Video & Transcript : 'community preparedness' :
Page 488 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As the costs are borne entirely by the customer, but the benefits accrue to the community by preventing
- Ensuring that patients can obtain syringes without prescriptions at a community pharmacy, along with
- In 2020, our community faced a devastating wildfire known as the Creek Fire.
- I saw firsthand the impact that these disasters have on homeowners and entire communities.
- This is absolutely the wrong direction the state needs to go to make our community safer.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 23, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and first approved a consent calendar covering many bills. Several measures were then heard individually, with most receiving support from sponsors and stakeholder groups and no formal opposition in the room, though some bills drew respectful opposition or no votes. The committee also read and deemed approved a lengthy suspense calendar before taking up additional bills and public comment.
Among the bills discussed, AB 263 would extend temporary flow regulations on the Smith and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are completed; AB 309 would remove the sunset on pharmacists’ ability to provide sterile syringes without a prescription to support HIV and hepatitis prevention; AB 631 would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; AB 792 would allow consolidation of bargaining for court interpreters; AB 867 would ban cat declawing except when medically necessary; AB 1206 would require pre-approved housing plans for small residential projects; AB 787 would require health plans to better help patients find in-network providers; AB 596 would protect workers’ right to wear face coverings unless unsafe; AB 282 would allow housing providers to prefer voucher holders without violating source-of-income discrimination law; AB 738 would create a limited rebuilding exemption for disaster survivors from newer solar requirements; AB 566 would require browsers and mobile operating systems to make global privacy opt-outs easier; and AB 622 would clarify CDCR’s authority to award credits to people serving indeterminate sentences who complete rehabilitation programming.
Most of these bills were reported out on roll calls, often with bipartisan or limited dissent. AB 309, AB 631, AB 792, AB 867, AB 1206, AB 787, AB 596, AB 282, AB 738, AB 566, and AB 622 all advanced, while AB 263 also moved forward despite opposition from the Siskiyou Board of Supervisors and the California Farm Bureau. AB 622 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters emphasizing rehabilitation, parole-board review, and cost savings, and opponents warning about public safety and the impact on serious violent offenders. The meeting ended after brief public comment on several other bills on the suspense file and then adjournment.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Mar 28, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 41
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Item number four, Senate communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate communications?
- We are in receipt of a communication transmitting the noted Senate Concurrent Resolution having been
- We are in further receipt of communications returning the noted House bills, all having passed third
- We are in receipt of a communication transmitting the noted Senate Concurrent Resolution having been
- We are in further receipt of communications returning the noted House bills, all having passed third
Summary:
The House met with 47 members present and 4 excused, approved deferral of the journal reading, and received no messages from the governor. In Senate communications, the chamber received a Senate concurrent resolution and several House bills returned from the Senate with amendments; Representative Todd moved to disagree with the Senate amendments, and that motion carried by voice vote.
The main business was adoption of large groups of standing committee reports. The House adopted reports 1662 through 1696, then 1697 through 1714, and later report 1715, with several members noting “no vote” or “with reservations” on specific measures. One extended floor exchange centered on a measure concerning emergency access in West Oahu, where Representative Souza argued for a second access point for Makakilo residents and referenced wildfire evacuation concerns; other members raised points of order under Rule 287, and the Speaker ruled on the debate. The House also suspended the rules to consider certain Senate bills on third reading by consent calendar.
On third reading, the House passed Senate bills listed on page 18, including SB 100 and SB 112, with recorded no votes from several members and support with reservations from Representative Iwamoto, who said SB 100 was a home rule issue better handled at the county level. The chamber then heard announcements, including Representative Takayama’s request for donations of new or gently used women’s business attire for the YWCA Dress for Success program. The House adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-04-14
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> 4428 establishes the federal community 4428 establishes the federal community engagement<01:20:51.679
- </c> administering the MA community administering the MA community engagement<01:21:39.840><c> requirements
- We can either conform to the community and work standards.
- We can either conform to the community and work standards.
- We don't know the their communities?
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> excellence, discipline, and community excellence, discipline, and community pride. pride. pride.
- The community support the institution.
- </c> between institution and community between institution and community endures<00:35:49.520><c> to<
- </c> communities, to make our communities communities, to make our communities livable<01:24:51.080><
- You You've worked with HBCU community.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> community organization certification community organization certification timelines<00:01:55.119
- Lastly, the recovery community organization timeline would require recovery community organizations,
- </c> particularly the recovery community particularly the recovery community organization<00:15:03.360
- on</c><00:32:47.519><c> this</c> communicating and planning on this communicating and planning on this
- c> social</c> uh, community building, social uh, community building, social activities,<01:37:00.159>
Committee:
Senate Human Services
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- There's so much community conflict.
- And if you start community long term.
- I mean, the community, I think, is ready for it. The community knows about climate.
- </c><01:20:40.400><c> together</c> bringing the community together bringing the community together and
- Uh there's move their communities.
Summary:
The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis.
Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/02/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- that were in the smaller communities that were in desperate<00:09:58.560><c> need</c><00:09:58.680><
- </c><00:10:33.680><c> we</c> and goods out to our our community we and goods out to our our community
- We have a place to receive them and get those out to those communities that are most vulnerable.
- </c><00:13:28.160><c> Ember</c><00:13:28.839><c> um</c> also for any Community Ember um also for any
- </c><00:21:53.919><c> infrastructure</c> nation's Communications infrastructure nation's Communications
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We're big on clinical placements and community service.
- We're big on clinical placements and community service.
- We're big on clinical placements and community service.
- Paul, we are deeply embedded in these communities.
- Paul, we are deeply embedded in these communities.
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development in support.
- County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development in support.
- Hawaiʻi Community Foundation in support.
- Hawaiʻi Community Foundation in support.
- Hawaiʻi Community Foundation in support.
Committee:
House Housing
Summary:
The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi.
HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date.
HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:17:08.480><c> began</c> to us and people in the community began to us and people in the community
- We communicated the way that we set up. I'd never used this kennel.
- Was there any communication from that department?
- </c><00:55:55.480><c> gets</c> the beginning was we the community gets the beginning was we the community
- This would be used in rural communities that have a lot of land in current use.
Committee:
Senate Commerce
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, communications from the governor is listed on the calendar, will not be read and be
- It risks the spread of fatal diseases in classrooms, community centers, and dorms, and fails to give
- So, but your community recommends that the bill to pass sign jacob and chairman. Go ahead.
- It allows it to qualify for community restitution with the obligation rate tied to minimum wage.
- They would have to just go ahead and do the community service.
Summary:
The Senate met in Committee of the Whole on several calendars and advanced a series of House bills, mostly on party-line or voice votes after brief committee reports and some floor debate. Measures considered included HB 2028 (licensing timeframes/court assessments), HB 2047 (forcible entry and detainer), HB 2168 (nuisance actions), HB 2411 (coerced abortion/abortion-inducing drugs), HB 2557 (patient records), HB 2060 (educational facilities), HB 2086 (vaccination mandates and mask prohibitions), HB 2144 (child support), HB 2830 (fetal and prenatal development instruction), HB 2015 (tax administration), HB 2100 (small subdivision requirements), HB 2327 (records confidentiality), HB 2460 (business property theft/shopping carts), HB 4056 (public records fees exemption for legislators), HB 2417 (speed-detecting devices), HB 2601 (I-11 environmental engineering study), HB 2660 (health boards/licensure investigations), and HB 2975 (state land soil maps). Several bills were amended in committee before being recommended do pass, including HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2060, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660.
Floor debate focused mainly on HB 2086 and HB 2830, where Democrats argued the bills would undermine public health guidance and education expertise, while supporters framed them as limiting mandates and directing curriculum. HB 2100 drew criticism over water supply concerns and the Rio Verde Foothills example, and HB 2975 drew opposition over concerns it would hinder renewable energy development. HB 2460 prompted debate over whether shopping carts were abandoned or stolen and whether the bill improperly preempted local control. HB 4056 was criticized as giving legislators special treatment on public records fees and potentially enabling harassment of schools and local governments.
The Senate then took up third-reading roll-call votes. HB 2016, HB 2140, HB 2195, HB 2439, HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660 all passed, with recorded votes ranging from 16-10 to 26-0. Members explained several no votes on public health, education, tax, and transparency grounds, while supporters emphasized enforcement, local control, or administrative efficiency. The chamber also adopted Committee of the Whole reports and transmitted the passed bills to the House, then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Number four, UA Community College at Batesville.
- Number two, with Department of Health to the Arkansas Community Health Workers Association, this amends
- Number two, with Department of Health to the Arkansas Community Health Workers Association.
- This is Amendment 2 to extend an existing contract for enhancement of home and community-based programs
- That can only be used to expand or enhance home and community-based services.
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
Summary:
The ALC-Review Subcommittee reviewed seven methods of finance, including university projects at ASU Jonesboro and Mountain Home, Black River Technical College deferred maintenance, UA Batesville’s Farm Project Gateway Center, UAMS PET cyclotron equipment, a new allied health building at UAPB funded by a federal grant, and UCA’s multi-purpose arena design work. The committee also approved an alternative delivery construction project for UAPB’s Allied Health and Sciences Building, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer.
Members then approved discretionary grants from the Department of Health and DHS, including support for a heart attack center designation, community health worker training, homeless services funding corrections, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. In the contracts section, the committee reviewed RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and a large slate of out-of-state and in-state contracts covering topics such as seatbelt survey data collection, Medicaid and DHS systems, state hospital staffing and services, veterans’ services, education assessments, and state IT and procurement projects.
Several contracts drew extended questioning. Senators and representatives pressed DHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs about heavy reliance on contract nursing and staffing costs, and officials said they were using pay incentives and recruitment efforts to increase state employee staffing. Members also questioned AEDC’s lithium supply chain study and the Department of Education’s security contract, with concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments. The committee held three in-state contracts—Department of Education security services and two DHS staffing contracts—until Friday, then adopted the remaining contracts and received informational reports on contract amendments, executed contracts, and emergency procurements before adjourning.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The coalition represents over 20 communities from Lava Hot Springs to Sandpoint.
- House Bill 583 is too restrictive for resort communities. Please don't pass it.
- They want to work with the community and be part of our community.
- They want to work with the community and be part of our community.
- Lava is a case study for what happens if you don't smartly plan communities.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Human Resources
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 24, 2026 - 11:45 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- firefighters across Florida put their lives and long-term health on the line every day for our communities
- In-person training with the opportunity to interact with those in their community who have autism can
- Samuel knows the police are his friends, that first responders are his friends, and they are community
- HE KNOWS TO SHOW THEM HIS COMMUNICATION 618 DEVICE SINCE HE CANNOT SPEAK.
- 621 SAMUEL KNOWS THE POLICE ARE HIS FRIENDS, THAT FIRST RESPONDERS ARE HIS FRIENDS AND THEY ARE COMMUNITY
Summary:
The Budget Committee met with a quorum present and heard several bills, with HB 1483 temporarily postponed. The most contentious measure was HB 945, which would create a state counterintelligence/counterterrorism team within FDLE. The sponsor said it was aimed at terrorists, nation-state actors, and other criminal threats, not political speech, and noted an amendment would address First Amendment concerns later. Opponents from the First Amendment Foundation, ACLU Florida, and other groups argued the bill was too vague, lacked guardrails, and could enable surveillance of protected speech or political activity. Members also raised questions about fiscal impact, oversight, warrants, and the bill’s July start date. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 945 favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then unanimously passed HB 6507, a claims bill appropriating funds to compensate for damages caused by departmental negligence. HB 813, which clarifies Florida’s firefighter cancer law and death-benefit provisions, also passed after an amendment narrowed the bill and added language allowing a firefighter’s family to receive the death benefit if the firefighter separates from employment and dies within one year. Firefighter representatives supported the bill as a compassionate fix, while one local firefighter representative opposed the amendment, saying it would remove protections and create an arbitrary cutoff. Sponsors responded that DROP would not be affected and that the change was intended to help terminally ill firefighters spend their final days at home without losing survivor benefits.
Finally, HB 365, dealing with law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism, passed favorably. Supporters, including family members and autism advocates, said in-person training and positive interactions are crucial to preventing escalations and tragedies during police encounters. They described real-life incidents where lack of training led to harmful outcomes and urged adoption of the bill’s training provisions. Members from both parties voiced support, calling the measure overdue and important for both public safety and the autism community. The chair closed the meeting by noting it was likely the committee’s last budget meeting and adjourned without objection.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- for King County Metro and Kids of Transit to provide affordable access to public transportation to community
- A pilot program for our community and technical colleges.
- This investment ensures that transit passes will be affordable for every student at all community and
- With our limited funds, we need to be building the projects that meet our current community goals, not
- Last year the state closed all the rural part-time DOL offices, leaving remote communities disadvantaged
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee held public hearings on a proposed substitute for House Bill 2306, the 2026 transportation supplemental budget, and on proposed substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources bill. Staff described HB 2306 as revising the enacted 2025-27 transportation budget, increasing spending by about $1.1 billion to $16.5 billion, largely through reappropriations and new funding for preservation, maintenance, rail, transit, active transportation, ferries, licensing, and State Patrol needs. The chair and ranking member emphasized caution because of downward revenue forecasts, uncertainty around major project bids and future fish passage costs, and the decision to use existing bond authority without new bonding. Public testimony on HB 2306 generally supported preservation, maintenance, rail improvements, dredging, transit access, and local safety projects, while some witnesses urged more support for EV incentives and long-term transportation funding stability.
For HB 2711, staff explained that the bill responds to administrative issues in last year’s transportation resources law, including fuel tax inflation adjustments, luxury vehicle/aircraft/vessel taxes, the indigent tow reimbursement program, tire fee language, and other tax administration provisions. The proposed substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, adjust peer-to-peer rental car tax administration, restore authority for the Transportation Commission to exempt transit buses from tolls, waive certain penalties and interest tied to early compliance with the luxury vehicle tax, allow lease payments to be taxed incrementally, add exemptions for tribal members and nonresidents, change transfer timing between accounts, and create a Preserve Washington Account for highway preservation and maintenance. Fiscal notes projected additional revenue from aligning use tax with sales tax and modest administrative costs, while delaying the tow reimbursement program reduced near-term expenditures.
Testimony on HB 2711 was mixed. RV dealers asked for a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, arguing the industry is already in decline and the tax could push sales out of state. WFSE supported the new Preserve Washington Account and urged higher bid limits for highway maintenance work. Committee members asked for clarification on the peer-to-peer rental car tax and the transit bus toll exemption. The chair announced that executive session on the bills, along with one other measure, would occur Wednesday, and members were told to submit amendment requests by the next day.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We as a legislature are always putting our best foot forward for the rural communities.
- Putting our best foot forward for the rural communities.
- The bridge was supposed to grow stronger with time, just like the community it served.
- It didn't just hurt one community. It hurt an entire region.
- It upended families to the extent where when you look at these rural communities...
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with agency and records measures from Senator Massullo. SB 488, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency package, would update reporting thresholds for crashes, expand DHSMV’s use of email for certain transactions, and align tank vehicle definitions with federal rules; it was reported favorably. Its companion, SB 490, creates a public records exemption for certain email records and also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 892, revising enhanced sentencing procedures for repeat offenders, and SB 124, which cleans up outdated Florida Virtual School language without changing day-to-day operations. Later, SB 584 on commercial driving schools, SB 656 codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute all passed favorably as well.
The most extensive debate centered on SB 216, which would tighten reemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, interview attendance rules, identity and immigration verification every two weeks, and fraud-reporting duties for the Department of Commerce. Senator McLean argued the bill targets fraud and improves program integrity, while opponents and several members raised concerns about fiscal impact, administrative burden, and reduced access for unemployed workers, especially seniors and rural residents. Dr. Rich Templin of the Florida AFL-CIO testified against the bill, warning it could sharply reduce recipiency and worsen an already restrictive system. Despite opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a divided roll call.
The committee also approved CS/SB 382 on electric bicycles, which requires riders to yield to pedestrians on shared pathways, sound an audible signal before passing, and limits speed near pedestrians; it also creates a task force to study further regulation. Michelle Lynch, whose son was killed in an e-scooter crash, testified in support of broader safety rules and urged the committee to add e-scooters back into the bill. Several members echoed concerns about e-scooter safety and asked for further work, but the bill advanced favorably. At the end of the meeting, members requested to be recorded on specific tabs, and the committee adjourned without further business.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- But in Home and Community Living Administration, specifically Developmental Disabilities Community Services
- Rector, Assistant Secretary at DSHS Home and Community Living.
- I have worked to serve my community and surrounding areas for 16 years.
- Rector, DSHS Home and Community Living Administration. We can follow up on specific data.
- Other examples are urinary system management could be through Community First Choice.
Committee:
House Health Care & Wellness
Keywords:
phthalates, medical equipment, healthcare regulation, intravenous therapy, toxic substances, Medicaid, healthcare, traditional practices, health insurance, coverage expansion, therapy, psychotherapy, mental health, regulation, professional standards, tribal data, data protection, privacy, sharing of information, Indigenous rights
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- higher education, two alumni, one member of the foundation of that institution, and an at-large community
- Attendance searches happen where they can have community forums or a chance for faculty or students to
- In truth, we have put forward bonds to even—it was looking that big—and sometimes our community votes
- Again, everybody looks in my community. I have the best job in the world.
- So what I wanted to discuss with you for a few minutes today... ...communities.
Committee:
Senate Education
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This alignment would provide real benefit for families and communities.
- This is a community that is in need of more early learning capacity.
- It turns out that really not much communication happens.
- It sounds like we might have some work to do, but there's already been some good communication, so communication
- They will be willing and able to do E-CAP and meet the needs of their community.
Summary:
The Early Learning & Human Services Committee held public hearings on several child care and disability-related bills. House Bill 2317 would exempt certain ECAP and Head Start programs from DCYF licensing when they operate part-day or school-day in public school buildings or on public school property. Staff and the prime sponsor said the bill would remove duplicative licensing barriers and help expand preschool seats, especially as Washington prepares to add more ECAP slots. Testifiers from Head Start, school-linked providers, and the Washington Federation of Independent Schools supported the bill, describing licensing delays, added costs, and lost classroom time; no one testified in opposition.
The committee also heard House Bill 2099, which would expand ECAP access for military families with incomes up to Working Connections Child Care limits and adjust prioritization for families with deployed or single custodial military parents. The prime sponsor and multiple supporters, including retired military leaders, Head Start/ECAP advocates, ESD staff, and a military-community partnership, said military families face frequent moves, deployment-related strain, and child care shortages that affect readiness and family stability. Testifiers said the bill would help families access care without changing the program’s low-income focus or adding state cost.
House Bill 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and family members when a residential habilitation center is found out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to provide follow-up notices on correction and enforcement actions. The sponsor said the bill responds to limited communication around recent noncompliance issues at Rainier School and would improve transparency; DSHS had requested a narrow amendment about how notice is provided to residents. Disability rights advocates strongly supported the bill, saying families need timely information to protect loved ones and make informed decisions.
Finally, House Bill 2318 would let ECAP and Head Start children count toward the 5% subsidy participation threshold needed for Early Achievers quality improvement awards. Supporters said the current rule can discourage providers from enrolling ECAP children because it risks losing an award, even though ECAP already requires Early Achievers participation. The sponsor and testifiers described the bill as a small fix to reduce a funding disincentive for providers serving high-need children. The committee took no votes and adjourned after closing the hearings on all four bills.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
State Rep. Shaun Scott Press Conference Dec 2nd, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Without significant progressive tax reform, our communities will continue to suffer and homelessness
- So her health sciences students represent a remarkable diversity of communities in our state, with a
- vast majority represent a remarkable diversity of communities in our state.
- in our state both represent and understand these communities. 90% of our alumni stay to work in the
- banks that are nonetheless making use of tax exemptions that are meant for community banks.
Summary:
State Rep. Shaun Scott and supporters held a press event promoting the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the fund would help Washington respond to federal austerity policies and protect programs at risk from H.R. 1 and related Trump administration cuts, especially in housing, health care, higher education, cash assistance, and wildfire response. He also referenced related revenue ideas, including restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a bank tax break and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes.
Several speakers testified in support of the proposal. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal housing policy changes could put more than 5,000 people at risk of losing housing and said the state needs progressive revenue to address evictions and homelessness. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and housing cuts would affect her family and said recertification and work requirements would be difficult to meet. University of Washington faculty representatives said federal cuts are threatening teaching, research, nursing and public health workforce training, and hospital funding. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and wealthy residents should pay more to support public services.
In a question-and-answer session, Scott said the bill’s urgency could justify an emergency clause and argued that voters had already endorsed taxing the wealthy in the 2024 capital gains referendum. He rejected concerns that the tax would drive jobs away, saying corporations already shed jobs and invest in automation, while public services and affordability are what attract residents and businesses. He said he had held encouraging conversations with some lawmakers and a credit union lobbyist, but not with major corporate interests, and urged passage of the bill in the 2026 session.