Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :
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AZ
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In exchange, the... Water rights.
- For example, in-stream... ...the terms of the agreement, rights that are non-consumptive in nature.
- Stevenson, so the non-consumptive use, in terms, it's really, if I'm trying to put it in simple terms
- to keep the water in the rivers and in the lake.
- Fair motion. Motion's in order.
Summary:
The committee first considered a Fish and Game rules docket, 13-0108-2401, focused on restrictions related to hunting aids and wolf hunting. Senator O’Connowitz moved to adopt the docket except for section 410, subsections 4(g) and (h), citing potential conflicts with the Idaho Constitution and state law protecting hunting, fishing, trapping, and wolf take methods. After discussion about technology in hunting, Senator Cook withdrew his second, and Senator Van Orden offered a substitute motion to accept the docket as written. That substitute motion passed on a 6-4 roll call vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 789, a water rights settlement bill involving the State of Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Avista, and other parties. Senator Phil Hart introduced the bill, and Tyrell Stevenson of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe explained that the measure would ratify a long-negotiated settlement and create a water bank under the Board of Water Resources. He said most of the tribe’s rights were non-consumptive, such as instream flows, lake levels, and spring rights, while some consumptive water could be leased through a rental pool for off-reservation use. Garrett Kittamura testified in support on behalf of several water-user groups, saying the settlement ended years of litigation and had broad support. The committee voted to send HB 789 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1378, which would change how off-highway vehicle enforcement funds are allocated and modernize OHV advisory representation. Senator Harris said the bill would use performance-based funding metrics, return unused snowmobile and OHV funds to source accounts after three fiscal years, and add UTV representation. Dan Waugh of the Idaho Recreation Council said the proposal was developed with sheriffs, Parks and Recreation, and users, and would redirect about $635,000 in unused IDL funds back into the program. The committee then moved SB 1378 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In exchange, the... Water rights.
- For example, in-stream... ...the terms of the agreement, rights that are non-consumptive in nature.
- Stevenson, so the non-consumptive use, in terms, it's really, if I'm trying to put it in simple terms
- to keep the water in the rivers and in the lake.
- Fair motion. Motion's in order.
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
IN
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We will try to be fair in the way we order the testimony today.
- Successful regulation requires an industry that is willing to be regulated in a way that is fair and
- In 2014, 18.3%. In 2015, it was 17.6%. In 2016, it was 17 percent, and in 2017, 21.4 percent.
- Oh, and I mean, and that's fair, but I will tell you there's concern in our community about it because
- In fairness, he can enforce it if there's an outright ban, which is really what his whole point is.
Bills:
HB5
Committee:
House Public Health
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any other witnesses in favor of the bill, in support of the bill?
- is no longer in effect.
- Are there any witnesses in the audience that wish to come up in support of the bill?
- Any other witnesses in the audience wish to stand up in support?
- Any other witnesses in support? Any other witnesses in support?
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Summary:
The committee heard several tax and local revenue measures. SB 288, by Senator Seyarto, would clarify that for inherited homes going through probate, the Proposition 19 one-year deadline to move in and claim the homeowner exemption begins when the property is legally declared to belong to the heir, rather than during probate. The author accepted committee amendments; Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the bill, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 347, by Senator Choi, would reduce the state annual minimum tax from $800 to $600 for LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. The bill was supported as a small-business tax reduction and passed 5-0 to Appropriations.
The committee also considered two veterans property tax measures. SCA 4, by Senator Archuleta, would allow eligible veterans to stack the homeowners exemption with the veterans’ or disabled veterans’ exemption and remove outdated property-value limits in the constitutional veterans’ exemption. Testimony from veteran advocates and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the measure, and it was adopted 5-0 and referred to the Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments. SB 623, the companion statutory bill, would make conforming changes to implement SCA 4; it also drew support from veterans’ groups, the County of San Diego, and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and passed 5-0 to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.
SB 762, by Senator Archuleta, would authorize the city of Hercules to place before voters a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to help fund public safety, parks, infrastructure, and other services. Supporters described it as a narrowly tailored local control measure, while the committee noted it would let residents decide whether to tax themselves. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government. SB 575 by Senator Laird was taken up on the consent calendar, the committee adopted technical amendments, and the consent calendar passed 5-0. The meeting then adjourned after all business was concluded.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-15 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:20:28.240><c> Vermont</c> working in this field here in Vermont working in this field here in
- in healthcare providers in on agreements in healthcare providers in subsection<00:21:38.360><c> A</c
- </c> uh in the appropriations, I'm sorry, in uh in the appropriations, I'm sorry, in the<00:38:52.000
- testimony,</c><00:40:00.360><c> he</c> and in committee in his testimony, he and in committee in his
- </c> people in this room or in this building people in this room or in this building to<00:49:46.880>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 26, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> testimony in support and seven in testimony in support and seven in opposition. opposition. opposition
- </c><00:56:16.400><c> in</c> Um as well as the Chicago World Fair in Um as well as the Chicago World
- Fair in 1893,<00:56:17.440><c> both</c><00:56:17.760><c> representing</c><00:56:18.240><c> the</c><00
- So in 2017 in act 164 164.
- So, we have requested in in here.
Bills:
HB1946 , HB1515 , HB1514 , HB1648 , HB1644 , HB1619 , HB1571 , HB1810 , HB2475 , HB1645 , HB2301 , HB1889 , HB1840
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Keywords:
time shares, registration, renewal, real estate, Hawaii, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, workers' compensation, functional capacity examination, occupational therapy, physical therapy, employer responsibilities, injured workers, medical stabilization, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, healthcare providers
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 26, 2026, and heard several bills, mostly in the areas of workers’ compensation and consumer protection. HB 1946 HD1 on timeshare registration renewal drew support from DCCA’s timeshare program and major industry groups including Hilton Grand Vacations, the American Resort Development Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, with no opposition noted. HB 1515 HD1, which would allow an attending physician to request a functional capacity examination without employer permission, was supported by DLIR and the Department of Human Resources Development and had no other in-person testimony; the bill was then moved on without questions.
The committee spent substantial time on HB 1514 HD1, which would streamline workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation by clarifying provider selection and requiring vocational plans within 90 days. DLIR supported the intent but asked for amendments, saying the 90-day deadline was too rigid given case-by-case complexity, limited staffing, and the need for coordination among injured workers, employers, and counselors; members discussed possible extensions and whether a 120-day timeline or other flexibility would be better. Testimony on the bill included one individual in support and seven in opposition.
HB 1648 HD1, concerning workers’ compensation and physician dispensing of non-prescription drugs, drew support from DHRD and comments from DLIR and industry witnesses. DLIR said the bill should be narrowed so it does not restrict medically necessary over-the-counter medications or oral guidance from providers, while Aloha Billing Company and Solera Integrated Medical Solutions urged tighter limits on physician dispensing and raised concerns about pricing abuse through average wholesale price. Members discussed clarifying the bill’s language so it targets written prescriptions rather than oral advice. HB 1644 HD1, requiring a standardized disclosure form for residential solar contracts, received support from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, while DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the consumer-protection goal but proposed stronger remedies, including a three-day cancellation right, voidability for missing disclosures, and possible lender liability; members questioned how those remedies should apply to lenders, and no vote was taken on the measures in the portion provided.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the biggest surprise in the room today.
- in Oklahoma.
- With that in mind, we will move to House Bill 4364.
- Oklahoma and allow us to lead the world in iodine production.
- And again, as you know, we lead the world in technology in the oil and gas industry.
Committee:
House Energy
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue and Fiscal Affairs May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We process payments both in Louisiana and in several other states where very similar legislation has
- That percentage would be 2.5% in this case.
- Make sure everything is going in line and in accordance with Senator Mizell's bill that she just recently
- So it is not in our interest to charge fees that we're going to get in trouble for.
- So it is not in our interest to charge fees that we're going to get in trouble for.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 28, 2026, approved the May 19 minutes, and then considered three third-party convenience fee schedules for online payments. The first was for the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, presented by Rebecca Dupree with Louisiana Interactive; members confirmed the online payment option would be voluntary and approved the fee schedule without objection. The second was for the Department of Health’s Safe Drinking Water Program, presented by Karen Benjamin, and generated extended discussion about a $2.50 flat fee plus a 2.5% card-processing charge, especially whether that charge would violate recently passed Senate Bill 254 regarding debit card surcharges. Senators Mizell, Lambert, and Luneau questioned the structure, and department representatives said they believed the fee was not a surcharge and that ACH payments would avoid the percentage charge; the committee approved the fee schedule but urged the department to review it for compliance with SB 254.
The third fee schedule was for the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, presented by Lindsay Savoy and Garrett Lee, covering online payments for the conveyance program and the Fire Emergency Training Academy. Senators again raised concerns about the 2.5% card charge in light of SB 254, and the presenters said they intended to comply with the new law and would discuss the issue further. The committee approved this fee schedule as well, with a similar reminder to consider the bill’s impact going forward. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 24th, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a little disappointed in some things in the transportation budget.
- I'm a little disappointed in some things in the transportation budget regarding ferries.
- account in the outlying biennium in, you know, in 2029.
- Especially in areas where it is needed the most in these child care deserts.
- We're some of the worst in affordability in almost every measurable category.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability focused on the final stretch of the legislative session, with repeated criticism of Democratic budget proposals and several policy bills. They said they were especially concerned about an environmental crimes bill they argued would impose excessive penalties for workplace mistakes, as well as bills they described as anti-law-enforcement, including measures related to police face coverings and sheriff qualifications. They also discussed a proposed income tax, calling it unconstitutional and urging that it be sent to referendum if it advances.
A major topic was the operating, transportation, and capital budgets. Republicans said the operating budget relies on one-time fund sweeps, raids the rainy day fund and pension assets, and assumes future income-tax revenue while cutting Medicaid, child care, schools, and other services. They said the transportation budget has some positive emphasis on road preservation but criticized ferry funding and the proposed sweep of the Public Works Trust. On the capital budget, they were less specific and described it as generally bipartisan.
The lawmakers also addressed reports of fraudulent or duplicate sign-ins on the income-tax bill, saying any abuse should be investigated but that many duplicate entries may have been accidental rather than malicious. They said the system should be improved with better verification, but maintained that more than 100,000 unique people had signed in opposition. Other issues discussed included opposition to using pension funds to balance the budget, criticism of a Sound Transit proposal for 75-year bonds, concerns about a bill requiring arbitration before lawsuits against the state or local governments, and objections to child care budget changes they said would hurt rural and property-poor communities without broader regulatory reform.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee Meeting Jun 25th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Elections & Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- election, and in every election, Campaign season, but every day, in every law, in every election, and
- If you believe in fairness, if you believe in justice, if you believe that every child of God deserves
- In 2013, in Shelby County v.
- In 2021, in Brnovich v.
- In 2021, in Brnovich v.
Committee:
Senate Elections & Government Affairs
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee Meeting Jun 25th, 2026
Elections & Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- election, and in every election, Campaign season, but every day, in every law, in every election, and
- If you believe in fairness, if you believe in justice, if you believe that every child of God deserves
- In 2013, in Shelby County v.
- In 2021, in Brnovich v.
- in the community?
Bills:
HB344
Committee:
Senate Elections & Government Affairs
Keywords:
campaign finance, elections, transparency, political committees, reporting requirements, enforcement
Summary:
The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee heard several election- and campaign-related bills. House Substitute 2 for House Bill 155 would make Public Integrity Commission reports publicly available on the commission’s website, add a specific travel-expense reporting category, and remove the FOIA requirement for accessing reports; Senator Richardson said he supported the transparency measure and asked to be added as a co-sponsor. The committee also took up House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would create state protections against voter suppression and vote dilution, expand language access, prohibit intimidation and deception, and allow court remedies for violations. The bill drew strong support from advocacy groups including YWCA Delaware, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, and the Legal Defense Fund, and several senators voiced support and interest in moving it quickly.
House Bill 430, a constitutional amendment proposal, would make explicit that only natural persons may vote in Delaware elections, including municipal elections, in response to concerns about corporate or other artificial-entity voting in some towns. The discussion focused heavily on Fenwick Island, where the mayor testified that the town’s charter has long allowed certain artificial entities to vote in local elections and said the system is limited and has worked for years; other speakers argued the bill was needed to prevent corporate dilution of residents’ votes. Senator Richardson expressed concern about restricting entities with a local stake, while Senator Hoffner and others emphasized the principle of one person, one vote.
Senator Townsend presented House Bill 344, which would tighten campaign finance rules by requiring Delaware bank accounts for candidates and committees, recurring training, better documentation of candidate loans, longer record retention, automatic filing extensions, and inactive status for noncompliant committees; one public commenter opposed the bill on cost grounds. He also presented House Bill 448, which would allow campaign funds to be used for reasonable security expenses for candidates and elected officials, with guardrails, and a commenter suggested allowing electronic security systems without a cap. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 472, a local de-annexation measure for Noble’s Pond in Cheswold to remove scattered residential lots from town boundaries and resolve uneven tax treatment; Senator Hoffner noted local law enforcement supported the change. The committee adjourned after hearing no further public comment on HB 472, and the vote to adjourn was unanimous.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- account in the outlying biennium in, you know, in 2029.
- Especially in areas where it is needed the most in these child care deserts.
- If you're well connected in the I-5 corridor, you're going to get yours in this budget.
- We're some of the worst in affordability in almost every measurable category.
- -1 ratio to 6-to-1 in 2040.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability focused on the final stretch of the legislative session, with most of the discussion centered on budget proposals, a proposed income tax on high earners, and several policy bills they oppose. They criticized the operating budget for relying on a new income tax, using one-time fund sweeps and pension-related financing, and drawing down the rainy day fund, while saying the capital budget was more bipartisan and the transportation budget had some positive emphasis on road preservation but still included concerns such as Public Works Trust Fund sweeps and ferry funding.
A major topic was allegations that sign-ins on the income tax bill included duplicates or fraudulent entries. Republicans said they took the issue seriously, supported verification improvements, and argued that even after removing duplicates the bill still drew over 100,000 unique emails opposing it. They rejected claims that their side had manipulated the process and said the Legislature should fix the sign-in system, possibly with more IT safeguards, while also arguing the bill should lose its emergency clause so voters could weigh in through a referendum.
Republicans also criticized bills they described as anti-police or anti-law-enforcement, including measures related to face coverings and sheriff qualifications, and they opposed a bill requiring arbitration before claims against the state or local governments can go to jury trial, saying broader tort reform is needed instead. They said the state’s liability problems stem from harm done in areas like juvenile rehabilitation and child welfare. On the budget side, they objected to cuts to Medicaid, child care, transitional kindergarten, rural school funding, and other programs, while also warning against using pension funds to balance the budget and against a proposed 75-year Sound Transit bond, which they called financially irresponsible. No votes were taken in this media availability.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - 2026-05-29 - 11:15AM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- other highlights uh in So, in terms of other highlights uh in in<00:05:24.760><c> base</c><00:05:25.040
- keep in.
- the foundation formula in fiscal year 30 or in July 1st of 2029.
- And then the very last thing in the House construct in the bill...
- It's a notable cluster in this information in Windsor County.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- However, we must respectfully rise in opposition of SB 806 in its current form.
- So when you invest in 4-H, you invest in young entrepreneurs like Taylor.
- You invest in leap takers like Timmy. You invest in the future.
- I invest in FFA and agricultural youth because FFA invested in me.
- In addition, I also believe that if we are expected... ...don't if you can weigh in also.
Bills:
S0806
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Keywords:
right to repair, repairability, consumer repair, independent repair provider, authorized repair provider, portable wireless device, smartphone repair, cell phone repair, mobile device, agricultural equipment, farm equipment, tractor, combine, diagnostic information, repair manuals, parts availability, tools, embedded software, firmware, security module
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture took up SB 806, a consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill sponsored by Senator Truenow. The bill was described as expanding repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified that portable devices do not include motor vehicles, and another was a technical staff amendment. Testimony included support for the general goal of repair access, but opposition from a John Deere dealership representative, who warned the bill could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, increase downtime, and create emissions-compliance risks. The Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state laws, a private right of action against manufacturers, and inconsistencies with other states’ repair laws. After closing remarks from Senator Truenow, the committee voted to report CS for SB 806 favorably.
The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers and alumni, who highlighted 4-H’s role in youth development, leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living. They described statewide participation of more than 216,000 youth, the impact of camps and hands-on programs, and efforts to raise funds for facility improvements, including Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee. Members asked about how youth discover 4-H, what drives participation, and the organization’s growth goals, including reaching 300,000 youth.
Next, Florida FFA state officers presented on agricultural education and FFA’s role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields. They emphasized the three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and FFA leadership activities, and noted Florida’s membership growth to more than 65,000 students, supported by state funding that allows all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. Members discussed the need for technology and AI to help meet future food-production demands, and the presenters stressed innovation, urban agriculture, and efficiency as key to feeding a growing population. The meeting concluded with general comments of support and a request for a group photo with the students.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- She was washing her hands in the sink in the restroom, and there was a bearded man in a dress and high
- I've got to tell you, I've never had a man in the women's bathroom in my entire life in my existence
- The human in question has not done anything in this scenario except be in a room.
- be in there.
- Chairman, a few stats: one in five women are raped or attempted rape in their lifetime, and one in 31
Committee:
House State Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard two related RS proposals dealing with restroom, changing room, and shower access based on biological sex. RS 33092, presented by Representative Razor, would add criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully entering opposite-sex designated government-owned or public facilities, with exceptions for emergencies, law enforcement, medical aid, maintenance, single-user facilities, and similar circumstances. Members questioned how enforcement would work, who would investigate, how biological sex would be determined, and whether the bill would burden law enforcement or punish accidental entry. Supporters argued it was needed to protect privacy and safety, while opponents said existing assault and indecent exposure laws already address harmful conduct and that the bill could criminalize being in the wrong room. The committee voted to introduce RS 33092 on a 10-3 roll call.
The committee then heard RS 33183 from Representative Hill, which would require public buildings and accommodations to maintain separate facilities by biological sex and create a private right of action and civil penalties for violations. Hill said the bill was intended to protect women and girls in public restrooms, locker rooms, and showers, and cited constituent complaints and prior policy efforts. Members pressed him on how the bill would be enforced, whether it applied to private facilities, why it used civil rather than criminal remedies, and whether it would generate lawsuits and costs for businesses and government. Supporters said it would deter violations and complement criminal laws, while opponents argued it would punish mere presence in a space rather than assault or harassment. The committee voted to introduce RS 33183 by voice vote.
At the end of the meeting, the committee also voted to hold House Bill 510 and RS 33245 subject to the call of the chair because the sponsor was unavailable, with the chair noting those measures would be revisited later. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- However, we must respectfully rise in opposition to SB 806 in its current form.
- It has given me the opportunity, You invest in leap takers like Timmy. You invest in the future.
- I invest in FFA and agricultural youth because FFA invested in me.
- to take part in its membership.
- to take part in its membership.
Summary:
The Agriculture Committee took up SB 806, the consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill by Senator Trumbull. Trumbull said the measure would expand repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. The committee adopted two amendments: one clarifying the bill does not apply to motor vehicles, and a technical staff amendment. Testimony was mixed: an Everglades Equipment representative opposed the bill, warning it could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, and increase downtime for farmers; the Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state repair laws, private lawsuits, and inconsistent standards. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 806 by a roll call vote of 4-0, with Senator Rouson not voting.
The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne, and Taylor Thigpin. They described 4-H as a youth development organization focused on citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, serving more than 216,000 youth statewide. They highlighted personal stories about how 4-H built confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills, and they outlined goals to grow participation to 300,000 youth and to invest in 4-H camps, especially Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee, as year-round learning sites. Senators praised the program and asked questions about how youth get involved and what drives participation.
Florida FFA state officers Hope Storder and Isabel Jenkins then presented on agricultural education and FFA. They explained FFA’s three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development, and noted that Florida now has more than 65,000 FFA members and that state funding has allowed all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. They emphasized agriculture’s role in feeding a growing population and discussed how technology, innovation, and urban agriculture can help meet future production needs. Senators commended the organization’s work and its role in preparing future leaders and agricultural professionals. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton requested a group photo with the students, and the committee agreed.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations May 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of our workforce is, at this point in time, Most of our workforce is, at this point in time, hybrid
- correction systems, in our health care hospitals, or doing field work, if they work. ...systems, in our
- We're already in it. We started in it really last September.
- in the contract or out of the contract or changed in the contract.
- start in April or early May to make sure that we get enough bargaining dates in.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There are five amendments to the proposed substitute in the order in which they are listed in the EBB
- I do think that it's fair, and I'm in support of it. Thank you.
- It's a major change in policy.
- It's a principle in criminal law that any ambiguity in law should be interpreted in the light most favorable
- It's a principle in criminal law that any ambiguity in law should be interpreted in the light most favorable
Summary:
The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session on February 2, 2026, to consider several bills. Staff summarized bills on reentry and earned release time (HB 1239), assault with sexual motivation (HB 2310), extraordinary medical placement (HB 2490), Office of Independent Investigations reporting rules (HB 2508), stalking supervision (HB 2510), nitrous oxide restrictions (HB 2532), and inmate funds/indigency thresholds (HB 2539). HB 2220 was bumped to the next day, and the committee later deferred action on HB 2490.
On HB 1239, the committee considered multiple amendments. Amendments to require additional community custody supervision, reduce the earned release increase for serious violent and Class A sex offenses to 20%, and bar earned release from being used if parole is later established were all rejected. Amendments excluding sexual motivation enhancements from earned release calculations and adding a second DOC pilot program for incarcerated survivors at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton were adopted. The committee then reported out the amended substitute bill on a 5-4 vote, with members debating public safety, victim impacts, sentencing fairness, and DOC workload.
HB 2310, which elevates fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation to a Class C felony for offenders with specified criminal history, was reported out unanimously. HB 2508 was amended to narrow immediate reporting requirements for non-deadly force incidents and in-custody deaths, then passed unanimously. HB 2510, requiring DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking in community custody, also passed unanimously. HB 2532 passed unanimously after an amendment adding a veterinary-care exception to the nitrous oxide offense. HB 2539, which raises the inmate indigency threshold to $100 and, in the substitute, removes the telephone-services deduction exemption, passed on a 6-3 vote. The committee adjourned after stating it would return the next day to act on the remaining bills.