock remedy, court operations changes tied to a statewide automation fund, and a treatment court administrator position for circuits lacking administrative staff. After discussion, the committee adopted the House Committee substitute. It then voted on the substituted Senate Bill 1067 and approved it do pass by a vote of 11 ayes and 0 noes. The hearing then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• consideration and confirmation to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee met on March 31, 2026, to consider Governor’s Message 791, which concerned confirmation of Virgilio Viernes to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Health’s Wastewater Branch testified in support and stood on its written testimony. No other testimony was offered, and no members asked questions of the department. The committee then noted that Mr. Viernes was not present in the room or on Zoom to answer questions. Because the nominee was unavailable, the chair and members agreed to defer the measure rather than take action that day. The committee said it would post a reconvene notice so the matter could be taken up later when the nominee could attend. The meeting was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't necessarily agree, but it was made about a 12-step program, self-help program versus a faith-based
• program.
• The words 'faith-based treatment and recovery programs for substance abuse.' And that would also...
• They like their programs. The co-ops like their programs.
• school program.

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be public, and people would be sent to it. easy program to get this information easy program
• However, um, once those programs, you've sort of completed those programs, there are still costs associated
• </c> know there was discussion about programs know there was discussion about programs that<02:29:08.640
• However, um once of those programs.
• programs you've sort of completed those<02:29:18.800><c> programs,</c><02:29:19.280><c> there</c><02

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all