Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to commercial insurance shortages due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates, there's a shortage
• How do the commercial carriers handle that?
• So, commercial carriers—that’s a good question.
• Generally, the patients who are on commercial insurance do have more resources, such as a car, where
• Ins Insurance do have are on Commercial Ins Insurance do have more<03:05:25.080><c> resources</c><03

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• language about buildings in agricultural production and their exemption from being classified as commercial
• permitting fee and go through building inspection to ensure they're up to Minnesota state building code
• they're up to Minnesota<01:09:40.080><c> state</c><01:09:40.640><c> building</c><01:09:41.040><c> code
• </c><01:09:41.600><c> We've</c> Minnesota state building code. We've Minnesota state building code.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Bills: SCR8 , SR10 , SCR90 , SR85 , SCR110 , SR103 , SCR54 , SR52 , SCR107 , SR101 , SCR178 , SR173 , SR76 , SCR40 , SR30 , SCR145 , SR137 , SCR62 , SCR95 , SR90 , SCR45 , SR44 , SCR119 , SR112 , SCR63 , SR57 , SCR21 , SR18 , SCR27 , SR24 , SCR75 , SR69 , SCR7 , SR7 , SCR149 , SCR55 , SR53 , SCR180 , SR175 , SCR86 , SR77 , SCR59 , SCR41 , SR31 , HB1678 , HB1824 , SCR177 , SR172 , SCR5 , SCR85 , SR75 , SCR139 , SR131 , SCR146 , SR138 , SR84 , SCR31 , SR27 , SCR46 , SR45 , SCR48 , SR47 , SCR9 , SR11 , SCR83 , SR73 , SCR20 , SR17 , SCR56 , SR54 , SCR87 , SCR39 , SR29 , SCR142 , SR134 , SCR203 , SR191 , SCR200 , SR188 , SCR196 , SR184 , SCR194 , SR183 , SCR114 , SR107 , SCR166 , SR157 , SCR96 , SR91 , SCR172 , SR163 , SCR109 , SR102 , SCR50 , SR49 , SCR64 , SR58 , SCR184 , SR165 , SCR81 , SR71 , SCR19 , SR16 , SCR22 , SR19 , SCR32 , SR28 , SCR57 , SR55 , SCR58 , SR56 , SCR103 , SR97 , SCR159 , SR150 , SCR163 , SR154 , SCR169 , SR160 , SCR68 , SR63 , SCR105 , SR99 , SCR112 , SR105 , SCR198 , SR186 , SCR11 , SR9 , SCR132 , SR124 , SCR189 , SR179 , SCR26 , SR23 , SCR93 , SR88 , SCR117 , SR110 , SCR164 , SR155 , SCR165 , SR156 , SCR170 , SR161 , SCR168 , SR159 , SCR173 , SCR197 , SCR47 , SR46 , SCR94 , SR89 , SCR99 , SR93 , SCR100 , SR94 , SCR130 , SR122 , SCR78 , SR82 , SCR154 , SR145 , SCR195 , SR192 , SCR162 , SR153 , SCR201 , SR189 , SCR202 , SR190

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, older adults, disability access, healthcare, permit processing, home modifications, kupuna, accessibility, parking, business hours, aging population, parking accessibility, private business hours, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this going to apply to residential and commercial or just residential?
• And so... ...and commercial or just residential?
• I agree with the sliding scale and all that, but my question about commercial is that $50,000 for a commercial
• And if it's 15% of assessed value, let's say that commercial property is worth millions of dollars, 15%

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met at 5:13 p.m. on April 15 with 14 members present and took up several local and municipal bills. HB 87, which would increase the per diem for the Livingston Parish Gas Utility District No. 1 board, was presented as a local bill with no opposition and was reported favorably without objection. HB 162, authorizing the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District to levy a fee after a local vote, was also moved favorably without objection. A lengthy discussion centered on HB 481, which would change the rate for publishing official proceedings and public notices. Supporters from the Louisiana Press Association said a prior agreement intended a 15% to 20% reduction in newspaper revenue, but a calculation error meant the current law would instead cut revenues by about 40% to 50% when it takes effect in 2027. Representatives from police juries and other local-government groups argued the bill should be corrected to restore the intended compromise, while some members questioned whether the change would break a prior deal and whether small or single-newspaper parishes would be harmed. The committee ultimately reported HB 481 favorably by a 10-5 vote, with members urging further negotiation and possible floor amendments. HB 573, as amended, would restructure oversight of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board by giving the New Orleans City Council and mayor more authority over operations, contracts, and accountability measures. Representative Hilferty and Mayor Helena Moreno argued the current structure diffuses responsibility and has failed residents, while one witness from the Louisiana Justice Institute warned the bill could shift control without fixing infrastructure problems and could raise equity and financial concerns. Despite that opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also advanced HB 368, increasing fines for unauthorized demolition of historic properties in New Orleans; HB 441, clarifying that Sewerage and Water Board employees remain in city civil service; and HB 257, which would give the elected police chief of Central authority to hire, fire, and discipline police personnel, subject to consultation with the city attorney and a delayed effective date. All of those bills were reported favorably after discussion and, where needed, adoption of amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• part is, again, create economic opportunity to get people into gainful employment where they get commercial
• And we will offer this product to the commercial market as well, particularly if we can show that we
• And we will off this product to the<00:18:46.000><c> commercial</c><00:18:46.480><c> market</c><00:18
• </c> the commercial market as well. the commercial market as well. particular<00:18:48.559><c> if</c>

Committee: House Health Services

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:38 - Discussion of 26RS SCR 9 22:00 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SCR 9 23:15 - Discussion of 26RS SJR 23 33:20 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SJR 23 35:18 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Um, as mentioned, you know, we have approximately 14,400 flights coming into our commercial airports
• Um, as mentioned, you know, we have approximately 14,400 flights coming into our commercial airports
• 00:37:15.680><c> coming</c><00:37:15.920><c> into</c><00:37:16.240><c> our</c><00:37:16.640><c> commercial
• </c> flights coming into our commercial flights coming into our commercial airports<00:37:17.599><c>

Bills: HB2264 , HB2336 , HB2298 , HB1518

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, under your leadership to try to get uniformity in scheduling so that the receiving schools
• So they need to know, are the building codes? Is the electricity being installed properly?
• They're responsible for following codes and making sure that the building's going to be safe when it's
• and making sure that following codes and making sure that building's<02:28:28.240><c> going</c><02:28
• there's no code violations, but they<02:30:07.840><c> do</c><02:30:08.000><c> much</c><02:30:08.160>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns. Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken. The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended. Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nicole Cuynaudas on behalf of the Household and Commercial Products Association and CalChamber today,
• Nicole Cuynaudas on behalf of the Household and Commercial Products Association in Cal Chamber today,
• amendments will allow for an EGS exploratory project to occur within a half-mile of an existing commercial
• Our concern is that AB 2234 creates an exception to the existing half-mile buffer that protects commercial

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 3 million Massachusetts residents across Medicaid, Medicare, dual-eligible, GIC, Connector, and commercial
• 3 million Massachusetts residents across Medicaid, Medicare, dual-eligible, GIC, Connector, and commercial
• only needs to look at MassHealth and GIC's current situations to understand the pressure that the commercial
• drug costs and price increases, extending the HPC's drug pricing review authority to include the commercial

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a broad set of health care bills focused on cost, market oversight, pharmaceutical access, transparency, hospital closures, and pharmacy access. Chairs John Lawn and Cindy Friedman opened by emphasizing recent health care reforms and the need for further action on the drug supply chain, PBMs, private equity, and affordability. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a Betsy Lehman Center bill to make technical changes and create a permanent trust account for federal and private funding, and bills on hospital profits and fairness, hospital closures and health planning, pharmacy deserts, and health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. No votes were taken during the hearing. On the hospital profits bill, physicians and labor advocates strongly supported capping hospital CEO compensation at 50 times the lowest-paid worker, requiring greater financial transparency, and directing penalties from high-margin public hospitals into a Medicaid reimbursement fund. Testifiers argued that executive pay is excessive while frontline staff and safety-net services are under strain. Committee members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether hospitals might shift workers to contract status or lose executive talent, and whether the bill would actually direct money to the safety net. Supporters responded that the measure is one piece of a larger effort and that the bill’s Medicaid reimbursement provisions would help underserved hospitals. Testimony on market oversight and pharmaceutical access centered on rising health care and drug costs, PBM practices, and the proposal to give the Health Policy Commission authority to set upper payment limits for certain drugs. Consumer advocates, disability advocates, an independent pharmacist, the Attorney General’s office, and others supported stronger oversight, citing premium increases, affordability problems, and the impact of high drug prices on patients and community pharmacies. Pharma and some industry witnesses opposed parts of the bill, warning that upper payment limits could disrupt access, create legal issues, and fail to address the broader supply chain. The committee also heard support for stronger hospital closure notice and public hearing requirements, and for a pharmacy deserts bill aimed at identifying and addressing closures like the one in Roxbury that affected thousands of patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I may be just reading the language too broadly, but I’m trying to think of a campaign commercial
• think<00:29:04.559><c> of</c><00:29:05.679><c> a</c><00:29:06.000><c> campaign</c><00:29:06.480><c> commercial
• </c><00:29:06.960><c> that</c> think of a campaign commercial that think of a campaign commercial that

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• apparently, once the pastor was out of the building, viewed any other use of the building as a commercial
• We have no amendment to it, and the issue is that it would literally take every commercial child care
• We have no amendment to it, and the issue is that it would literally take every commercial child care
• We have no amendment to it, and the issue is that it would literally take every commercial child care

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in a variety of settings, from individual homes to schools to hospitals, in the state's largest commercial
• <00:14:52.480><c> largest</c> hospitals in the state's largest hospitals in the state's largest commercial
• <00:14:53.320><c> buildings</c><00:14:54.079><c> and</c><00:14:54.240><c> including</c> commercial buildings
• and including commercial buildings and including thousands<00:14:55.480><c> of</c><00:14:55.720><c>

Bills: HF1419 , HF500

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board. Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections. Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of this medical condition, I lost my career as a commercial truck driver.
• > as</c><00:31:27.240><c> a</c> condition I lost my career as a condition I lost my career as a commercial
• 27.919><c> truck</c><00:31:28.120><c> driver</c><00:31:29.039><c> I</c><00:31:29.200><c> count</c> commercial
• TR truck driver I count commercial TR truck driver I count myself<00:31:29.880><c> as</c><00:31:30.039

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• business owners, especially in communities like mine, where entrepreneurs are often in fragmented commercial
• We're a farm-based brewery and part of a family-owned commercial hops farm, employing five local staff
• We're a farm-based brewery and part of a family-owned commercial hops farm, employing five local staff

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• provisions of Ali's Law, which include both developing and promulgating regulations for the operation of commercial
• to establish the advisory committee required to assist MDAR with developing the regulations for commercial
• Of those that did report, there were 476 commercial boarding and training kennels, 841 personal kennels

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• media that isn't, I mean, obviously you can't, when you're watching television, you don't have commercials
• Obviously, you can't, when you're watching television, you don't have commercials enticing young kids
• You don't have commercials coming on TV that show explicit sexual activity that you want in front of

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, rule-waiver requests, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved a series of non-appearing appointments, including Peter Briar-T to the Southern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, multiple appointments to the Acupuncture Board, Roy Mathur to the Board of Pilot Commissioners, and Davina Hurt to the California Water Commission, with most votes unanimous and Hurt’s appointment approved 3-2. The committee also approved bill referrals, rule waivers for guests on the Senate floor, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony from Lillian Corral, appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Corral emphasized her background as a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, and said her priorities would include helping students connect to livable-wage jobs, supporting Vision 2030, improving data and digital infrastructure, expanding dual enrollment, and considering regional bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges where workforce needs justify them. Senators questioned her about achievement gaps, the role of data in improving student outcomes, the expansion of community college bachelor’s degrees, faculty staffing, and her employer New America’s positions on privacy, age verification, and TikTok. The committee voted 3-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Paul Tupi, nominated to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Tupi described a career in law enforcement and said he would focus on public trust, timely licensing, licensee education, and enforcement against irresponsible operators. Senators asked about ABC’s enforcement tools, including decoy operations, shoulder-tap checks, delivery compliance, and investigations tied to alcohol-related crashes; funding stability; delivery alcohol violations during COVID; and ABC’s approach to entertainment zones and other alcohol-policy changes. Support testimony came from industry and advocacy representatives, who praised his responsiveness and open-door approach. The committee approved his appointment 5-0 for consideration by the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that lab now allowed to continue testing commercially?
• We're on a 36-day turnaround time on commercial renewals.
• Commercial grow license.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this group will probably remember we had our moment in the sun this past summer with a large commercial
• that are experiencing financial pressures, some of that is because of rates that they get from commercial
• , is when there is one player that controls a big piece of the market, they drive rates and the commercial

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 1714, adopting an amendment that clarified the bill would not apply to hunting dogs or animals not under direct control of the hunter and would not affect a specified section of law. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee Substitute and voted the substitute do pass, with the roll call showing passage. The committee then heard House Bill 317, which would authorize MU Health Care to collaborate with hospitals and providers in a 25-county area and seek state-action antitrust immunity for those transactions. The sponsor and MU Health Care testified that the bill is intended to help preserve rural hospitals and keep care local, citing multiple hospital closures in Missouri and examples from Alabama and other states. Supporters from MU Health Care, rural hospitals, and local business and health leaders described the bill as a way to stabilize struggling facilities, maintain emergency access, and protect rural economies. Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and the Missouri Health Plan Association, warned that the bill could codify monopoly power, raise prices, and reduce competition, and argued that the language was too broad and not limited to distressed hospitals. Some committee members also raised concerns about antitrust immunity, facility fees, market share, and whether the bill should be tightened to ensure voluntary participation and clearer limits. No vote was taken on House Bill 317 before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this group will probably remember we had our moment in the sun this past summer with a large commercial
• that are experiencing financial pressures, some of that is because of rates that they get from commercial
• country, is when there is one player that controls a big piece of the market, they drive rates in the commercial

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• exceed 0.3 percent, a local annual vehicle fee not to exceed $100, transportation impact fees on commercial
• Commercial vehicle fees at 10,000 pounds, weight fees at $30 per ton kicks in, and a project weight fee
• for commercial trucks, 15%.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation-related bills. On Substitute House Bill 2251, staff explained changes to Climate Commitment Act accounts and revenue distribution, including new operating and capital accounts and a revised split of auction proceeds among transportation, capital, operating, and air quality accounts. Members asked about the bill’s effect on CERA funding, the air quality account, and whether the bill responded to projected revenue declines. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the bill’s goal of clearer, more predictable budgeting; tribal testimony requested clearer protections and a dedicated tribal set-aside, while other witnesses supported the bill for its transparency and climate/transportation benefits. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. The prime sponsor and county officials from Whatcom and Pierce described the bill as a local option to help fund aging ferry systems without raising taxes, and public testimony from island residents, county representatives, and advocacy groups strongly supported it as a way to stabilize essential ferry service. The committee also heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the vehicle weight threshold for Transportation Benefit District fees from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. Staff said the change would modestly increase TBD revenue statewide, and the sponsor argued the current law unfairly exempts heavier trucks while lighter vehicles pay the fee. Cities and local officials supported the bill, while the trucking association said it would support a compromise at 9,000 pounds instead of 10,000. The committee also heard House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; the sponsor and transit advocates said it would improve affordability and access, and testimony emphasized equity and student retention benefits. In executive session, the committee considered Second Substitute House Bill 1923, which would expand who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, with added intent language related to southern resident orcas and a revised effective date. After discussion, the committee voted 23-4 to pass the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The chair also announced a deadline extension for amendment requests on bills heard that day and thanked staff before adjournment.