Transcript Highlights:

• </c> serious in the game serious in the game when<01:05:50.440><c> 8</c><01:05:50.720><c> years</c><01
• Thank you. game. There's game.
• It's still based on pineapple and sugar lots.
• </c> the base for fiscal 27 to three million. the base for fiscal 27 to three million.
• </c><02:52:33.680><c> litigation</c> base for our general litigation base for our general litigation

Transcript Highlights:

• You have played the political game well.
• Every game. We didn't lose many. But what that said to me was leadership matters.
• You played the game both sharp and cool. Enjoy your time away from this place.
• And based on my math, I think you still owe me three more forgivenesses. So thank you.
• It's not a game changer. It would have been nice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we issue checks based on the revenue share calculations.
• I won't say games, tactics, strategies, and stuff like that. Just the approaches.
• I won't say games, the approaches.
• I won't say games, tactics,<00:48:53.359><c> strategies,</c><00:48:53.839><c> and</c><00:48:54.000><c
• , it was competitive based on counties in<01:24:47.679><c> western</c><01:24:48.080><c> Kentucky</c><

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But with the Board of Finance, the way our bonds work is it looks like we have sold $3.3 million based
• So we want to make sure, looking at the out here, that we're spending or using based on the need—using
• There have been discussions based on the sunset of the offset that this is something that is starting
• We've seen that more families want that full language access based on early identification.
• Currently, we don't have any systems-based applications.

Transcript Highlights:

• The base amount, the idea here is that the state is going to deposit a steady amount into the BSA each
• So essentially, every year the state is depositing this steady base amount.
• I think our estimate is that it's 65% excess capital gains and 35% base amount.
• And as a comparison, in Washington State, their taxable wage base...
• And as a comparison, in Washington State, their taxable wage base is over $60,000.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on proposals to reform California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or rainy day fund, ahead of the May Revision. Members and witnesses reviewed how Proposition 2 (2014) changed reserve rules, including mandatory deposits, a 10% cap on the fund, and limits tied to the Governor’s declaration of a budget emergency. LAO staff explained that California’s revenues are highly volatile, that current reserve rules are complicated by interactions with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit, and that under current law reserves would cover only about one-third of funding shortfalls in a benchmark scenario over 50 years. The LAO presented its report recommending a larger reserve target, including raising the cap to 50% by 2055 and pairing that with either broader, more flexible deposit rules or a simpler approach that deposits all excess capital gains. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exempt BSA deposits from the state appropriations limit, while Assembly Member Valencia presented ACA 1, which would make similar changes and was described as an evolving proposal. Testimony generally supported saving more during boom years, but differed on how much to hardwire into the Constitution versus leave flexible, and on whether to broaden the deposit formulas beyond capital gains. Public witnesses and committee members raised additional issues, including whether reserve reforms should also address debt repayment, the treatment of unemployment insurance fund debt, and whether the Gann limit should be adjusted to better allow reserve growth. Supporters argued that stronger reserves would protect Californians from cuts during downturns and help the state weather volatility and federal funding threats. Some advocates warned that reforms should not come at the expense of current public needs, while taxpayer representatives cautioned against turning the BSA into a pass-through account that weakens constitutional spending limits. The hearing ended without a vote, with the committee chair noting the complexity of the issue and adjourning after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• for individuals to continue to learn, practice, and implement skills.
• So a PACT team, it's not a facility-based. They are totally community-based.
• It's not facility-based.
• And lastly, H.R. 1 introduces an earning-based eligibility standard for academic programs.
• And lastly, H.R. 1 introduces an earning-based eligibility standard for academic programs.

Summary: The committee held a work session focused first on juvenile rehabilitation system capacity. DCYF officials said the juvenile rehabilitation population is older, includes more adult-sentenced youth, and has longer lengths of stay, especially for “post-25” youth who must remain in secure facilities and cannot go to community beds. They described overcrowding at Green Hill School, placement limits at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, staffing turnover, mental health acuity, and the need for more medium-security and specialized mental health beds. DCYF said it is pursuing a Parkland facility proposal, a staffing model decision package, and a broader feasibility study and master plan update. No votes were taken; members were asked to follow up with questions later. The committee then heard on behavioral health system capacity from the Behavioral Health Administration and the Health Care Authority. DSHS described growth in forensic and civil bed need, expansion at Olympic Heritage, Maple Lane, and Brockman, and construction of a new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State expected to open in 2028. HCA reported progress on long-term civil commitment beds, intensive behavioral health treatment facilities, PACT teams, and intensive residential treatment teams, saying the community-based system is being expanded to support step-down care and reduce hospital reliance. Members asked about whether capacity is right-sized, the difference between facility types, and federal match eligibility for services. A federal funding update followed, covering the effects of H.R. 1 and H.R. 5371 on SNAP, Medicaid, marketplace coverage, long-term services and supports, K-12, higher education, and hemp regulation. OFM and agency staff said H.R. 1 adds work requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, increases state administrative and benefit costs, reduces Medicaid and marketplace subsidies for some groups, tightens redeterminations, and may significantly affect provider payments and state-directed payments. H.R. 5371 extended federal funding through January 30, 2026 and included some agency appropriations and other provisions, including changes affecting hemp producers. Members asked about SNAP error rates and special enrollment periods. Finally, budget coordinator Mary Monroe gave a 2026 supplemental budget preview. She reviewed the state’s near general fund outlook, noting revenue declines since the enacted budget, the effect of reversions, and a preliminary maintenance-level outlook showing a projected increase in NGFO spending over the four-year period. She said the supplemental will reflect updated caseload and cost forecasts and mandatory impacts from H.R. 1, but not policy proposals. No actions or votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And overall, our state FMAP, its base percentage is 50%.
• So you're basing that on a person, and so So 63% of their...
• And if you've talked to me once about eligibility or a hundred So you're basing that on a person.
• And the amounts of that will vary based on each individual client's situation.
• There is already likely an increase of 15% in premiums above the base.

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Summary: The committee held a work session to review how H.R. 1 would affect Washington’s Medicaid, long-term care, developmental disabilities, and food assistance programs, with a focus on state budget impacts and implementation challenges. Staff and agency officials explained Washington’s Medicaid financing, eligibility categories, caseload trends, and the role of managed care, then outlined H.R. 1 provisions affecting the expansion population, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, changes to immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, cost sharing, provider tax and state-directed payment limits, and penalties tied to eligibility error rates. Officials also described the need for major IT and systems changes across agencies, including the state’s existing CMS corrective action plan for automated renewals and the difficulty of implementing new federal requirements before guidance is finalized. Health Care Authority and DSHS witnesses said the expansion population would be most affected, with potential coverage losses for about 620,000 Apple Health expansion enrollees and additional impacts for some lawfully present immigrants and a smaller number of long-term care and developmental disability clients. They said many current enrollees already work, but the new requirements would create administrative barriers and could increase uninsured rates, emergency room use, and uncompensated care. Agency leaders also discussed the immediate prohibition on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood services, with the state planning to backfill about $11 million so clients can continue care. Members asked about FMAP comparisons, work requirement experiences in other states, waiver possibilities, definitions of exemptions, and whether the changes would affect COFA communities, rural areas, and behavioral health services. The committee then heard a separate presentation on H.R. 1’s food assistance provisions. DSHS said the bill would broaden SNAP work requirements, end certain immigrant eligibility for federal SNAP, eliminate SNAP-Ed, increase the state administrative match from 50% to 75%, and create a future state cost share for SNAP benefits based on payment error rates. Officials estimated a four-year fiscal impact of about $750 million, with significant costs tied to the immigrant eligibility shift, administrative match changes, and possible benefit cost sharing. DSHS also described the state’s integrated eligibility system and the large amount of work needed to update it across multiple quarterly releases while coordinating with other agencies. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then that outdated formula was frozen in 2011, and since then annual increases have been based on what
• It's not based on a fixed cost.
• Thank you to our amazing attorneys for all that you do and your patience and your legal skills and your

Transcript Highlights:

• horticulture, or sustainable farming practices, these delegates are gaining the knowledge and hands-on skills
• People that work hard, that are based in faith, family, and of course, our good food as our colleagues
• PEOPLE THAT WORK HARD, THAT ARE BASED IN FAITH, FAMILY, AND OF COURSE, OUR GOOD FOOD AS OUR COLLEAGUES

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender. The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy. The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I'm more of a project-based learner and more hands-on. Definitely not a good test taker.
• serve as that pipeline as that cocurricular transcript piece that could be an option for our work skills
• So, just base level basic accommodations that.

Committee: House Oklahoma Education Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Relating to the use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, this is the Senate companion
• So penalties will be based on Chapter 431 and Chapter 437.
• Based on the last testimony, that there's a big difference, it sounds like, from imported versus wild-caught

Bills: HB1958 , HB2031 , HB2879 , HB3285 , HB3995 , HB4487 , HB4558 , HB4560 , HB4876 , HB4899 , HB5212 , HB5317 , HB5543 , HB5567 , SB1333

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, HOA, property owners association, property owners' association, Texas Property Code, Chapter 202

Transcript Highlights:

• UNDO YOUR BILL BASED ON SOMEBODY ELSE'S QUESTION, I THINK IT WAS ARISTIDE, WHAT A MINOR WHO IS HOMELESS
• I AM WITH A FSC, AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE, A QUAKER BASED ORGANIZATION.
• THAT MEANS IF SHE DOESN'T FEEL SHE CAN COME TO ME I'VE GIVEN HER THE SKILLS TO FIND SOMEBODY AND TO DISCERN

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• MTCA is a risk-based tool for environmental protection.
• , data-based process.
• And then it's also encouraged risk-based and exposure-based approaches for all MTCA sites.
• It's super conservative and not risk-based in practice.
• It's super conservative and not risk-based in practice.

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:

• But it seems to me that if you have an overall formula based on square footage, if my recollection's
• That would be explicit based on the definition of any depiction or description in written, pictorial,
• And I've asked the game and fish. They were there.
• and fish they were there they game and fish they were there they didn't<02:44:57.439><c> testify,</c
• on the number of those are based on the number of students<03:18:32.640><c> enrolled</c><03:18:33.040

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2162, Game and Fish Commission. Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Elections.
• recovery; HB 2056, appropriation brackish groundwater; HB 2057, special plate centennial; HB 2058, Game

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernesto Ramirez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Rachel Keshel. The journal from January 12 was approved, and Dr. Andrew Carroll was introduced as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13 as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts. The chamber then handled routine business, including messages from the Senate and two motions related to adjournment. The House agreed to grant the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and also requested the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Members observed personal remarks for former Senator Barbara Left and Representative Kyle Powell. A long list of bills and resolutions was introduced and read for first and second reading, covering topics such as elections, water policy, education, public safety, health care, agriculture, taxation, and several memorials and resolutions. No substantive debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee announcements were made for several meetings, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's what I'm trying to get you to address. >> is how do I stop people from gaming the system?
• people from gaming the system?
• Uh, based on the conversations about 464 and prior testimony, I will abbreviate mine.
• So we are at our voting lists are address-based. Our voting system is address-based. Okay.
• So we are at our voting lists are address-based. Our voting system is address-based. Okay.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> as it has been introduced to you based as it has been introduced to you based on on on the<00:22
• </c> work is something like a carbon based work is something like a carbon based solution<00:25:47.520
• </c><03:11:07.160><c> in</c> regional organization it's not based in regional organization it's not based
• </c><04:39:11.719><c> on</c> decreasing um capacity based on decreasing um capacity based on something
• </c><04:50:14.798><c> my</c> that's where I'm where I'm basing my that's where I'm where I'm basing my

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on HB 566, which would require permit applications for new landfills to include a detailed leachate management plan. Representative German introduced the bill and explained that it was prompted by recent reporting on leachate management problems at New Hampshire landfills, including alleged violations and deficiency letters from DES. He said the bill was intended to address public health concerns, PFAS contamination, and increased leachate volumes tied to more severe rainstorms, while still allowing innovation in treatment and transportation methods. He also described a set of proposed amendments developed after discussions with DES and a landfill operator, including changing “permit for construction” to “operating approval,” applying the bill to landfill expansions, moving contract-related language into the planning section, and removing a proposed new subparagraph. Committee members asked whether the bill would limit operator flexibility or duplicate existing DES rules. Representative German said the bill would not dictate specific treatment methods or lock operators into long-term contracts, but would require a plan showing how leachate will be managed, transported, and disposed of, with later contract changes reported to DES. Several members and the BIA representative questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing Env 806 rules and DES enforcement authority. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill as introduced, arguing that DES already has rules and technical expertise, that the issue is better handled through rulemaking, and that moving requirements into statute could freeze the framework and make future adjustments harder. Supporters countered that a statute would provide a stronger, more durable policy commitment in response to ongoing problems. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration and with the sponsor indicating that a revised amendment would likely be brought forward for later work session or executive session review.

Transcript Highlights:

• The average, if I were to guess right now, based on the previous $500, I would be guessing because what
• Five of those eight counties outsourced the tax statement printing, and based on the cost per statement
• You know, there is a game. You know, there was a gap.
• But we started off with the $200,000 amount to hopefully cover that, based on some of the information
• And then just kind of that the association would then, based on documented expenses, reimburse those

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and focused primarily on property tax statement issues tied to the primary residence credit and the 5% early-payment discount. North Dakota Association of Counties representatives said the current special-session language creates problems because the discount is being applied even when no taxes are ultimately owed, and because the discount is calculated before the PRC funds are actually received. They recommended reverting to the prior law so the discount is applied after the PRC, and noted that all four programmers said they could revert the software to the earlier version if needed. The committee also reviewed a bill draft to remove the legislative tax relief line item from the required contents of the property tax statement. Members agreed the current line item is not especially accurate or useful on the statement, and several members said the committee should go further by adding clearer taxpayer education, such as a pie chart or other supplemental breakdown of where property taxes go. County officials said some counties already provide supplemental charts or explanatory material, but others would need help with printing, mailing, or formatting. To support that idea, staff presented a second bill draft creating a grant program, administered through the Association of Counties with OMB as a pass-through, to reimburse counties for supplemental property tax statement information and related administration. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to combine the two bill drafts into one recommendation and forward it to the full Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee. The subcommittee then voted to adjourn after directing staff to prepare its summary and recommended bill draft for the interim report.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did have original heartburn based on the filing that cuts the standard in half, but working on the
• That counts towards the renewable energy standard, but that was already in rate base, so that charge
• : 'Grants under this section shall not be used for projects where costs are recovered through rate-based
• What kind of project, energy generation project, is not recovered through rate base?
• So my question, I guess, based on that, is: this sounds pretty innovative.

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, you know, Fish and Game has generally been supportive of our efforts on this area.
• Yeah, I guess the focus this year was following Executive Order 2020-01, the zero-based regulation, and
• Some minor changes to the initial draft were made based on meeting discussions, written comments, and
• Following the zero-based managed by the state of Idaho.
• Following the zero-based regulation executive order, this chapter received review throughout 2025.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment