Transcript Highlights:

• By offering mental health support, system navigation, and crisis de-escalation, diversion services reduce
• So we support the individual experiencing those incidents, but we're also able to help out the family
• We provide short-term follow-up services as well, because if we're not providing the follow-up services
• specialized crisis support and wraparound services because they also have had a longstanding history
• that additional supports.

Summary: The Community Safety Committee held an interim work session on crisis response, with members and witnesses discussing how Washington can better integrate 911, 988, mobile crisis, co-response, and alternative response models for behavioral health crises in public spaces. Travis Parker opened with an overview of the Sequential Intercept Model and the crisis care continuum, emphasizing early intervention, 988 access, regional coordination, navigators and peer support, and the need for sustainable braided funding. Several Washington witnesses then described current programs and system gaps, including the growth of co-response teams, the importance of integrating 911 and 988 rather than treating them as competing systems, and the need to reduce unnecessary emergency room use and improve first responder wellness and training. City, fire, and crisis-system representatives described local challenges and reforms. Kim Hendrickson of Poulsbo said most crisis calls still come through 911 and urged better coordination among field-based teams, more behavioral health training for fire/EMS, and more alternatives to ER transport. Laura Pippen, a designated crisis responder, described a strained involuntary treatment system, fewer DCRs statewide, difficulty getting law enforcement support for transports, and limited facility capacity, especially for substance use disorder. Jennifer Stuber and South County Fire’s Keith Sharp highlighted workforce training, a crisis responder certificate program, and first responder wellness efforts. Research witnesses Evan Lauder and James Pine said the evidence is still developing but generally supports on-scene resolution, reduced ED transport and detention in some models, and the importance of clear dispatch protocols, coordination, and ongoing evaluation. Dispatch and program operators then gave examples of how systems are working in practice. Katie Myers of Washington APCO/NENA said 911 remains essential, but needs evidence-based triage protocols, liability protections, and additional funding if it is expected to take on more crisis-response responsibilities. Whatcom County described embedding a “community connector” in the 911 center to coordinate alternative response, while ValleyCom reported that its 988 diversion pilot transferred 2,165 calls with 98% resolved through 988/211 without returning to 911. National examples included Denver’s STAR program, Albuquerque’s Community Safety Department, and Atlanta’s PAD initiative, each showing different ways to route low-acuity or behavioral-health-related calls away from police and toward clinicians, peers, or civilian responders. The session ended with Washington examples continuing, including Whatcom County’s alternative response team, underscoring the committee’s interest in refining and expanding integrated crisis response systems in the next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, LIS, Legislative Information Services, and the Housing Committee staff are on hand should
• In addition, LIS, legislative information services, be taken out of turn.
• In addition, LIS, legislative information services and the Housing Committee staff are on hand, should
• Four generations of my family have lived in a two-family house that my wife and I bought in 1965.
• Her family and my family have been friends for 50 years, since our daughters went to kindergarten and

Bills: H5314

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Keywords: condominium conversion, co-owned property, tenants in common, two-unit building, duplex, partition action, Land Court, chapter 183A, chapter 241, master deed, shared ownership, housing, property law, real estate, easements, common areas, common expenses, condominium ownership, small multifamily housing, 1212

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I am in support of this.
• I cannot support that.
• , or no service at all.
• The city has tried to take the service area to provide better service.
• , expand service, and grow service.

Bills: SB863 , SB1190 , SB1261 , SB1413 , SB1624 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1855 , SB1967 , SB2124 , SB2204 , SB1623

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB

Transcript Highlights:

• As I serve as the chair of the board, our serve as the chair of the board, our customer support team
• With the support of our board, we fixed a lot of these problems that we had.
• complaints that I received 10... ...service complaints that I received 10 years ago.
• If you are in the same county, you are family. Jefferson... Same county, you are family.
• Jefferson County, we are all family.

Bills: SB330

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I rise in strong support. I up. So, I rise in strong support.
• </c> support this amendment. support this amendment.
• :26:25.440><c> the</c> behind my colleague supporting in the behind my colleague supporting in the supporting
• </c> supporting my colleague and supporting supporting my colleague and supporting this<01:26:27.520>
• So, I support this amendment. Colorado. So, I support this amendment.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and we hope you and your family have a continued recovery, uh, with our support and love.
• those families or individuals do you believe were not receiving services prior to this withhold?
• We still have the housing support benefit, which is a state-only funded service that is available to
• support them.
• We still have the housing support benefit, which is a state-only funded service that is available to

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness responded that the purpose of the TANF program is primarily to support needy families so
• The witness explained that the purpose of the TANF program is primarily to support needy families so
• needy families so primarily to support needy families so that<02:20:00.640><c> children</c><02:20:00.960
• support those families in to continue to support those families in New<02:20:30.960><c> Hampshire.
• The witness responded that families are helped to become self-supporting and get into a job, and that

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• operator was is myo independent service operator was is myo um<00:03:55.159><c> is</c><00:03:55.560>
• <00:15:58.519><c> those</c><00:15:58.720><c> in</c> support those in support those in Investments<00:
• support from from Prairie Island which I support from from Prairie Island which I can<00:31:36.320><c
• </c><00:38:31.359><c> the</c> reliable Energy System minf supports the reliable Energy System minf supports
• </c> when there was Zero bipartisan support when there was Zero bipartisan support for<00:48:29.680><

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Services does not believe that they can provide supervision to support public safety.
• So those individuals we support 10 individuals, of course, and we help support them as they're...
• Now the WICHE program supports that with a support fee of $35,400 per year, which helps offset that tuition
• You're gonna support me on that? If you pass this, I'll support you. Well, I'll tell you what.
• To understand your business well enough to know I would never support an unlimited, but I would support

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:03.520><c> for</c> Minnesota, to share our support for Minnesota, to share our support for
• Um, I've certainly raised the need to, um, support crime victim services, but I know Senator May Kwai
• Um, I've certainly raised the need to, um, support crime victim services, but I know Senator May Kwai
• um support crime victim services, but to um support crime victim services, but I<00:56:18.160><c> know
• mental health services, um other services<00:58:47.640><c> that</c><00:58:47.800><c> may</c> services

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in tax revenues, funding essential services without increasing the burden on Arizona families.
• The fact that small families can't buy a home by the age of 40 delays the formation of families, which
• three families living in homes already.
• If I have two families or three families living in a home, the impact is already there.
• It's If I have two families or three families living in a home, the impact is already there.

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow a governing body to approve a tourism improvement area to promote tourism and lodging. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said the bill would give communities a voluntary, locally controlled tool to market destinations, attract events, and strengthen rural and urban tourism economies without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism’s economic importance in places like Yuma and other rural communities, and the bill was moved forward with a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The committee then held a presentation on rural economic development in Pinal County, focusing on the Lucid Motors project and its workforce partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described the Drive48 training program, the creation of a skilled workforce pipeline, and broader economic impacts such as higher wages, job creation, and related growth in housing and infrastructure. The committee also read proclamations recognizing Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to economic development in rural Arizona. Finally, the committee heard HB 2946, which revises development fee requirements and prohibits development fees on accessory dwelling units. The sponsor argued the bill was intended to address housing affordability and reduce burdens on families and builders, while cities, towns, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and municipal attorneys opposed it, saying it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and weaken the principle that growth should pay for growth. An amendment in the chair’s name was adopted to remove county-related provisions and make clarifying changes. The amended bill was then passed with a 4-1 vote and two members voting present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support children and families, and reduce the need for more costly or evasive care in a billion-dollar
• We support from injury, and surgery.
• We support children<00:28:59.600><c> and</c><00:28:59.840><c> families,</c><00:29:00.159><c> and</c><
• , and communities are supported.
• , and communities are students, families, and communities are supported.<00:31:32.640><c> Thank</c><00

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on an incredible workload, supporting children, families identified through our investigations, helping
• Our victim service personnel will continue standing beside the children and families we identify through
• It has until very recently been completely focused on supporting innovation in AI and supporting the
• No support coming in.
• They’re all raising families, doing jobs.

Summary: The committee met at Minot State to continue its study of artificial intelligence, with a focus on child safety, sexual exploitation, chatbot risks, and education policy. Members first approved the minutes and then received a Legislative Council overview of AI-related harms to children, including AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, extortion, and chatbot companion risks. The memo reviewed North Dakota and federal law, recent state enactments, First Amendment limits, and examples from other states, including Connecticut’s AI companion safeguards and federal efforts such as the Take It Down Act. Members discussed whether North Dakota’s existing 2025 laws on minors and harmful material are strong enough in light of recent court decisions, and Legislative Council indicated it would provide additional comparison material before the next meeting. Superintendent Levi Bachmeier then presented on AI in education, arguing that schools need guardrails but should not ban AI outright. He said AI should be treated as a tool that can support instruction, teacher efficiency, and digital literacy, while warning against passive use, academic integrity problems, and overreliance on machines. He suggested embedding AI and digital literacy across subjects rather than creating a standalone class, and said schools should provide basic instruction when students receive one-to-one devices. Members asked about parent concerns, local control, higher education partnerships, and how to balance access with safety; Bachmeier emphasized a “threading the needle” approach and said the department would likely seek more guidance on digital literacy and cybersecurity. Special Agent Hellseth of BCI followed with testimony on AI and child exploitation. He said AI is already being used in North Dakota to create explicit images from innocent photos, impersonate children and adults, and facilitate grooming, harassment, and extortion. He described several cases involving AI-generated sexual images and said victims often suffer lasting trauma even when the images are fake. Hellseth explained that investigators use AI tools themselves to process large volumes of data and identify synthetic images, but that the workload is growing and victim services need expansion. He urged stronger accountability for companies, more resources for law enforcement and victim support, and continued training and public education. Members asked about cyber tip volume, staffing, false accusations, and corporate reporting obligations; Hellseth said every tip is reviewed, the unit is small but expanding, and current federal reporting laws are not proactive enough. Representative Porter suggested combining the Legislative Council memo and Bachmeier’s recommendations into a comprehensive bill draft for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have intensive supports.
• We have targeted supports.
• And as they are supporting— felt more supported. I think staff are navigating a lot.
• Some children need extra support, even a lot of extra support, or they might need support navigating
• I'm a public policy analyst with Open Doors for Multicultural Families, testifying in support of House

Summary: The House Education Committee held a work session on reducing restraint and eliminating isolation in schools, then moved into a public hearing on House Bill 1795 and its proposed substitute. Chair Sharon Santos reviewed committee procedures and emphasized the short session timeline, then framed the discussion as part of a longer-running effort to address student restraint and isolation. Representative Callan, the bill sponsor, said the committee’s pilot and demonstration sites would help identify both benefits and implementation challenges for legislation. OSPI Acting Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Misha Cherniski presented an update on the state’s demonstration project, saying it is in its third year and has $2 million per year in the current budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. He described intensive, targeted, and universal supports, including grants to pilot and demonstration districts, a technical assistance manual, and statewide professional learning. He reported that 68% of project sites saw reductions in restraint and isolation compared with the prior year, and said OSPI’s immediate policy recommendations are to extend prohibitions on dangerous restraints such as prone, supine, wall, mechanical, chemical, and noxious spray restraints, and to clarify the definition of “imminent likelihood of serious harm.” Committee members asked for more detailed disaggregated data by race, ethnicity, grade level, incident type, and sample size, and raised questions about authorized entities, student movement, and whether data captures incidents in nonpublic settings. Representatives from Auburn, Bainbridge Island, and Concrete school districts described how the grant-funded work has affected their districts. Auburn reported major reductions in isolation after removing its last isolation room, expanding behavior supports, and training staff through multiple professional development options; the district said the biggest challenge has been shifting staff mindset and navigating delayed access to vendors and grant systems. Bainbridge Island said it has used grant funds for universal staff training, administrator training, social-emotional MTSS work, and partnerships with multiple providers; it reported zero isolations and sharply reduced restraints, while noting the need to monitor nonpublic agencies closely. Concrete, a much smaller district, said the grant allowed it to hire a part-time BCBA, adopt Safety-Care training, and use OSPI’s manual and tracking tools, but staffing shortages and limited substitute coverage make it hard to attend demonstration sites or training in person. During the public hearing, the substitute bill was summarized as prohibiting certain restraints, banning isolation as a planned intervention, narrowing the definition of serious harm, and extending requirements to other providers of public educational services, while preserving lawful duties of school resource officers. Proponents included disability advocates, the Washington Education Association, and public school employees, who said the bill would reduce trauma and align practice with student safety and dignity. A parent testified about a child harmed by a room that was later used for involuntary confinement. A representative from a specialized learning center testified in opposition, arguing that a complete elimination of isolation for younger students could increase danger in some settings, that medical-provider requirements could be difficult to meet, and that specialized providers need broader exemptions. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your public service announcement time.
• Thank you for your public service announcement time.
• We enthusiastically ask for your support. Thank you. We enthusiastically ask for your support.
• We have a very high percentage, of course, of military families.
• I really appreciate your support. Please, yeah, please proceed.

Bills: HB2470 , HB2353 , HB2420 , HB2338

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: HB2470, school construction assistance, capital budget, school facilities, on-base schools, military base schools, military installations, public school construction, school plant projects, state funding assistance, superintendent of public instruction, OSPI, school capital funding, instructional space, school district construction, alternative learning experience, ALE, free and reduced-price meals, special housing burden, district growth

Transcript Highlights:

• c> from</c> had um 52 support testimonies from had um 52 support testimonies from organizations<00:14
• In strong support, thank you.
• You have a written testimony in support. We support this. However, we do have some concerns.
• we support this testimony support we support this however<00:30:42.279><c> we</c><00:30:42.399><c> do
• </c> help the family in need and the family help the family in need and the family that<00:40:57.400>

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Natalie Pita, on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians, in support.
• On behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians in Support.
• For families recovering from disaster, certainty matters, and... ...for families recovering from disaster
• It supports retention. It supports stability. It supports access to care.
• I will be supporting this bill, and I thank you for working with the committee and working families.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post signage at tobacco retail locations about lung cancer screening eligibility. The author and a UC San Diego thoracic surgery resident testified that lung cancer screening is underused because many Californians do not know it exists, while retailers and convenience store groups raised implementation concerns about sign size, store space, and notice before penalties. Members discussed penalties and screening access, and the author said he was willing to reduce the penalty in later amendments. The bill passed 4-0 and was sent to the Committee on Health. The committee also considered several disaster-related tax measures. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without losing their Proposition 13 base-year value, and it received support from the Los Angeles County Assessor, the California Association of Realtors, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dahle, would create a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased after a disaster for a primary residence; the chair raised concerns about administration and benefits flowing to higher-income households, and CTA opposed. Both bills were approved and sent to Appropriations, with SB 1352 passing 5-0 and SB 1343 passing 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place limits and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to examples from Shafter and Dinuba where local revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. The city of Shafter, League of California Cities, and California Retailers Association supported the bill, while some members worried it could infringe on local control; the author and sponsor argued it would protect local tax dollars without eliminating local discretion. The bill passed 4-0 and went to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; supporters included transit agencies and county officials, while Howard Jarvis and the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association opposed. The committee emphasized that the measure only lets voters decide, and the bill passed 4-1. The committee also took up SB 1404 by Senator Stern, which would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to help fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with the author saying he wanted to reduce administrative costs and work on hardship protections. NRDC and PG&E supported the concept, while rural county representatives, Howard Jarvis, and Butte County opposed, arguing the fee would unfairly burden rural and fixed-income residents and function like a tax. Members split over affordability and local impacts, but the bill passed 4-1. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help retention and access to care in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. The consent calendar and other listed bills were also approved on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, wraparound supports in those spaces.
• Alcohol-related tragedies do occur, ABC will be there to support those communities and families and hold
• ABC will be there to support those communities and families and hold those responsible accountable.
• See nobody else in support.
• See nobody else in support.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, rule waiver requests, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved multiple non-appearance appointments, including Peter Briar-T to the Southern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, several appointees to the Acupuncture Board, Roy Mathur to the Board of Pilot Commissioners, and Davina Hurt to the California Water Commission; the Water Commission appointment drew a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved bill referrals, two rule waiver requests allowing guests on the Senate floor on March 16 and March 23, and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Afterward, the committee returned to the earlier appointment of Peter Briar-T and added it to the record by roll call. The committee then heard testimony from Lillian Corral, nominated to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Corral emphasized her background as a Colombian-born immigrant and first-generation college graduate, and said her priorities would include helping students navigate a changing economy shaped by AI, improving data and digital infrastructure, supporting Vision 2030 goals, and expanding pathways to jobs. Senators questioned her about community college bachelor’s degrees, achievement gaps, dual enrollment, staffing, and her work at New America and the Open Technology Institute, focusing on privacy, student safety, age verification, TikTok, and financial aid fraud. Corral said safety and security should come first, that she supports privacy and technically feasible verification tools, and that the community college system is using identity verification, AI tools, and human review to reduce fraud. The committee voted 3-0 to advance her nomination 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 ABC enforcement and said he would focus on public trust, timely licensing, licensee education, community responsiveness, and accountability when alcohol-related harms occur. Senators asked about enforcement against sales to minors, alcohol-related traffic deaths, delivery compliance, agency responsiveness, fund stability, and potential policy changes such as entertainment zones and cocktails-to-go. Tupi outlined ABC’s decoy, shoulder-tap, delivery decoy, and TRACE programs, and said the department also works with local agencies through grants and training. Supporters from the alcohol policy, wine, brewing, and former ABC legal communities praised his open-door approach and enforcement focus. The committee unanimously approved his nomination to move to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• service supports, and they weren't very coordinated or, you know, accessible in an easy way.
• At least if we all work together and try to coordinate the services to help families."
• </c><00:01:54.240><c> and</c> the lives of children and families and the lives of children and families
• services? services?
• the services to help families families families &gt;&gt; and<00:02:23.599><c> in</c><00:02:23.840><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public service is a high calling.
• We welcome her family. We welcome all of her friends. This is a great showing of support.
• your team, your family, because you are part of our Senate family now.
• Anything is possible if you work hard and have the support of your family and community that are willing
• I also want to recognize my family. Here in the chamber with us is my husband, Greg.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and took up two resolutions, laying aside one commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts and adopting the other, which commended the Admetech Foundation for recognizing the 17th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The chamber then recessed while it received the certified returns from the special election in the First Middlesex District and appointed a committee to canvass the votes. The special committee reported that the votes had been canvassed and that Vanna Howard appeared duly elected. The Senate then appointed a committee to notify Governor Maura Healey and the Executive Council that the Senate was ready for the swearing-in, and Howard was formally administered the oath of office as senator from the First Middlesex District. Governor Healey and Senate leaders offered welcoming remarks highlighting Howard’s background, her historic status as the first Cambodian American state senator, and the significance of her service. In her remarks, Howard thanked voters, supporters, family, and mentors, reflected on her journey as a refugee from Cambodia, and said she was committed to continuing the work of her predecessors and serving the district. After the ceremony, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m. in formal session, ordered Howard’s remarks spread upon the record, and approved the emergency preamble for an act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosher, an employee of the Department of Correction. The Senate then adjourned.