Transcript Highlights:

• That goes through how we've addressed this.
• Yes, the best way to fix, you know, to address this issue is To catch it before it happens.
• If you could address those things, that would be helpful. Yes, Chair and Representative.
• They ask questions, send out emails: How are you doing? Are you running into any problems?
• Then we use our email system.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So the draft bill is designed to address that.
• So the draft bill is designed to address that.
• So the draft bill is designed to address that.
• So the draft bill is designed to address that.
• Um building designed to address that.

Summary: The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items. The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting. The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• in Sherburne County, is excited to be on the Capital Investment Committee, and mentioned receiving emails
• it is her second term. besides getting uh teacher Valentine besides getting uh teacher Valentine emails
• the number uh the number two emails the number uh the number two thing<00:01:08.360><c> I</c><00:01:
• ><00:01:08.680><c> say</c><00:01:08.799><c> I'm</c><00:01:08.920><c> getting</c><00:01:09.119><c> emails
• </c> thing I I would say I'm getting emails thing I I would say I'm getting emails about<00:01:09.720

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't think we're, I'm not seeing it being addressed, but I did see it in the, you know, why we
• We've had, we've recently had legislation that would, uh, would have addressed that or did address that
• Um, the other thing that you can do and that's been allowed in the past that you have done is address
• They allow the committee to address issues as they arise during the interim.
• Gray, do you wanna just, uh, come to the podium and address that question?

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a superintendent of public instruction who wished to come address the committee.
• I think, honestly, probably inserting the parents in... ...happened once, but we need to address the
• So that's not at all what this bill is looking to address, right?
• Okay, I have a couple of comments, and I want to make them while you're at the podium to address.
• I've seen in the past, and I, as I... ...while you're at the podium to address.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have our email inbox to receive questions and requests for rulings on 5814.
• We also allowed folks to sign up for email updates through GovDelivery, and prior to that October 1st
• As always, taxpayers may also email our ruling requests inbox.
• As always, taxpayers may also email our ruling request inbox or call our telephone information center
• And I think I'd like to address my question to the superintendent, if you don't mind.

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The committee then received a Department of Revenue update on the Antio-related legislation. DOR explained the Washington Supreme Court’s Antio decision on the B&O deduction for investment income, the department’s post-decision guidance, and the 2025 legislative changes in HB 2081 and SB 5167, including an expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for entities with unreported investment income. DOR said the expanded program offers broader penalty and interest relief and applies to both registered and unregistered businesses, but participation has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next heard the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through the first 10 months and a major increase in applications after TurboTax integrated the credit. Officials said the program reached more than 409,000 children this year, but demographic response rates fell because TurboTax did not present optional demographic questions. DOR also discussed outreach efforts, the end of funding for community outreach partners after 2025, and challenges including fraud involving third-party preparers, turnover in eligible households, immigration-related reluctance among ITIN holders, data-sharing barriers, and difficulty verifying self-employment income. Members asked about fraud remedies, and DOR said it can pursue recipients for fraudulent refunds and may work with law enforcement, but the statute does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final DOR presentation covered implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1. DOR described its outreach and guidance process, including 16 listening sessions, an online survey, a centralized guidance page, special notices, and about 95,000 direct taxpayer contacts. Officials said ruling requests surged sharply around the effective date, especially for live presentations, advertising, and software/IT services, and formal rulemaking is expected after the 2026 session. Committee members questioned whether the fiscal note anticipated impacts on schools and nonprofits and whether the department’s estimates should be revisited. The committee then heard stakeholder testimony from Expedia, T-Mobile, and the Construction Industry Training Council, followed by Clover Park School District and Seattle Theatre Group/Inspire Washington. Witnesses argued that SB 5814 creates complexity, uncertainty, and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses and nonprofits, especially for digital advertising, IT, training, and live presentation services. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax raises costs for education, apprenticeship, arts, and cultural programming, with Clover Park warning of a roughly $1.2 million annual hit to special education-related contracted services. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair saying the committee would continue working on SB 5814 issues in the next legislative session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did not receive any emails, documents. That was December 8, 2025.
• So I have not received any emails, documents, anything related to that position.
• I did not receive any emails, documents. That was December 8, 2025.
• So I have not received any emails, documents, anything related to that position. Okay.
• “I have not received any emails, documents, anything related to that position. Okay.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 6, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard several bills before moving into confirmation hearings. HB 205, by Rep. Bacala, would allow local governing authorities to supplement election commissioners’ pay by up to $100 per day; supporters from clerks of court and the Secretary of State’s office said the increase is needed to recruit and retain qualified commissioners amid longer days, training demands, and election security changes. The committee also reported HB 210, a cleanup bill clarifying retroactive application of a prior ethics law, and HB 228, which recreates the Department of State Civil Service and related entities through 2033. It likewise reported SR 86, which bars eyeglasses with audio/video recording capability in the Senate chamber without the Senate President’s permission, and HB 1177, which protects the identities of lottery hunt winners until after the drawing. HB 1045, limited to Pointe Coupee Parish, raises an audit threshold for certain water districts from $500,000 to $600,000 to reduce audit costs, and HB 813 would move Orleans Parish sheriff terms so the sheriff takes office in January instead of waiting until May; all were reported favorably. Senator Miller also announced that SB 491 would not be taken up that day. The committee then questioned nominees to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East. The first group, including Peter Vicari and Ronald Schumann, was asked extensively about recent personnel actions, an internal investigation, and the authority’s handling of a report that members said would likely be released after a board vote. Senators focused on the firing of the chief of police/operations personnel, allegations of payroll fraud, and whether the authority had improperly combined the chief of police role with compliance duties in a way that may conflict with statute and Civil Service guidance. Committee members also raised concerns about the chief’s contract, whether it had board approval, and whether the authority’s bylaws and salary practices complied with law. The nominees and counsel said some matters were still under review and that a separate compliance position was being considered. The committee later heard from additional nominees, including David Martin, Gregory Marsiglia, and Elton Jude Myers, who described backgrounds in engineering, law, procurement, and governmental contracts. Senators again pressed them on the need to separate compliance/auditing duties from the chief of police role, and the nominees generally agreed that those functions should be distinct and that the authority should have qualified auditing expertise. The meeting ended with no public comment and adjournment after the confirmation discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did not receive any emails, documents. That was December 8, 2025.
• So I have not received any emails, documents, anything related to that position.
• I did not receive any emails, documents. That was December 8, 2025.
• Received any emails, documents, anything related to that position. Okay.
• Are there any questions that I can address for you, Mr. Chairman? Thank you for that.

Bills: SR86 , SB491 , HB205 , HB210 , HB228 , HB813 , HB1045 , HB1177

Committee: Senate Senate & Governmental Affairs

Keywords: Senate rules, Louisiana Senate, Senate Chamber, smart glasses, recording eyewear, audio recording, video recording, wearable technology, covert recording, legislative security, media access, chamber decorum, Senate President, internal rules, public access, lobbyists, official journal, public notices, competitive bid, Louisiana legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• But I do want to, you know, address what was just talked about. I live in a small community.
• So if those cities or counties have one, then we should see that plan tomorrow morning in our email to
• And do you have, ma'am from Torrance, do you have her email? I know Kate has mine and hers.
• and everything uh give viviann's email and everything yes okay and do you have man from torrance do
• Make sure your cell phones and your emails are open because it'll have to be an emergency bill.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• issues that should be addressed.
• issues that should be addressed.
• issues that should be addressed.
• Uh sometimes that is provided through an email address. They want the questions in writing.
• Does that address<01:33:08.719><c> your</c><01:33:08.960><c> concerns,</c> address your concerns, address

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> And so, stay tuned for an email that you might get in the fall, and we get to work with smart and
• Let me highlight how the bill addresses these issues.
• This section addresses the Section five.
• This section addresses the voluntary state certification program for recovery residences.
• the Zoom link out Caucus, and I emailed the Zoom link out to<00:42:20.160><c> everyone.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's nothing wrong with them sending a letter or an email to a mayor to let them know that
• But I think that is actually addressed maybe in federal law, and that's why this was drafted this way
• But I think that is actually addressed maybe in federal law, and that's why this was drafted this way
• , maybe he can address that more specifically than what I'm doing.
• Are there some issues that maybe could be addressed in 2027? Yes.

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not address... ...Say that again: climate change lawsuits.
• This bill does not address that.
• And his bill seems, from what I've heard, like he's addressed the concerns.
• Hopefully, the amendment addresses it.
• I think the amendment attempted to address that.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• How can I address your question?
• They send you an email.
• They send you an email.
• <00:29:57.200><c> um</c> address um address um next<00:29:59.240><c> related</c><00:30:00.000><c> although
• <00:53:41.319><c> the</c> address the address the vacancies<00:53:43.280><c> in</c><00:53:43.480><c>

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection heard the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs present its biennium budget request for fiscal years 2025 to 2027. Director Nainoa Ando said the department’s requests were primarily special-fund ceiling increases to meet operational needs. Major items included an additional $12 million to complete the King Kamehameha V Post Office building roof project after hidden deterioration and water intrusion were discovered, plus funding related to fringe benefits and central services assessments. The department also outlined requests for a new medical compact implementation cost, an auditor position, an engineer position, and a captive insurance IT modernization project. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Office of Consumer Protection’s landlord-tenant call line and public service access. Senators raised concerns that callers often reach voicemail, are told to leave a message, and sometimes are referred to look up the law themselves. DCCA said the Oʻahu line is staffed by one full-time employee backed by two to three investigators, with one investigator each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, and that calls are tracked in a case management system. The department said it plans to add one more Oʻahu staff position through a transfer from another division and that a new call-center/web system with time tracking is expected to go live in the summer. Members also discussed a possible bill related to Pearson VUE nursing certification testing, with one senator describing the burden on neighbor-island nursing graduates who must travel to Honolulu for a one-hour test. The senator said she intended to introduce legislation after receiving no response to repeated outreach. DCCA did not take action on that proposal during the hearing. For the PUC-related requests, the department explained a one-time $1 million request for outside consulting tied to Maui wildfire-related filings, including wildfire safety mitigation and hazard mitigation plans, and a separate $900,000 request through the Consumer Advocacy Division to hire consultants for review and analysis. The committee also discussed a captive insurance IT modernization request, which DCCA said would replace manual and spreadsheet-based processes with a cloud-based system to better handle filings, payments, and workflow; no vote or final action was taken on the budget items during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can email you the finalized copy once I get back to my office and we get a couple of things changed
• We can email you the finalized copy once I get back to my office and we get a couple of things changed
• questions, but I wish we each had a document to look at because it's very fun to look at, but I will email
• This is the skeleton, but I will email it to you once we are out of this meeting, Representative Mitchell
• spring: you have the comparison of Jimmy Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech with Ronald Reagan's address

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the July 2026 minutes, and received a financial update on America 250-related funds and expenditures. Staff reported that the Community Foundation fundraising account had reached $48,000.10, reviewed completed projects and those with remaining balances, and noted that some items, including America 250 promotion costs and the Idaho Centennial Spur Ride, had not yet had charges posted. Members discussed whether certain funds were still needed for upcoming activities, including the Veterans Mustang Ride and the Liberty Bell tour. Treasurer Ellsworth gave an update on recent service and outreach efforts, including the Veterans Mustang Boise Ride, which had been completed, and reported that the statewide service tally had reached 48,448,713 acts of service. She also outlined plans for the Liberty Bell statewide tour, which is scheduled to begin September 2 in Boise and continue through the state, including county seats, fairs, and the Veterans Day Parade, with an official return ceremony planned for November 19. Committee members asked for the detailed route and were told it would be shared after final edits; security, risk management, lodging, and transportation arrangements were also discussed. Director Gallimore and Hannah Lory Hine provided broader updates on Idaho and national America 250 activities. They highlighted ongoing community celebrations, the Move 250 partnership, 9/11 educational and service projects, the America Commemorative Flag Project, oral history efforts, and the statewide website as a hub for events. Hine also summarized federal America 250 initiatives, including the American Field Trip student contest, America Gives volunteer hours, 9/11 Day meal-packing plans, innovation and startup programs, the state dish vote, Freedom Trucks, and other national activations. Dr. Andrew Finstewan then presented the Reading the Republic project, an open-access civics and American thought curriculum for Idaho higher education institutions, available online and in person through the State Board of Education’s Next 250 initiative. The committee ended by tentatively scheduling its next meeting for October 15 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this allows the Department of Public Instruction to apply for and distribute or address the funds
• So I know I received an email from Representative O'Brien this morning; I think everybody did.
• Okay, if you would pull up that email, we can We can take a look at that.
• And as you'll see in Representative O'Brien's email, certainly recognizing that this may be a hurdle
• Chair, I'd move the O'Brien amendment that was provided to the committee via email. Second.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> emails that he knew where I lived. emails that he knew where I lived.
• </c> provision does not explicitly address provision does not explicitly address that.<00:30:45.240><
• </c><01:15:07.240><c> the</c> Scott, would you like to uh address the Scott, would you like to uh address
• specific</c><01:20:00.600><c> and</c> This bill addresses a specific and This bill addresses a specific
• </c><01:53:55.720><c> This</c> addresses compliance hearings. This addresses compliance hearings.

Bills: HF3951 , HF4005 , HF962 , HF4585 , HF3870 , HF4542 , HF3893 , HF4293 , HF4075 , HF4057 , HF3809

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• You got your schedule in the mail or email, and the details are listed there.
• You got your schedule in the mail or email, and the resolution authorizes the House or Senate to adjourn
• You got your schedule in the mail or email, and the resolution authorizes the House or Senate to adjourn
• Today I'm addressing you, and I'm so happy to see you standing with me to recognize Holocaust Remembrance

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's why that's being addressed in the bill.
• And so I wanted to address that before we had any questions on it.
• And so I wanted to address that before we had any questions on it.
• Yeah, if you can email that to the committee, I think that would be great.
• I could address you somebody else. I guess just find it odd.

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted House Committee Substitutes, then passed several bills by roll call vote. HCS for House Bills 1746 and 1769 was adopted and then voted do pass by 10-0. HCS for House Bill 3005 was adopted and passed 10-0 after the sponsor explained it removed a sentence requiring specific local review boards in library appeals processes. HCS for House Bills 1717 and 1643, dealing with alternative therapies, passed 7-2 with two present. HCS for House Bills 2817 and 2961 passed 8-1 with two present. HCS for House Bills 2035 and 2350 passed 10-0 with one present after a brief question about statutory citations. HCS for House Bills 1887, 2361, 1913, 2862, and 2321, a combined bill package, also passed 10-0 after members discussed digital depiction language and written victim request provisions. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 1914, which would change Missouri’s franchise law on warranty and recall reimbursement for auto dealers. Rep. David Castile presented the bill as a fairness measure, arguing manufacturers should pay dealers market-rate labor and parts reimbursement and that current warranty work often loses money for dealers and hurts service access. Supporters, including several dealers and technicians, said manufacturer time guides underpay warranty work, that the bill would help retain technicians, and that current appeal processes are cumbersome and time-consuming. They described large gaps between warranty and customer-pay labor times and said technicians often invest heavily in tools and training. Opponents, including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, and business groups, argued the bill would raise costs for consumers, amount to a large increase in dealer compensation, and interfere with existing contracts. They said manufacturers already provide a process for requesting additional time, that most requests are approved, and that warranty work remains a profitable captive source of business for dealers. Several witnesses also argued the bill would not directly raise technician wages because technicians are employed by dealers, not manufacturers, and suggested broader competition or allowing independent repair shops instead. The hearing featured extensive questioning about recall versus warranty work, labor time guides, documentation requirements, and whether the legislature should be involved in these franchise disputes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also addresses the statute of limitations for personal injuries.
• Stablecoins are basically created to address the situation Rep.
• If you could address that. Yeah. And the five years is there to be a check.
• They’re going to have all of that readily available in their email unless they’re deleting their email
• my email address, and I can distribute it to the committee members for their review.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment