Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last 100-plus years, new technologies, research, and regulations have developed.
• serve 52,000 customers in Chelan County, while also offering water and wastewater and broadband services
• Utilities are racing to implement best practices, new technologies, and artificial intelligence.
• This is a county-led project on Forest Service land.
• We have just under 400, and we'll be installing more throughout our service territory.

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Brian Hornback, the Deputy Assistant Director for Field Services and Public Safety.
• As you said, I'm Brian Hornback, Deputy Assistant Director for Field Services and Public Safety at Labor
• My name is Laura Tichiko, and I’m the Planning and Development Services Manager for the City of Des Moines
• But I do want to say that I have seen some technologies come through, use of AI to kind of streamline
• And I think we can leverage technology to get there. So thank you for asking.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee work session focused first on Civic Commons’ “starter home production plan,” a statewide strategy intended to increase production of homes affordable to households roughly between 60% and 120% of area median income. Presenters said the Covenant Home Ownership program will not succeed without more starter homes, and outlined recommendations including a temporary cross-sector crisis task force, a developer network, new financing tools, public seed funding, and a multi-site demonstration program to test off-site construction and standardized designs. Committee members asked about silos in the current system, the role of off-site and modular construction, target income ranges, and where the plan would be most useful. Civic Commons said the plan is meant to be statewide, community-informed, and respectful of local context, with pre-approved plans and standardized approaches for both single-family and multi-unit housing. The Department of Labor and Industries then gave an update on factory-built housing oversight. Officials said residential factory-built structures are a small but important part of their work and described progress in prioritizing residential plan reviews, which they said has reduced review time from months to about two days. They also reported creating a plans examiner supervisor position, moving forward with rules for third-party plan review and inspection, and beginning analysis of national standards from the Modular Building Institute to see whether they align with state code. Committee members and L&I discussed the value of standardized plans, real-time tracking for applicants, and the role of state inspection in reducing local jurisdictional variation. The Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council testified that it supports efforts to reduce permitting delays and increase housing production, but warned against weakening safety standards or labor protections. The labor representatives said prefabrication and modular construction can help if the workforce is protected, wages and apprenticeship opportunities are preserved, and projects use tools such as community workforce agreements. They also raised concerns about wage theft, misclassification, and unlicensed contractors in residential construction, and suggested stronger front-end contractor education or licensing. Committee members responded that the goal is to expand production without sacrificing safety or good jobs. The committee also heard city perspectives on local housing reforms. Olympia described its affordable housing emergency ordinance, which gives qualifying projects priority in the permitting queue, and said success depends on communication among housing staff, planners, engineers, and developers. Walla Walla, an early adopter of middle housing, reported increased ADUs, duplexes, and smaller-lot development after eliminating single-family zoning and expanding tools such as MFTE and ADU flexibility. Des Moines described adopting middle housing and ADU ordinances in June 2025 after a lengthy public process, while Poulsbo described proactive code changes including duplexes on corner lots, unit lot subdivisions, manufactured home protections, expanded ADU allowances, and pre-approved ADU plans shared with neighboring jurisdictions. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trump chose a leader who can deliver for Americans and for the great men and women of our diplomatic service
• And on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I introduced an amendment to mandate that the Purple Heart
• Her wisdom and resilience have shaped my approach to service.
• I want to thank all of our nominees for your past public service.
• Look at the technology that could be shared, which creates a greater level of security.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: Israel, Hamas, Panama Canal, U.S. foreign policy, terrorism, diplomacy, Chinese influence

Summary: The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for being here and thank you for your service. I'm also a prior service Marine Infantry.
• Thank you for your service.
• Thank you for being here and thank you for your service. I'm also a prior service Marine Infantry.
• Thank you for your service. I'm also a prior service Marine Infantry.
• It would be far more expensive based on the technology we currently have.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred. The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We all know that public service is rarely easy.
• We recognize that the privilege and burdens of public service are shared by those at home who support
• Frank started Brunel Tire Service on Lewiston's G Street in 1966.
• May we honor their memory through our own faithful service.
• I'm always humbled by the memorial service.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1012 does not create a new regulatory scheme for every new technology.
• Senate Bill 1012 does not create a new regulatory scheme for every new technology.
• We can welcome new technology and still require honesty.
• know, AFP’s position on this is while accountability should remain with the person using the AI technology
• , and not necessarily with the technology itself, this goes a little too far, as far as we’re concerned

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:11.760><c> their</c> grateful I am for their service their grateful I am for their service
• </c><02:50:53.359><c> and</c> need additional services and need additional services and instructional
• </c> services and protective services unit. services and protective services unit.
• ><c> with</c> services protective services unit with services protective services unit with threat<03
• </c> million towards crime victim services. million towards crime victim services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These teams are largely made up of highly trained volunteers who stand ready at all hours, putting service
• this work even more difficult, and the emotional toll even greater, underscoring the depth of their service
• Their extraordinary service to Nevada County and to the state of California.
• Their extraordinary service to Nevada County and to the state of California reminds us all of the power
• Canada and California not only share deep ties across trade, technology, climate, and beyond, but there

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• upon completion of a training course developed and approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services
• The bill also requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop, approve, and make such
• The bill also requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop, approve, and make such
• bill that we'll be hearing again when it comes back from the Senate—you know, my intent on this technology
• provided such law enforcement agency has been authorized by the federal government or the National Park Service

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: House Committee Room B, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• system to ensure that the promise of a pension, when they accept their job, is there after years of service
• , which allows them to continue to contribute to local and state economies when buying goods and services
• You were talking about, I may have the term wrong, but the remaining service years, I guess, on average
• And the reason I ask that is just, you know, we are all watching what's happening on AI and technology
• They all depend on it after decades of service to the state.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• system to ensure that the promise of a pension, when they accept their job, is there after years of service
• , which allows them to continue to contribute to local and state economies when buying goods and services
• You were talking about, I may have the term wrong, but the remaining service years, I guess on average
• And the reason I ask that is just, you know, we are all watching what's happening on AI and technology
• They all depend on it after decades of service to the state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Thank you for your 50 years of service. Thank you for your 50 years of service.
• </c><00:08:41.120><c> Cost</c> member of the Health Services Cost member of the Health Services Cost
• </c> work being done by the public service work being done by the public service commission<01:52:13.520
• </c> run by the public service commission. run by the public service commission.
• And I'm service commission is doing.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work. The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading. The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even with the advent of satellite technology, which has allowed the Bureau to pioneer the technique of
• Likewise, Medicare data—this would be coming from CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Postal Service, that's federal, you know, sort of a USPS-to-Census Bureau data flow.
• Postal Service, that's federal service. asterisk represents state data. So with U.S.
• Postal Service, that's federal, you know, sort of a USPS to Census Bureau data flow.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Joint Memorial 18 and House Bill 841 were referred to the Environment and Technology Committee.
• The fire districts pay a service fee on every collection that's made.
• The fire districts pay a service fee on every collection that's made, so it's not an undue burden.
• . ...lives as a result of their service.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 is referred to the Environment and Technology Committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thursday, June 11: House Bill 916 referred to Health and Human Services.
• House Bill 2540 referred to Health and Human Services.
• Monday, June 22: House Bill 95 referred to Communications and Technology.
• What we can do is make some changes to make it easier for these programs to provide services.
• People in recovery are not in need of some of the more protracted addiction services.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received gubernatorial communications and a long list of newly referred Senate and House bills and resolutions. The chamber approved the April 22, 2026 journal by a 49-0 vote. Senators also introduced guests, including a high school senior advisory council visiting with Senator Malone and a young guest welcomed by Senator Costa. On the floor, several bills were taken up and either set aside or advanced. Senate Bill 1377 and Senate Bill 482 were re-referred to Appropriations, Senate Bill 906 was re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations, and Senate Bills 1133, 1334, and 1368 were also sent to Appropriations. Senator Dush requested a conflict-of-interest ruling on an amendment to Senate Bill 469; the chair ruled no conflict existed and required him to vote, and the amendment was adopted. The Senate also took Senate Bill 127 from the table and placed it on the calendar. The Senate then considered Supplemental Calendar Number One. Senate Bill 362 received a technical amendment and was advanced; Senate Bill 1183 passed 50-0; Senate Bill 1352, which would allow qualifying substance use disorder treatment providers to receive two-year licenses, passed 45-5 after supportive remarks from Senators Brooks, Tartaglione, and Street; and House Bill 1877, codifying the Pennsylvania seal of biliteracy, passed 50-0 after Senator Lindsey Williams described its student-led origins. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and Senator Tartaglione’s petition urging a floor vote on the House-passed minimum wage bill, House Bill 2189.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 309 as ought to pass, and thank you very much for your attention this morning and for your service
• The state calls this a services.
• </c><00:36:12.240><c> that</c> well as those additional services that well as those additional services
• </c><00:41:25.119><c> So</c><00:41:25.440><c> we</c> utilities and custodial services.
• So we utilities and custodial services.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:51.200><c> previously</c><00:08:51.720><c> supported</c><00:08:52.519><c> by</c> and services
• previously supported by and services previously supported by downtown<00:08:53.200><c> employees</c>
• essential services like Public Safety<00:09:03.079><c> and</c><00:09:03.279><c> infrastructure</c><00
• in their counties where their services in their counties where their local<00:49:48.760><c> agencies
• Our service area combined is over 26,000 square miles and 30% of the state.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But he was the guy in charge of technology. 68 wrote everything down on sheets of paper. 68 wrote everything
• other special just like any other special [clears throat]<00:16:39.920><c> type</c><00:16:40.720><c> service
• </c><00:16:40.959><c> that</c><00:16:41.199><c> you've</c> [Clears throat] Type of service that you've

Bills: HB131 , HB77 , HB131 , HB77

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, diversity, government oversight, Sunset Law, congressional districts, HB77, absentee voting, absentee ballot, disabled voter, disability accommodation, voter assistance, ballot delivery, ballot application, designee, caregiver, election manager, vote by mail, mail ballot, ballot harvesting, voter access

Transcript Highlights:

• particularly in the fields of semiconductors, smart machinery, biotechnology, energy, information technology
• recognize the unique challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, honor their service
• recognize the unique challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, honor their service

Bills: HB346 , HB1851 , HB2974 , HB5596 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR141

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, surplus vehicles, law enforcement equipment, school districts, Texas Facilities Commission, economically disadvantaged areas, HB 5596, voter-approval tax rate, property tax, ad valorem tax, Tax Code, Texas municipalities, coastal municipality, eligible coastal municipality, municipal hotel occupancy tax, hotel occupancy tax revenue

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee heard and laid out several measures focused on school safety, Texas-Taiwan relations, defense manufacturing, business formation, hotel tax policy, and NASA relocation. HB 1851 would allow surplus DPS vehicles and law enforcement equipment to be transferred to school districts in economically disadvantaged areas for use by school police and security personnel, with a two-year resale restriction. HCR 127 expressed support for the Texas-Taiwan relationship and trade ties, HCR 118 supported expanding warship manufacturing in Texas, HCR 141 urged Congress to move NASA headquarters to Houston, HB 346 (with a committee substitute) revised business filing and fee authority while making permanent a franchise tax exemption for new veteran-owned businesses, HB 2974 was an omnibus hotel occupancy tax and qualified hotel project bill, and HB 5596 addressed accountability for municipal hotel occupancy tax revenues in coastal communities. Witnesses generally supported the measures, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association on HB 2974 and resource witnesses from the Texas Veterans Commission and Secretary of State on HB 346; no opposition testimony was registered on the laid-out bills. After public testimony, the committee took up pending business and adopted committee substitutes where applicable. HB 1851, HB 346, HB 2974, and HB 5596 were each reported favorably to the full Senate, with HB 346 and HB 2974 also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HCR 127 and HCR 118 were reported favorably as well, and HCR 127 and HCR 141 were likewise recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also reported HB 4320 favorably, though the transcript repeats that motion several times. The meeting ended with the committee standing in recess until 7:00 a.m. subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps most importantly, IPS integrates employment services with mental health services.
• with mental health Employment Services with mental health services<01:02:37.599><c> maybe</c><01:02:
• </c><01:04:02.799><c> IPS</c> vocational rehabilitation services IPS vocational rehabilitation services
• </c><01:15:17.360><c> are</c><01:15:17.600><c> funded</c> Licensing services are funded Licensing services
• </c> dive into the vocational rehab Services dive into the vocational rehab Services there's<01:45:52.159

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house