Transcript Highlights:

• This is the heartbeat of a community.
• </c> mirror of our community. mirror of our community.
• </c> able to see their own community able to see their own community reflected<00:30:22.880><c> back<
• </c> This is the heartbeat of a community. This is the heartbeat of a community.
• ,</c><00:36:33.920><c> either</c> stations in our communities, either stations in our communities, either

Bills: HF3455 , HF3936 , HF3860 , HF3656 , HF4060

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re as big as some small community banks across the state.
• </c> requests from schools and communities requests from schools and communities and<00:26:26.080><c>
• </c> by focusing on family and community by focusing on family and community engagement,<00:37:46.720
• </c> community mental health center regions. community mental health center regions.
• </c> consultants are placed in the community consultants are placed in the community mental<01:03:30.880

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared. The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site. The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> start talking to the rural communities start talking to the rural communities generally<00:07:34.400
• </c><00:30:06.880><c> thank</c> islands and underserve communities thank islands and underserve communities
• Testifying first is the Disability and Communication Access Board. Thank you.
• The bill promotes community togetherness. Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.
• The bill promotes community togetherness. Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> hard every day to keep our community hard every day to keep our community safe<00:04:43.080><c>
• </c><00:18:39.679><c> Corrections</c> individual Community Corrections individual Community Corrections
• </c><00:35:31.920><c> they</c> their agencies and the communities they their agencies and the communities
• We have to trust our leaders in the community to keep our community safe and provide the tools, so thank
• to keep our leaders in the community to keep our community<01:05:12.480><c> safe</c><01:05:12.920><c

Transcript Highlights:

• David Knight, on behalf of the California Community Action Partnership Association, in support.
• David Knight, on behalf of the California Community Action Partnership Association, in support.
• David Knight, on behalf of the California Community Action Partnership Association, in support.
• Danny Kando Kaiser on behalf of the California Community Land Trust as well as the California Tax Reform
• The land trust network is comprised of 27 community land trusts who support the growth of permanently

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• We also welcome the Arizonans who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind, and their community members
• We share our appreciation for their advocacy, leadership, and work to expand communication access and
• SB 1729, ownership limits planned communities. SB 1730, canton point road.
• I look forward to having those discussions starting today, ongoing communication, but at the end of the
• SB 1826, appropriation, right-finding rural communities, ATT.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Kim Wirtz, communications director for Senate Republicans.
• right now with sexually violent predators being potentially housed in our communities.
• of 1,000 realtors in the Tri-Cities, they are giving back to our community.
• They're barely interested in perspective from the business community.
• I know what folks in the business community sent in as feedback.

Summary: Senate and House Republican leaders used the media availability to focus on affordability and to criticize the Democratic majority’s newly released income tax proposal. Leaders John Braun and Drew Stokesbary argued the plan would raise costs, harm small and medium-sized businesses, and fail to deliver meaningful tax relief elsewhere. They said the bill’s marriage penalty, lack of loss carryforward, and treatment of pass-through entities were especially problematic, and they warned it could eventually expand beyond high earners. They also cited other pending measures they said would increase costs, including taxes or fees affecting insurance, tires, clothing, social media, cigarettes, and solid waste. A major portion of the discussion centered on Republican-hosted listening sessions on the initiatives, which they said were intended to provide balanced public testimony after Democrats declined to advance hearings. House Republicans said they invited speakers both for and against the initiatives, including a wide range of opponents, and emphasized that the sessions were meant to show the public a fair debate. They also discussed several policy bills they oppose, including housing and homelessness measures they said would limit local control near schools and parks, and a bill creating a regulatory framework for automated license plate readers, which they said still raises concerns for cities and law enforcement despite some improvements. In response to questions, Republicans said they support funding for public defense but believe it should be handled within existing budget priorities rather than through an income tax. They also said they are watching bills on government fraud oversight, SNAP restrictions on unhealthy foods, and public safety, including measures related to sexually violent predators and child safety. Throughout the event, leaders repeatedly framed their agenda as protecting affordability and public safety while opposing what they described as tax increases and regulations that would make life more expensive in Washington.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clearly, it's done some really great things in some of our members' communities.
• I hope that your communities in the future... ...energy to power the data centers in the future.
• When you hear stories about Quincy and other eastern Washington communities having this innovation and
• development so that they can improve the quality of life of their community, it's sad to think that
• Our communities.

Bills: HB2296 , HB2301 , HB2212 , HB2515 , HB2436 , HB2496 , HB2605

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, sustainability, energy policy, extended producer responsibility, paint waste management, environmental regulations, recycling, microplastics, pollution, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, energy facilities, large energy use, regulation, state oversight, infrastructure, oil tanker

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas young people across Washington State represent the future of our communities, bringing creativity
• Whereas young people across Washington State represent the future of our communities, bringing creativity
• demonstrated exceptional dedication to personal growth, leadership development, civic education, and community
• education, leadership training, and inclusive opportunities, inspiring their peers and uplifting communities
• meet mentors and peers who share a passion like they do for making a difference not only in their communities

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s journal, then handled routine referrals of committee reports and gubernatorial appointments to the designated committees, including appointment 9329 to the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee. It also received a WSDA pesticides report from the Department of Agriculture. The main substantive item was Senate Resolution 8693, honoring scholars and participants in Washington State Leadership Board programs such as Boundless Washington, Compassion Scholars, and Washington World Fellows. Senator Claire Wilson sponsored the resolution and spoke at length about the value of youth leadership, service, civic engagement, and opportunities for students across the state, with examples of individual scholars’ accomplishments. Senator Torres also praised the students and their future potential. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote, with ayes prevailing. The chamber then recognized guests from the Washington State Leadership Board and the LGBTQ Youth Advisory Board in the North Gallery before adjourning until Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, welcome to the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee hearing.
• I want to thank Chair Haney, his staff, and members of the community for hearing this bill.
• We were waiting for the completion of a community-wide survey in April to gauge support for the changes
• The Floating Homes Association held dozens of meetings at all docks, which resulted in the community-wide
• It truly is a reflection of a community agreement, and so thank you for making that extra effort.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard AB 754 by Assemblymember Connolly, a district-specific bill updating the Floating Home Residency Law in Marin County. The author explained that the measure was intended to fix unintended consequences from AB 252, which had created renter protections for floating homeowners but, according to the author, did not work well in Marin because of the unique construction and financing needs of floating homes there. Supporters said the bill was developed over more than two years with extensive input from residents, marina operators, and county officials, and that a community survey showed 93% resident support and support from all five marina owners. Testimony in support came from the author and Karen Lang representing the County of Marin, both emphasizing that the bill preserved renter protections while allowing marinas to remain financially viable and maintain infrastructure. No opposition testimony was presented, and committee members praised the author for securing local agreement before advancing the bill. After quorum was established, the committee took up concurrence in the Senate amendments. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting, and the committee concurred in the Senate amendments to AB 754.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is what it's about: housing for the community.
• </c><00:18:44.640><c> and</c> reasonably expect other communities and reasonably expect other communities
• It does affect a lot of communities.
• </c><00:53:37.920><c> and</c> the problems uh for uh my community and the problems uh for uh my community
• </c> to live in the community uh that we do. to live in the community uh that we do.

Bills: HF1531 , HF4017 , HF3399 , HF4146 , HF4019 , HF3677

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:36.800><c> Uh</c> Hawaii Community Foundation said. Uh Hawaii Community Foundation said.
• ,</c> conversation and there is communication, conversation and there is communication, but<00:46:08.960
• </c> communication, presenting, leadership. communication, presenting, leadership.
• </c><01:01:21.599><c> uh</c> engineers of our community as well. uh engineers of our community as well
• through the community outreach that day through the community outreach that we<01:06:14.480><c> as</

Bills: HB1813 , HB2429 , HB2423 , HB1996 , HB1851 , HB2546 , HB2028 , HB2583 , HB2490 , HB2545 , HB2114 , HB1859 , HB2534 , HB2474 , HB1863 , HB2475

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to housing, which exempts affordable housing projects that are financed by a nonprofit community
• Our first testifier is Hawaii Habitat for Humanity Association in support, followed by Hawaii Community
• I'm not for this bill because my community is fast-growing. I get 3,300 students at my high school.
• So it's not helping my community right.
• Sand communication in support. Uh, AAC consultants at Hypress and Librian. My name is Lee Cobian.

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:45.760><c> here</c> the community development director here the community development director
• </c><00:41:58.240><c> uh,</c> Council to be in full communication uh, Council to be in full communication
• </c> smaller communities. smaller communities.
• </c> show support to our curling community show support to our curling community and<01:04:35.240><c>
• ><c> community</c><01:43:28.560><c> and</c><01:43:28.680><c> constituent</c> Yeah, community and constituent

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• College System language for that project. community college system projects in community college system
• </c><00:12:09.760><c> college</c> not work with the community college not work with the community college
• </c> Any other questions on the community Any other questions on the community colleges<00:16:32.720>
• The community the construction part.
• </c> thousands of cars pass our community thousands of cars pass our community without<01:52:40.800><

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> community uh with these funds. community uh with these funds.
• Um, the council or the community early childhood councils?
• We're in constant communication with them.
• U we're in constant communication those.
• </c> this model moved from the community this model moved from the community early<01:11:24.800><c> childhood

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations. Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources. The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• around other communities.
• </c> favor of the citizens of each community favor of the citizens of each community in<01:14:51.679>
• </c><01:16:45.280><c> that</c> still protecting the communities that still protecting the communities
• </c><01:26:33.520><c> 97</c><01:26:34.159><c> communities</c> all 99 municipalities. 97 communities all
• </c><01:29:34.560><c> for</c> and as important to our community for and as important to our community

Bills: SF0099 , SF0116 , SJ0006

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota, and importantly, communities Minnesota, and importantly, communities and<00:04:46.320
• and economic resilience for communities like Hibbing.
• and economic resilience for communities like Hibbing.
• </c><00:53:20.240><c> Senator</c> community. Thank you, Mr. M. Senator community. Thank you, Mr. M.
• The entire racially diverse communities.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• Hospitals now have an incentive to go into communities that are higher-income communities and purchase
• Hospitals now have an incentive to go into communities that are higher-income communities and purchase
• Hospitals now have an incentive to go into communities that are higher-income communities and purchase
• Hospitals now have an incentive to go into communities that are higher-income communities and purchase
• Hospitals now have an incentive to go into communities that are higher-income communities and purchase

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> relationship between Vermont communities relationship between Vermont communities and<00:12:54.160
• They are watching fear spread through immigrant communities and communities of color.
• </c> communities and communities of color. communities and communities of color.
• </c> that community. that community.
• </c> immigrant community from federal action. immigrant community from federal action.