Transcript Highlights:

• This time we're looking at the Division of Indirect Support Services.
• This includes functions such as the Division of Management Services, IT services, and legal services.
• IT services, legal services.
• Services.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services Office.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee considered several Department of Health and Welfare budgets and related language items. For the Commission on Aging, the committee first rejected an ongoing $129,900 general fund restoration for senior nutrition, then approved the same amount as a one-time restoration for Meals on Wheels. The Division of Welfare budget was then approved with adjustments for the SNAP federal-state cost split, Medicaid expansion work requirements, and Medicaid eligibility system changes; members discussed the growing state share of federal program costs and the need to implement legislative eligibility requirements. The committee also approved the Indirect Support Services budget, including a budget-neutral fund source change for the background check unit, replacement items, IT modernization and consolidation funding, and a reduction tied to Senate Bill 1314. It then approved a one-time $77,100 restoration for Mental Health Services, with supporters citing staffing needs for designated examiners and children’s mental health services. In addition, the committee adopted transfer-limitation exemption language for selected Health and Welfare divisions, after a substitute motion narrowed the exemption to Youth Safety and Permanency and Licensing and Certification. For Independent Councils, the committee approved a $60,000 ongoing general fund restoration for the Domestic Violence Council. It also adopted revised Idaho Child Care Program Capacity Grant language for Early Learning and Development after discussion about clarifying terms such as “under investigation,” “out-of-school care,” and “qualifying providers,” and then withdrew the earlier version of that language. Finally, the committee approved the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination budget to consolidate the former species conservation and energy/mineral offices, including funding for nuclear coordination, fisheries projects, and energy resiliency grants. The meeting ended with adjournment to the call of the chair, and one House Appropriations item was announced for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, Jared Taitro, Legislative Services, for the record. The Idaho career ladder can be found.
• Some teachers, some pupil service staff can get hung up.
• That doesn’t happen for instructional and pupil service staff.
• And pupil service is—I just lost that number—76%. I just lost that number—76%.
• Pupil service staff are among the hardest roles for school districts to fill.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• such military service toward the creditable service under the FRS.
• We honored their service not just in remembrance but in law. Pass this bill.
• Thank you very much, sir, and thank you for your service. Thank you.
• Thank you for your service. Would you please help me? Yes, I got you covered.
• Mind you, 200,000 people exit service every year, so... ...backlogged.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not that they're bad, but physical technologies, advanced materials, precision engineering, energy systems
• You may be a leader in technology today, but things are so fast that they change tomorrow.
• You may be a leader in technology today, but things are so fast that they change tomorrow.
• Today there are foundational technologies, and pretty much everyone in the world that has some skills
• And I'm here representing the Chinese Communist Party today, the Vapor Technology Association.

Bills: HB2746 , HB2750 , HB2765 , HB4036

Committee: House International Trade

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona-Sonora, Sonora, Mexico, trade commission, cross-border trade, bilateral trade, international trade, economic development, foreign relations, border economy, investment, infrastructure, business exchange, academic exchange, legislative commission

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor's budget cut—he again goes at nursing homes, disability services.
• any merit to the governor proposing development funds for folks who lose their jobs because of AI technology
• /c><00:29:57.640><c> AI</c> who lose their jobs because of AI who lose their jobs because of AI technology
• :59.000><c> see</c><00:29:59.160><c> any</c><00:29:59.320><c> merit</c><00:29:59.640><c> to</c> technology
• Do you see any merit to technology?

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Senate Republicans held a press event focused on school safety, student performance, and relief from what they described as burdensome mandates on districts. Sen. Zach Duckworth promoted the SHIELD Act, which would provide grant funding through the Minnesota School Safety Center for security upgrades such as access controls, ballistic-resistant materials, mass notification systems, and staff training. He also highlighted other education bills, including measures to require parental and teacher notification of violent incidents within 24 hours, allow short removals after serious incidents in K-3 classrooms, expand retention and intervention policies for students not meeting grade level, and increase parental access to curriculum materials and consent for sex education. Duckworth said the school safety proposal has bipartisan support and argued schools should have flexible, locally driven tools to protect students. Sen. Julia Coleman and other Republicans framed the agenda as a response to classroom violence, learning loss, and a lack of transparency. Coleman said teachers and parents are seeing serious problems firsthand and argued that schools should not hide violent incidents. She described Senate File 676 as a notification and anti-retaliation bill, and said Senate File 4023 would give schools a brief reset after serious incidents in early grades. She also backed the transparency bill requiring parental review of curriculum and written consent for sex education. The group repeatedly argued that schools, parents, and teachers should be prioritized over what they called political secrecy or overreach. Sen. Jason Rarick focused on school finance, saying new state mandates have left districts in deficit despite prior funding increases. He discussed bills to expand safe school aid to nonpublic schools, increase staffing at the Minnesota School Safety Center, expand counselor funding for nonpublic students to K-6, and conform state law to federal tax credits that could support scholarships and tutoring. Sen. Carla Nelson Housley argued that more than 60 unfunded mandates have strained districts and said Senate File 3361 would temporarily let districts transfer funds between accounts and opt out of certain new mandates from 2023-24, with public board discussion and votes. In the question period, Republicans also discussed the governor’s supplemental budget, fraud enforcement, possible bonding for IT upgrades, and potential tax and child care credit changes, while emphasizing they want bipartisan cooperation on fraud and school safety but oppose new taxes and what they called harmful mandates.

Transcript Highlights:

• work to extend MTA service to the Albany-Rensselaer train station.
• Residents don't really know when service is available.
• Almost 50 years of public service.
• I come from a family of service. Thank you. Very rewarding.
• I come from a family of service, so I'm happy to do my part.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas. Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is all of these bills that are about the technology, the guns that are hurting people.
• It is all of these bills that are about the technology, the guns that are hurting people.
• safety for lawmakers, and I think the biggest one that stands out is the creation of a new protective services
• creating a new protective services unit creating a new protective services unit within<00:20:49.360><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The commissioner and the Department of Financial Services does underneath the CFO CFO handles insurance
• agents and agencies insurance, consumer services, insurance fraud workers goes and inspects for workers
• smaller entity, such as an insurance agency, primarily regulated by the Department of Financial Services
• So these are companies that have their connected with technology in some way.
• They might have a technology that that could help insurers manage their risks better.

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes looking at any policies and procedures that can be improved, additional technology we can
• That includes looking at any policies and procedures that can be improved, additional technology we can
• Our multi-layered approach combines police officers, community service agents, security officers, trip
• collaborative effort between law enforcement, the county attorney, the city attorney, courts, and service
• detailed responses and collaboration to be visible on the system, to help people get connected to services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just started using, and they have surprised the general public with the obvious new integrated technology
• So, you know, I am no technology guru.
• I don't understand technology to that level, but again, there are things that can happen with computers
• I know, I am no technology guru.
• I don't understand technology to that level, but it just, again, there are things that can happen with

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our service here matters. And we will always, you know.
• Thank you for your service to the people of District 116.
• Thank you for your time and for your public service.
• the very best of public service.
• Representative and we honor your service.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then moved into returning messages from the Senate. Early action focused on CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which would add computer science and artificial intelligence content in high school and create a K-12 teacher certificate program; after adopting a House amendment restoring certificate language and adjusting implementation timing, the House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 105-0. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program and add a five-year sunset, then concurring in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration back to the Florida Digital Service; the bill passed 104-1. The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both back to the Senate. It also refused to concur in the Senate amendment to CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel, saying the Senate version expanded the bill beyond its original autism-focused scope. After a recess, the House unveiled Speaker Daniel Perez’s portrait and heard extended remarks praising his leadership, institutional reforms, and the work of House staff and members. In the second returning-message list, the House debated CS/CS/HB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline provisions for terrorist organization designations, and kept references to Sharia law as an example in the foreign religious law section. Supporters argued the bill was aimed at conduct beyond speech and was intended to protect the Constitution and public safety; opponents warned it would chill free speech, target Muslim Floridians, and give the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate due process. After lengthy debate, the House concurred and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1473, a public records bill tied to HB 1471, and moved to concur in a technical Senate amendment aligning the records exemption with the revised structure of HB 1471.

Transcript Highlights:

• folks and some shared services folks.
• ,</c> some things for um IT services, some things for um IT services, particularly<00:48:21.880><c> to
• folks and some information technology folks and some shared<00:48:44.920><c> services</c><00:48:45.400
• </c><01:24:31.760><c> worker</c> two employees in the service worker two employees in the service worker
• Rehabilitation Services program, State Services<01:24:51.320><c> for</c><01:24:51.440><c> the</c><01:

Bills: HF2783 , HF2603 , HF2846 , HF2354 , HF1836 , HF2713 , HF1198 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Christopher Lehossett, I'm with the Legislative Services Office. I'm a budget and policy analyst.
• Christopher Lehossett, Legislative Services Office, budget and policy analyst: We have a new edition
• that we provide, and so, I mean, I these services that we provide.
• Services.
• This is $45 million that’s taken away for just our general services for transportation.

Summary: The committee met in Joint Finance-Appropriations to review budget mechanics, the green sheet, and several budget-related bills and statewide decisions. Staff explained how the green sheet tracks FY 2027 impacts and reviewed bills including HB 503 (soil and water conservation consolidation savings), HB 556 (county jail per diem reimbursement increase), HB 559 (tax conformity with a large general fund impact), and HB 578. Members also discussed the 2026 Idaho Budget Rescissions Act, which would reduce FY 2026 appropriations under different scenarios, and the committee heard extensive debate over whether to use across-the-board reductions or more targeted cuts. After debate, the committee first adopted the substitute rescission motion for FY 2026, which set a 1% additional reduction above the governor’s recommendation, then approved a related motion transferring $22,366,500 from the Public School Income Fund to the General Fund. The committee then moved to statewide decisions and considered ongoing base reductions for selected state agencies. Three motions were offered: the governor’s recommendation, an additional 1% reduction, and an additional 2% reduction. After debate, the original governor’s recommendation passed on a 13-7 vote, while the 1% and 2% alternatives failed. The committee then turned to personnel benefit cost increases, including health insurance and other employer-paid benefits. Staff explained the different funding formulas and agency-specific fill-rate adjustments, and members raised concerns about the role of the Change in Employee Compensation process, salary savings, and whether the figures should be tied to future rather than current-year projections. Motions were offered for the DOGE working group recommendation and the governor’s FY 2027 recommendation for health insurance and variable rate changes, but the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no final vote shown on those motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• They do a great service for us.
• Our social workers do a great service for us because they’re the ones providing...
• They do a great service for us.
• That’s where we’re looking at transportation, health services, SINS, FINS.
• McAuliffe, your title is Executive Director for Graduation, Assurance and Student Services.

Summary: The committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met to discuss chronic absenteeism, district attendance interventions, and related truancy procedures. Chair Simon reviewed Florida’s attendance laws and escalation process, including school-based interventions, child study team meetings, referrals to the Department of Juvenile Justice, truancy petitions, and possible sanctions for parents and driving privileges. The committee heard first from University of Florida professor Dr. Chris Curran, who presented state and national absenteeism data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023-24. He emphasized that absenteeism has multiple causes, including transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family barriers, and said effective responses include early warning systems, multi-tiered supports, mentoring, and community partnerships rather than relying only on punitive measures. Members questioned Dr. Curran about whether absenteeism is a behavior or barrier issue, whether exclusionary discipline is counted, the need for a uniform definition across districts, and whether more punitive truancy enforcement is effective. He said the issue is usually a mix of barriers and choices, that excused and unexcused absences both matter for chronic absenteeism data, and that root-cause analysis and supportive interventions are generally more productive than punishment alone, though consequences can still play a role. The committee then heard from Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli and district staff, who described a highly structured attendance system built around attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, multilingual outreach, and frequent parent notifications. They said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023-24 and credited their success to early contact, community partnerships, and a strong district culture around attendance. Volusia County Schools Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a newer districtwide attendance initiative that uses automated letters, same-day notifications, data dashboards, MTSS tiers, incentives, and community supports such as bikes, washers and dryers, and faith-based partnerships. He reported Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023-24 to a projected 29% and said the district is now seeing about 20% in the first quarter of the current year. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting worse services and a higher cost of living.
• Trial services. So we are funding Proposition 36.
• legal services.
• The alternative was for us to have fee-for-service.
• And let's now focus on human services.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of the Florida Forest Service, and the Forest Service is a...
• I'm the director of the Florida Forest Service, and the Forest Service is a division under the Department
• So the mission statement for the Florida Forest Service...
• The Florida Forest Service has responded to 2,942 fires.
• It's 1.2 million acres that the Florida Forest Service manages.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture received a presentation from Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan on the agency’s wildfire response, forest management, and emergency support roles. He described the service’s four regions and 14 districts, its year-round wildfire response, use of bulldozers, helicopters, and drones, and the current high fire danger due to drought conditions. Dolan also highlighted prescribed burning, fuels mitigation, state forest management, the pine seedling nursery, and the agency’s role in hurricane response and incident management. Members asked about equipment loans and whether more prescribed burning could reduce wildfire impacts; Dolan said Florida already leads the nation in prescribed fire and emphasized public education and fuels reduction. The committee then considered and unanimously reported favorably Senate Bill 386, which creates a farm-equipment consumer protection process similar to a lemon law, allowing purchasers to seek repair or replacement of defective major farm equipment at no cost. The committee also took up Senate Bill 290, the Agriculture and Consumer Services omnibus bill. The bill would modernize fair association rules, preempt local bans on gas- and diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment, allow surplus of certain state-owned lands for bona fide agricultural use while excluding parks, forests, and wildlife lands, create a veterinary loan repayment program, make Farmers Feeding Florida permanent, expand Forest Service training opportunities, criminalize signal-jamming devices, increase penalties for CDL and English-proficiency exam cheating, restrict certain door-to-door solicitation, protect food safety inspectors, clarify biosolids rules, and add criminal and vendor-list penalties for contractors who fail to pay subcontractors. The committee adopted three amendments to align dates and technical language and to authorize native seed research and marketing through the Florida Wildlife Foundation. Testimony on SB 290 included support from several industry groups, concerns from the Home Builders Association about the new contractor-payment criminal penalties, and opposition from a citizen worried about the new surplus-land process for conservation lands. Despite concerns, CS/SB 290 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees listed on tabs 4 and 5, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of those who survived were forced to resettle in the United States as refugees, but their service
• Many of those who survived were forced to resettle in the United States as refugees, but their service
• I rise as chair of the Military and Veterans Committee to honor these men whose service has given us
• No, I’m grateful for the opportunity to recognize them after not recognizing their service for so long
• Counties are preparing to absorb the impact of significant federal action on health and human services

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded through appointments, resolutions, and bills. Governor’s appointments for Dina Eltawasi as Caltrans Director, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board were presented and later confirmed after roll calls and lifting of calls. The chamber also took up several third-reading measures and resolutions, including SCR 143 honoring Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans, SR 96 recognizing National County Government Month, SB 1347 clarifying stocking of albuterol in public schools, SB 977 requiring chain restaurants to offer at least one healthier children’s meal, SB 1234 requiring fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is ordered, SCR 161 designating Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, SR 101 replacing Senator Jones on the Rules Committee with Senator Ochoa Bogh, SB 1111 addressing liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas, and SCR 128 establishing High School Voter Education Weeks. Each of these measures was presented by the author, generally received supportive remarks, and passed by roll call, with calls later lifted and the votes confirmed. During debate, Senator Umberg emphasized the long-overdue recognition of Hmong and Laotian veterans who served in covert missions during the Vietnam era, and Senator Archuleta echoed that tribute on behalf of the Military and Veterans Committee. Senator Cortese and Senator McGuire spoke in support of SR 96, highlighting the role of counties in delivering public services and warning about the impact of federal cuts on health and human services. Senator Niello described SB 1347 as a cleanup measure extending existing albuterol stocking authority to all public schools, including preschool. Senator Weber Pearson argued SB 977 would improve children’s nutrition options at chain restaurants, while Senator Alvarado-Gil said SB 1234 would help keep fentanyl out of homes by ensuring court-ordered drug testing includes fentanyl. Senator Weber Pearson also presented SCR 161 on maternal mental health, citing high rates of pregnancy-related depression and anxiety and barriers to care. Senator Ashby presented SR 101 and SB 1111, the latter aimed at unauthorized AI-generated voice and likeness replicas, and Senator Pérez presented SCR 128 to encourage voter education for high school students. After the floor actions, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, with Senator Cervantes removing SB 1381 from consent. Committee announcements followed, including upcoming Budget Subcommittee meetings. The session concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, whose advocacy and writing were remembered by the chamber. The Senate announced its next floor session for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 2 p.m., and then recessed until later that afternoon for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as Squaxins, we thank you all for the service that you provide for the state of Washington on both
• For those of you who may not know, Justice Yu actually retired from state service at the end of 2025.
• Thank you, Justice Yu, for your outstanding service to the people of this state.
• For your outstanding service to the people of this state.
• From declining state revenues for programs and services that help Washington families to rising costs

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House convened for the opening day of the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a prayer, and a tribal welcome from Squaxin Island Tribe member Chris Peters and other tribal leaders. Justice Mary Yu administered the oath of office to Representatives Hall, Obras, Thomas, Salahuddin, and Zahn. The Speaker also recognized the service of Justice Yu, the late Senator Bill Ramos, the late Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp, and Trooper Tara Marissa Gooding. The Speaker and Republican leader Stokesbary delivered opening remarks focused on the session’s priorities and challenges, including affordability, taxes, housing, public safety, and the impact of federal policy on Washington. The House adopted several organizational resolutions and motions. House Resolution 4665, notifying the Governor that the House was organized and ready to do business, passed. House Concurrent Resolution 4406, setting the Governor’s address to the Legislature, and House Concurrent Resolution 4407, returning bills and resolutions to the normal process for consideration, both passed. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407, establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session, also passed. The House suspended rules to move various measures, referred introduced bills to committees, and approved House Resolution 4667 adopting the permanent House rules. The Speaker announced committee assignment changes, including new appointments for Representatives Engel, Hall, Parshley, and Zahn, and reminded members of pink slip deadlines. A House delegation then reported back from the Governor’s office, saying he welcomed the Legislature and was ready for the session. The House adjourned until the next day, with a pro forma session and the Governor’s State of the State address scheduled for the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as Squaxins, we thank you all for the service that you provide for the state of Washington on both
• For those of you who may not know, Justice Yu actually retired from state service at the end of 2025.
• Thank you, Justice Yu, for your outstanding service to the people of this state.
• Thank you for your outstanding service to the people of this state.
• From declining state revenues for programs and services that help Washington families to rising costs

Summary: The House convened for the opening day of the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature, with 96 members present. The session included the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a prayer, and a tribal welcome and blessing from Squaxin Island Tribe members, followed by the swearing-in of several representatives by retired Justice Mary Yu. The Speaker also recognized the deaths of Senator Bill Ramos, Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp, and Trooper Tara Marissa Gooding with a moment of silence. In opening remarks, the Speaker emphasized the impacts of federal actions on Washington, including tariffs, H.R. 1, health care costs, Medicaid and food assistance losses, climate and clean energy funding threats, immigration and civil rights concerns, and the need to protect food, health, shelter, and affordability. Representative Stokesbary responded for House Republicans, focusing on Washington’s high cost of living, opposing an income tax, and urging action on affordability, housing, and crime. Both sides framed the session as a difficult but important period for budget and policy decisions. The House adopted House Resolution 4665 to notify the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and adopted House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407 to receive the governor’s address and establish the session’s cutoff dates. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407, adopted permanent House rules, and approved several committee reassignments and appointments. A House delegation then reported back from a visit with Governor Ferguson, and the House adjourned until the next day, when it was scheduled to meet in pro forma session before the joint session for the governor’s State of the State address.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why were the gauges no longer in service?
• Or National Weather Service or whatever that is.
• When the National Weather Service, through their technology and tools, sees the potential for it to actually
• And if not, then you wrap your services around.
• Technology does not take the human factor out.

Committee: House The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating

Keywords: 1184, house, all