Transcript Highlights:

• staff, to really make sure they were doing other things.
• And it's just because our facility staff just don't have enough time to work with the youth.
• And it's just because our facility staff just don't have enough time to work with the youth.
• That's been something our facility staff has been pushing for for a long time.
• I met with the CYFD staff, and they have no indication that children at 15 are going.

Bills: SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Our staff is working on getting that ready.
• Line 79: Staff augmentation, the Executive recommended $3 million. For that.
• For increasing staff by 260 FTE.
• today—we have fewer staff...
• It doesn't allow us to support our ongoing staff.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:54.000><c> as</c> auditor to appoint additional staff as auditor to appoint additional staff
• It's just a matter of whether we have the staff for it.
• </c><00:42:06.400><c> who</c> you have people that are on staff who you have people that are on staff
• How many people do you think it will require to staff the office?
• </c><00:48:20.599><c> you</c> to start it with a minimal staff you to start it with a minimal staff you

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:44 Attendance Roll Call: 00:55 SB 193 (Sen. Girdler): 01:53 SB 9 (Sen. Higdon): 03:22 SB 257 (Sen. Tichenor): 34:14 Adjournment: 50:57, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government first took up Senate Bill 193, a simple measure described as restoring wallet cards for jailers to carry when they are outside the jail. The sponsor noted the fiscal impact was essentially zero, there were no questions, and the committee approved the bill 9-0 for passage to the Senate floor. The committee then heard Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Higdon, which would change how the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) treats sick leave, personal leave, and annual leave in retirement calculations. The sponsor argued the bill is intended to address TRS’s financial challenges by standardizing leave rules statewide, limiting TRS retirement credit to 10 sick days and 2 personal days per year, preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave, requiring districts to pay the actuarial cost for any leave beyond the cap, and adding reporting and oversight requirements for participating agencies. He also said the bill would add 30 days of maternity leave, allow voluntary district contributions for tier four teachers, and direct the state auditor to audit TRS and report on agencies. Committee members asked about how overages would be audited and billed, the cost of a sick day, and how the bill would interact with local leave policies, including paid parental leave in some districts. The sponsor clarified that existing accumulated leave would not be affected, that the bill applies going forward, and that districts could still offer more leave but would bear the added cost. Members also discussed whether the maternity leave language set a cap or a minimum, and one senator noted the bill was intended to preserve personal days while stopping annual leave from being converted into pension credit. No vote on Senate Bill 9 was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am happy to work with the committee staff on both Senator Edwards and Representative Day's side
• to refine this legislation, work with you and work with your staff, so we can ensure that here in the
• gave away too much food, and his staff were really worried about his financial sustainability.
• Staff. My name is Vincent Lawrence Dixon, 60 Lake Street, Unit N, Winchester, Massachusetts 01890.
• I want to thank both Chair Edwards and Chair Day and the members of the staff on this committee.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held its inaugural hearing of the session, led by Chair Michael Day and co-chair Senator Lydia Edwards, and reviewed a large slate of bills and constitutional amendments. The chair laid out hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, priority for in-person witnesses, and deadlines for reporting constitutional amendments and House bills. The committee heard testimony on 29 proposals, with many witnesses and advocates speaking in support of measures they said would clarify the law, improve access to justice, or address public safety and fairness concerns. Several bills drew extensive testimony. Supporters of H.1686/S.1254 urged creation of a commission to study intentional misrepresentation of service animals, citing disruptive and dangerous encounters with fake service dogs and the need to protect legitimate service-dog teams. H.1649/S.1168 on court transcriber fees received strong support from transcribers and CPCS, who said rates have been frozen at $3 per page since 1988 and should be raised to $4.50, with an automatic CPI adjustment; they also described the work as time-consuming and essential to the justice system. H.1768/S.1037 on indigency was backed by CPCS, which said the bill would update eligibility rules, reduce unnecessary six-month reassessments, and eliminate the $150 counsel fee for indigent adults. H.1723/S.1193 to remove the charitable immunity cap was supported by legislators and attorneys who argued the current $20,000/$100,000 caps leave seriously injured people undercompensated and make Massachusetts an outlier. The committee also heard testimony on S.1046 regarding adoptions, with multiple adoptive parents, attorneys, and agency representatives describing recent probate court interpretations that have disrupted out-of-state surrender and finalization practices. Witnesses said the bill would restore predictability and allow birth parents outside Massachusetts to use either their home-state law or Massachusetts law, while preserving ICPC safeguards. Senator Feingold testified on H.1748/S.1109, “Conrad’s Law,” to criminalize coercing someone into suicide, arguing Massachusetts should join most other states in creating a specific offense rather than relying on involuntary manslaughter charges. Representative Donahue supported H.66 to remove “so help me God” from the constitutional oath of office. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply heard testimony and thanked witnesses, with chairs indicating they would continue reviewing the bills and written submissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So right now, though, we have staff at the department, cross-divisional teams really working through
• Director, Sharon, what happens to the staff at the end of the five years?
• And I know you touched on this, but looking at how much money and resources are going just to staff,
• And we can work, With LSO staff maybe to figure out how to set something up.
• And this ties to the director bringing up hiring staff.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Rural Health Transformation Committee met to receive an overview from Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon on Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, created under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Sharon explained the $50 billion federal program, Idaho’s application timeline, the state’s ranking and award amount, and the five broad initiative areas in the approved plan: technology and access, innovative care models, workforce development, chronic disease and behavioral health, and rural infrastructure/partnerships. She emphasized that the funding is tightly overseen by CMS, with required reporting, compliance checks, sustainability plans, and the risk of losing funds if Idaho does not obligate money or meet milestones on time. She also outlined the state’s plan to hire a 12-person temporary team and to use a mix of RFPs and competitive subgrants, with monthly reporting to the committee and a shared information space to track solicitations, rubrics, and awards. Committee members questioned several parts of the plan, especially scope-of-practice issues tied to the application, the use of telehealth funding, workforce retention, and the survey process used to shape the application. Representative Tanner asked whether the state could continue pursuing scope changes for dental hygienists and physician assistants and whether legislative action could affect funding outcomes; Sharon said the state would continue to evaluate those policies, but that compliance, timely spending, and performance would be the main factors affecting funding. Representative Healy raised concerns about the survey’s heavy use of “other” responses and about telehealth spending, arguing some telehealth uses may not be practical for specialty care. Representative Manwaring requested a shared drive for real-time data and asked for raw survey results and dollar-based funding caps. Sharon agreed to provide follow-up information, including survey data and additional details on funding limits. Chris Jones of Catalyst Policy Group then presented broader policy observations and examples from other states. He praised Idaho’s application, urged the committee to keep the focus on patient-centered rural access, and highlighted ideas such as community health workers, remote patient monitoring, rural training pipelines, value-based care networks, and telehealth models that reduce staffing needs and improve sustainability. He also cautioned against relying on social determinants of health funding, noted the importance of rural training and partnerships, and praised Idaho’s 3.5% tribal set-aside. The committee ended by agreeing to set up a shared information hub with LSO, to expect follow-up materials and possible solicitation drafts soon, and to tentatively plan its next meeting around CMS’s Idaho visit on May 28.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I tell my staff, theoretically, if Patel Energy Alliance is perfect, they don't need us here.
• And I tell my staff theoretically if Petal Energy Alliance is perfect. They don't need us here.
• And it's been a super heavy lift for my staff.
• And so from 1,100 pages to 600 pages, we did that in 45 days with 30 staff members.
• I've had 500 staff working for a year on this, Michael. I had 30 staff working for 45 days.

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will make the language clear for staff, inmates, and investigators if an incident does occur
• When staff abuse their power for sexual exploitation, it's not a relationship. It's coercion.
• Staff abuse their power for sexual exploitation. It's not a relationship. It's coercion.
• When correctional staff abuse someone in custody, it's not only a crime against that individual, it's
• And if any of her staff have done that, I think that's something that needs to be addressed properly.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 4 recognizes our great legislative staff of the 83rd Session, and
• Assembly Resolution No. 6 expresses appreciation to the staff of the Assembly for their service during
• Assembly Resolution No. 7 expresses appreciation to the staff of the Legislative Council Bureau.
• But the work that our fiscal staff, our legal staff, the Sergeant at Arms, our security, our police,
• I could not do those miracles if it wasn't for our legal staff and especially our fiscal staff.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes a lot of resources from, you know, just from a staff. standpoint, so we have, you know, agree
• My staff had printed it all. out.
• This is a costly use of staff time and resources. and will negatively impact libraries' abilities to
• Staff are required to focus on reviewing the collection.
• But at this point, with great thanks to our committee staff, each member and your staffs, and the folks

Bills: HB256 , HCR19 , SB2101 , SB2334 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2713 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB3059 , HB1130

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: severe weather, adaptation plan, vulnerability assessment, environmental protection, state agencies, federal agents, transparency, law enforcement, identification, public trust, immigration enforcement, HCR 19, Texas concurrent resolution, federal immigration enforcement, masked agents, facial coverings, visible identification, uniforms, badges, name tags

Transcript Highlights:

• , a second-generation wait staff at Park Tavern, and one of them an employee over at Park at Methodist
• > um</c><00:15:04.959><c> a</c><00:15:05.199><c> second</c><00:15:05.440><c> generation</c> weight staff
• um a second generation weight staff um a second generation weight<00:15:06.240><c> staff</c><00:15:06.480
• at Park Tavern and one of weight staff at Park Tavern and one of them<00:15:07.760><c> employee</c><
• Due to the volume of visitors, capital staff set up line dividers and handed out tickets ahead of the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're submitting written testimony, please provide our staff up front with 13 copies.
• I also wanted to say, you've got a really great Chief of Staff.
• Have you seen student behavior impact staff retention and teacher retention?
• In Wiley, they do a great job of training in behavior classroom management for their new staff.
• Faculty members and one professional staff member that has voted on to be on this committee and they

Bills: SB27 , SB226 , SB326 , SB570 , SB605 , SB870 , SB991 , SB1871 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1874 , SB1924 , SB1925

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, antisemitism, student conduct, education, disciplinary actions, Texas Education Code, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• We spoke to a number of providers as well as APD staff leadership. I'm sorry.
• A number of providers as well as APD staff leadership to determine our findings in the assessment.
• I know you want to bring on staff... Are we not? How are we not fixing the problem?
• I know you want to bring on staff to be on board from the last presentation.
• We were talking about the staff that we were going to be bringing on board.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy presentation on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ I-Connect system, based on an ILAB assessment of the platform’s performance and requirements. ILAB said the system provides useful centralized records, reporting, compliance support, and audit trails, but users described it as cumbersome, outdated, and inefficient, with excessive manual entry, weak navigation, limited notifications, no mobile app, poor printing/export options, and performance issues. ILAB also said the original 2013-era requirements were too high-level and that only a portion of the requirements could be verified, with some features de-scoped or never implemented. Their recommendations included better integration with electronic health record systems, improved performance monitoring, electronic signatures, OCR, and more modern export and verification tools. Public testimony from providers and advocates echoed those concerns. A support coordination provider said the system is nicknamed “I Disconnect,” described problems with EVV/GPS sign-ins, lengthy support plans, lack of a phone app, and possible HIPAA concerns. Another advocate said the system should have preserved family access to records and criticized the need for providers to use workarounds and additional software. APD staff said the agency has spent about $19.7 million through FY 2023-24, has regular build updates under the current contract with WellSky, and uses an internal help desk and vendor ticketing process to triage bugs versus enhancement requests. They said some issues are handled case-by-case, critical tickets have SLAs, and the agency is working on interoperability and other requested improvements. Members questioned whether the system should be fixed or replaced, whether the original contract and SaaS arrangement were sufficient, and whether the state received value for the money spent. APD said the system went live in phases and that all functionality was in place by June 2024, while ILAB and members noted significant technical debt and unresolved gaps. The committee also discussed record retention, provider access to records after a consumer changes providers, and whether federal funding or compliance could be affected. The meeting ended with broader budget remarks emphasizing completion over expansion, stronger upfront planning for technology projects, and more accountability before funding new systems or major enhancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• This incredible work is done every single day by our investigators, staff, and assistant attorneys.
• This work is done every single day by our investigators, staff, and assistant attorneys general in our
• So a couple weeks ago, staff from your office were able to attend a meeting with federal officials that
• So a couple weeks ago, staff from your office were able to attend a meeting with federal officials that

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: Oregon Attorney General staff held a press event on National Health Care Fraud Take Down Day to announce new Medicaid fraud enforcement actions and highlight the work of the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The attorney general said the unit, created in 1986, has secured 348 criminal convictions, 156 civil settlements and judgments, and significant recoveries since 2010, and noted the legislature recently approved additional staffing. She framed the work as protecting vulnerable Oregonians and taxpayer dollars, and said the unit is a small multidisciplinary team of investigators, auditors, attorneys, data analysts, and a nurse investigator. The office announced criminal filings in four cases involving alleged fraud by providers or public employees, including charges against a Beaverton man tied to housing assistance funds, a Corvallis provider and company accused of billing Medicaid for services not provided, a former Lane County employee accused of improper personal purchases on a government credit card, and a Tigard man in a medical transportation-related case. The attorney general also cited recent outcomes in other cases, including a Portland nurse who pleaded no contest and was sentenced to jail, probation, and restitution for billing for services not provided. She emphasized that the defendants are presumed innocent. In response to questions, the attorney general said Oregon staff attended a recent federal meeting on Medicaid fraud despite late notice to many Democratic states, describing the issue as bipartisan even amid broader disagreements with the Trump administration. She said federal staffing cuts have made state enforcement more important and that Oregon is already evaluating how to adapt to a more complex fraud landscape. She also said the cases announced are primarily against providers and entities rather than Medicaid recipients, and that Oregon’s managed care system is not currently a major barrier to investigations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I accept the committee amendments to this bill and appreciate the work put in by committee staff.
• Also would like to add that. ...and appreciate the work put in by committee staff.
• And a special thank you to the committee staff for their work on this bill.
• legislation, you know, it's one I think is important, both of us, but the engagement from the committee staff

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 21 and heard three bills. AB 1819 by Assemblymember Sanchez would require buildings serving 50 or more people to have an automated external defibrillator on site. Sanchez said the bill is intended to protect older adults and other community members by improving access to life-saving emergency equipment; supporters included recreation and park districts and respiratory care professionals. The committee members present voted in favor, and the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. AB 1983 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio would create an optional sequential repayment method for continuing care retirement communities, allowing entrance fee repayments to be made in the order residents leave rather than waiting for a specific unit to be reoccupied. Rubio and Erickson Senior Living argued the change would make repayments more predictable and equitable while preserving consumer protections. Support also came from LeadingAge California and the California Assisted Living Association. The committee approved the bill and sent it to Human Services, again holding the roll open for later votes. AB 2037 by Assemblymember Patterson would establish a pilot grant program to help seniors and people with disabilities harden their homes against wildfire risk, with Patterson describing it as a way to support property maintenance and reduce wildfire spread. The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, AARP California, and local officials testified in support, and committee members accepted amendments to add another county to the pilot. The committee voted to pass the bill as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. After the initial votes, add-on votes were recorded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Co-chairs will each designate a staff person as secretary for the purpose of taking minutes and do so
• COCHAIRS WILL EACH DESIGNATE A STAFF PERSON AS SECRETARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TAKING MINUTES AND DO SO
• We are in consultation with each other as well as staff.
• WE ARE IN CONSULTATION WITH EACH OTHER AS WELL AS STAFF THE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health convened as part of the 2026 Annual Budget Committee, with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members, alternates, and the meeting rules. The chairs reviewed subcommittee procedures, including limits on alternates’ voting rights, no proxy participation, germane-topic restrictions, and the requirement that any report receive an affirmative majority vote from each house’s delegation. The co-chairs outlined the main health budget issues under discussion: the global cap, capital funding, hospital and safety-net hospital funding, early intervention, reproductive health, the Medical Indemnity Fund, aging issues, insurance prior authorization, EMS biomarkers, and nursing home funding. The chair emphasized the state’s responsibility to families affected by the Medical Indemnity Fund. Minority members raised support for restoring the full 15 percent capital Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, increasing aid for financially distressed hospitals, and addressing home care funding shortfalls. They also urged stronger measures against Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse, warning against budget gimmicks and emphasizing long-term fiscal sustainability, including careful use of any Medicaid savings tied to the federal 1331 health program. The meeting ended with members saying they would continue consultations with each other and staff to work toward a final, on-time budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't, at least for this committee, I won't sing, but I do want to sing the praises of our staff.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?
• We want to sing the praises of our staff. This doesn't happen. I see our students over here.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered three bills and reported each favorably. SB 1318, by Senator Rodriguez, made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was passed without debate or amendments. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690, by Senator Claudio, which updates child care and early learning laws, including transparency, accountability, terminology, and regulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment was adopted to clarify rulemaking authority by specifying the State Board of Education rather than the Department of Education. Senator Berman raised a concern about the bill’s removal of a parent-notification requirement related to leaving children in vehicles, and the sponsor said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182, by Senator Jones, on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment was adopted that refocused the program on schools with D or F grades, allowed districts and charter schools to place mentors, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and directed the Department of Education to set standards and create a contract template. Supportive appearance forms were filed by Nancy Lothar and Orange County Public Schools. The bill was reported favorably, and the meeting ended with remarks thanking staff and recognizing Kathy Missouri for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't, at least for this committee, I won't sing, but I do want to sing the praises of our staff.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?
• We want to sing the praises of our staff. This doesn't happen. I see our students over here.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?

Bills: S0182 , S1318 , S1690

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Keywords: education, Florida schools, charter schools, private schools, school choice, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, FTC scholarship, scholarship accounts, fund reversion, public school curriculum, cursive writing, handwriting, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, patriotic programs, In God We Trust, teacher mentoring, teacher training, new teacher support, classroom management

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was taken up without debate and passed on a favorable roll call vote. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690 by Senator Calatayud on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, clarifies terminology, and aims to avoid over-regulating before- and after-school programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying rulemaking authority, shifting it to the State Board of Education. Senator Berman questioned a provision related to information on leaving children in vehicles, and Senator Calatayud said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion, limited mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment funds. The amendment was adopted, supportive appearance forms were waived in, and the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recognized committee staff and applauded Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, and senators later recorded additional affirmative votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't, at least for this committee, I won't sing, but I do want to sing the praises of our staff.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?
• We want to sing the praises of our staff. This doesn't happen. I see our students over here.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered three bills. SB 1318, relating to the Florida tax credit scholarship program, made a technical clarification that any remaining funds in a closed scholarship account revert but do not revert to the state; it passed favorably without debate. The committee then took up CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, and clarifies rulemaking authority through an adopted amendment shifting rulemaking language to the State Board of Education. During discussion, Senator Berman raised a question about removing a parent-notification requirement related to leaving children in vehicles, and the sponsor agreed to follow up. The committee reported the bill favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also considered SB 182 on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion and narrowed mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment allocation funds. Two appearance forms were filed in support, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked staff and recognized Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, with members applauding her service. Senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on the bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Short for joining me on this resolution, and we worked really hard, and I want to thank the staff
• Senator Short for joining me on this resolution, and we worked really hard, and I want to thank the staff
• But really, it's about those partnerships. ...really hard, and I want to thank the staff.
• If I might, I don't think it's an accident who is up there at the rostrum today, staff-wise.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Short for joining me on this resolution, and we worked really hard, and I want to thank the staff
• Senator Short for joining me on this resolution, and we worked really hard, and I want to thank the staff
• But really, it's about those partnerships. ...really hard, and I want to thank the staff.
• If I might, I don't think it's an accident who is up there at the rostrum today, staff-wise.

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s journal and then handled several committee referrals. Senate Bill 6211 on real estate excise taxes was sent to Ways and Means instead of the committee listed in the standing committee report, and rules were suspended to send Senate Bill 5906 on data and personal safety protections and Senate Bill 5968 on permitting and licensing efficiency to Ways and Means as well. Senate Bill 5633 on subdivision of land and Senate Bill 6345 on a last-line matter were also referred to their designated committees, including Transportation for SB 6345. The chamber then considered Senate Resolution 8673, which celebrates the relationship between Ireland and Washington State. The resolution highlighted trade, technology, clean energy, cultural ties, and the Seattle-Galway connection. Senator Orwall moved adoption and spoke in support, emphasizing shared history, cooperation on technology and clean energy, and the value of dialogue and reconciliation; Senator Short also spoke in support, noting the importance of learning from Ireland and celebrating common ground. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. After adoption, the Senate welcomed Senator Mark Daly of the Republic of Ireland Senate and the Honorary Consul General of Ireland in Seattle as guests. The Senate then adjourned until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the 24th legislative day and policy cutoff day.