Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill will do is remove several pieces of code, 19 sections of code.
• This is an extensive piece of code, and it's... ...and this is an extensive piece of code, and it set
• We're the fifth largest employer in the state.
• We haven't been building them at any significant pace.
• And within 36 days, they were able to come in and build this building where their reactor will be.

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In some cases, the state is...
• As of today, 20 states have brought their state statutes in line with federal regulations.
• I'm a Washington State resident.
• They don't have to build anything.
• Who does the state blame?

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently my building, the Burches Academy owns the building and for Micro Society, they own the building
• </c> is who owns the building? is who owns the building?
• > also</c> general building code language and also general building code language and also might<00:11
• </c> definition section for the state definition section for the state building<00:11:53.680><c> code
• code overall and that this is a building code overall and that this is a targeted<00:11:56.320><c> way

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't State Affairs. This isn't State Affairs.
• This isn't State Affairs. This isn't State Affairs.
• It's quite remarkable how they can build a home inside, away from the elements, with the HUD code, great
• You can go in and build it, so up in other parts of our state you can ensure that you're meeting all
• Electrical is completely up to code. Plumbing is up to code.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The House Business Committee first approved several sets of meeting minutes, then heard House Bill 707, which would create a simple administrative land division process for properties with properly permitted accessory dwelling units when a lender requires parcel separation for financing. Supporters said it would remove a financing barrier without increasing density or enabling serial lot splitting, and the bill passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 800, a housing measure to reduce barriers for manufactured homes. The bill would allow manufactured duplexes to be treated as multifamily housing and clarify that certain single-section and multi-section manufactured homes may be placed on appropriate lots, while preserving local control through zoning, design standards, historic districts, and private covenants. Testimony was split between supporters who described modern manufactured homes as high-quality, affordable housing and an opponent who urged more attention to 3D-printed homes and raised safety concerns. After debate, the committee voted 11-6 to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 649, which would cap interest and fees on payday and title loans at 30% or 10% above prime, whichever is higher. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would curb predatory lending and protect vulnerable borrowers, while industry representatives warned that rate caps would eliminate legal credit options and push consumers toward illegal offshore lenders. Members questioned how the cap would affect existing payday loan practices and whether the bill’s math would effectively end the industry. The committee initially moved toward a due pass recommendation, but after further discussion withdrew that motion and instead sent the bill to general orders for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> generally and then I became the uh State generally and then I became the uh State registar<00:15
• I am the new state rep.
• in the state of New Hampshire?
• of New Hampshire or other the state of New Hampshire or other states states states and<03:49:45.319>
• in that state.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory Ways and Means Committee orientation led by Chair John Janigian. Members went around the room introducing themselves, with several returning legislators and several freshmen describing their backgrounds in business, education, public service, finance, transportation, journalism, military service, and nonprofit work. Janigian explained his own legislative history and professional background, and other members, including Bill Bolton, Fred Doucette, Mary Ford, Jim Tierney, Scott Brier, Thomas Oppel, Mary Murphy, Representative Spar, Susan Elberger, Dennis Malloy, Jordan Ulery, and Julius Soti, briefly described their prior experience and reasons for serving on the committee. The chair then outlined the committee’s role. He said Ways and Means is responsible for revenue estimates that Finance will use to determine how much the state can spend over the next biennium, and that the committee would spend the next five to six weeks developing its best revenue estimate, due around February 15. He also explained that the committee hears from state agencies and departments about how taxes are created, collected, and performing against expectations, and that it reviews bills affecting state revenue, including tax increases, tax decreases, tax removals, and fee-related measures. Janigian noted that the committee had five bills at the time of the meeting and expected more to be referred. He explained that most would be first-committee bills, though some second-committee bills could come over if they involved taxes or fees after passing policy committees. He used marijuana-related legislation as an example of a bill that might first go to another committee and later reach Ways and Means if it had fiscal implications. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, and members were told how to participate in hearings and follow-up questions during regular committee work.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a small state. We would see it.
• So this is happening in our state. It's not big like other states, but they are here.
• So this is happening in our state. It's not big like other states, but they are here.
• Senate to introduce our Girls' State Secretary of the Senate.
• I'll state. Senator Richardson. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate reconvened, received House communications and committee reports, and then took up several bills and a resolution. Committee reports covered measures on composting, volunteer background checks, campaign finance, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, publication of Public Integrity Commission reports, Cheswold’s territorial limits, child support, alcohol and marijuana, salary supplements, certified registered nurse anesthetists, land use, school taxes, and a constitutional elections amendment. House Bill 344 and House Bill 444 were referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The Senate also confirmed the nomination of Christy N. Vitola as Commissioner of the Family Court by a 21-0 vote. The chamber then recognized several fellows and Girls’ State delegates, with tributes to the Legislative Fellows Program and the Communications Fellowship, followed by House Concurrent Resolution 152 honoring the 2026 Delaware Girls’ State participants. The resolution passed unanimously. Senators and guests spoke about the civic value of the program and introduced the Girls’ State leadership team and delegates. On legislation, the Senate passed House Bill 89, creating a dispute-resolution process for home improvement fraud and strengthening consumer protection enforcement; House Bill 381, requiring notice to the Attorney General of computer security breaches; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407, making technical and penalty updates to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 150, limiting civil arrests at courthouses and Industrial Accident Board offices; and House Substitute 2 for House Bill 94, restricting state and local participation in civil immigration enforcement at sensitive locations such as schools, houses of worship, and health care facilities, with emergency exceptions and reporting requirements. The Senate also began consideration of House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, which would limit use of state and local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and judicial warrants, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• international building codes on all new developments.
• international building codes on all new developments.
• international building codes on all new developments.
• international building codes on all new developments.
• international building codes on all new developments.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is whenever we have Medicaid waiver request or Medicaid state plan request or Medicaid state plan
• Christy Gro, with the Department of Human Services, State Director of State Government Relations.
• </c> the state is receiving. the state is receiving.
• Um CMS has money from the state.
• </c> in this state over the last 20 years. in this state over the last 20 years.

Bills: HF3379

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing stabilization, disability services, predatory funding, provider requirements, housing accessibility, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Trujillo: I was asked to pitch in for Brian Condit on behalf of Building Construction Trades Council
• state did.
• other member states.
• member state.
• in each state.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The state auditor looked at Who have stolen wages.
• outside the building.
• But let's say I'm cleaning this building. I'm not getting a paycheck from the state.
• So SB 588 created labor code section 238.5.
• Under Labor Code Section 238.4,... ...accountable.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment held a review hearing on SB 588, focused on wage theft enforcement and whether the law’s tools are working as intended. Committee members emphasized that wage theft is a major and under-enforced form of theft in California, citing large backlogs in wage claims and long delays that can leave workers waiting years for payment. The hearing was framed as oversight of the Labor Commissioner’s enforcement authority and a discussion of whether additional tools or funding are needed to improve collections and deter bad actors. Witnesses from UCLA, worker advocacy organizations, and legal aid described SB 588’s main enforcement mechanisms, including liens, levies, stop-work orders, successor and individual liability, and the ability to pursue upstream entities in fissured industries. They argued these tools have improved settlement leverage and recovery rates, especially in janitorial and property services cases, and gave examples involving Tesla, Cheesecake Factory, Optum, and grocery and care-home employers. At the same time, they said the law is less effective in industries like residential care, where employers often transfer assets or change ownership before judgments are collected, and they urged changes such as broader prejudgment lien authority, more license-revocation power, and additional staffing for the Judgment Enforcement Unit. Worker testimony highlighted the human impact of delayed or unpaid wages. A care worker described being underpaid, denied pay for breaks and off-the-clock work, and facing intimidation when filing claims. Marta Lepe Martinez said she was owed more than $300,000, waited more than three years for a hearing, and still had not recovered any money despite a judgment and a lien on property. Another worker advocate explained that SB 588 helped identify responsible individuals and businesses earlier, increasing the chance of recovery, but said more resources and faster enforcement are still needed. Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower said SB 588 has significantly improved collections, reporting that the Judgment Enforcement Unit has recovered $125 million since enactment and that first-year recovery rates have risen from 17% to 46%. She said the agency is using liens, levies, stop orders, and individual liability more aggressively, but acknowledged that the tools are limited when employers are undercapitalized, hide assets, or transfer property before judgment. She supported the need for more staff and continued legislative investment. Public comment from SEIU California also backed SB 588’s framework and encouraged focusing enforcement on bad actors and expanding the law’s reach.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill will do is remove several pieces of code, 19 sections of code.
• We're the fifth largest employer in the state.
• And within 36 days, they were able to come in and build this building where their reactor will be.
• I mentioned Oklo is building their first reactor on our site, powered by— I mentioned Oklo is building
• very significant state dollars to attract these companies.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 14 and January 28. It then considered RS 3-2904, a bill from the DOGE Committee to remove 19 obsolete code sections, including provisions related to hazardous waste facility siting and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Act. The sponsor urged the committee to print the bill so members could review possible unintended consequences, including whether the changes would shift responsibilities or reduce public testimony. After a question about Department of Environmental Quality involvement, the committee voted to introduce RS 3-2904. The remainder of the meeting was a presentation by Dr. John Wagner, director of Idaho National Laboratory, on energy dominance and security through research, development, and demonstration. He described INL’s role in nuclear energy, critical infrastructure security, and critical minerals, and said the current federal administration has accelerated nuclear policy through executive orders aimed at expanding reactor deployment, reforming NRC processes, and supporting advanced reactor testing. He highlighted INL’s work with private companies on small modular reactors, microreactors, fuel fabrication, and used nuclear fuel research, including projects tied to AI/data center power demand and Department of War applications. Members asked about used fuel storage, Idaho’s potential role in nuclear recycling and reactor development, transmission and water constraints, public acceptance, and the timeline for deployment. Wagner said Idaho’s advantage lies in its expertise, existing infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that provides certainty, while noting that transmission, water use, and workforce remain key issues. He also said the legislature can help by signaling receptiveness, clarifying policy, and supporting infrastructure and workforce development. The committee took no further action after the presentation and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , just as we do the International Building Code, the National Electric Code, some of the other conformity
• this at state law.
• state law.
• A handful of states.
• I think that the balance that we struck last session with the building code inspection law that we passed

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the states that we have used to look to in our formulation of this bill is the state of California
• We need to support them in this state.
• , but you stated that was California.
• You stated people think that there are issues because you stated there's not enough nurses, but you don't
• We're one of very few states, and for all I know, we might be the only state.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And then section three talks about the Building Code Review Board amending the state building code to
• shall be installed and operated in accordance with the state building code.
• And then section three talks about the Building Code Review Board amending the state building code to
• And then section three talks about the Building Code Review Board amending the state building code to
• And then section three talks about the Building Code Review Board amending the state building code to

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is State Farm Day, like a good neighbor. State Farm is here at the Capitol.
• And in the gallery, we have the State Farm agents from all over Arizona.
• Representative Carter, state your point. Mr.
• We've done it here at the state legislature.
• Please state your point of order. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas has utilized LPPF programs across the state since 2013.
• I think it's, uh, local government code.
• To standardize the code, bless you, to standardize the code and hopefully spread their risk, bless you
• By the way, you are my state representative from Hayes County and thank you.
• about the drought is in local government code chapter 352.051C.

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...state tax dollars.
• across the state of Washington.
• There are six state taxes on aircraft fuel. There are six state taxes on aircraft fuel.
• We think with a shorter extension, they just won't invest to build the warehouse in this state.
• And they're state-of-the-art facilities; it's a... ...to build in this state.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on aircraft fuel taxes, hearing from WSDOT Aviation about the FAA’s aviation fuel tax rules, Washington’s compliance history, and the potential consequences of noncompliance. WSDOT said the state has collected roughly $210 million in aviation fuel taxes since the federal compliance period began, and that FAA has questioned some of the state’s claimed offsets. Members asked about the federal authority behind the rules, who pays the taxes, and whether Boeing is affected. The committee then moved to public hearing on several bills tied to aviation fuel tax revenue. SB 5989 would redirect a small share of state sales and use tax on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account and require reporting on airport project funding. Supporters, including port, airport, and pilot groups, said it was a measured step toward FAA compliance and airport investment; the bill’s staff summary said it would reduce general fund revenue and increase DOR costs. SB 5898 would redirect hazardous substance, petroleum products, and oil spill-related taxes on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account. Supporters said it would bring Washington into compliance and help airports, while Ecology, counties, and ports warned it would significantly reduce MTCA and related environmental funding. SB 6240 would create a new noise and air quality mitigation account funded by a portion of hazardous substance tax revenue; airport and aviation groups opposed it as duplicative or noncompliant with FAA rules, while community and environmental advocates from Sea-Tac area cities supported it as a needed mitigation source. The committee also heard SB 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for certain pesticides used in Washington agriculture through 2038. Agricultural and logistics witnesses supported it as important for food security, storage, and competitiveness, and staff said it would have a small revenue loss and administrative cost. SB 6231, a governor-request bill, would repeal the sales tax exemption for data center refurbishments while keeping the exemption for original server equipment; OFM and local government groups supported it as a revenue-raising budget measure, while data center, labor, and business representatives opposed it, warning of lost investment, jobs, and competitiveness. SB 6228 would repeal the preferential B&O rate for prescription drug resellers; OFM supported it as an outdated preference, but pharmacies, wholesalers, and business groups argued the cost would be passed through to pharmacies, hospitals, insurers, and patients and could worsen pharmacy closures. The committee then heard SB 6220, which would narrow and clarify a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income homeownership property by allowing temporary community use and preserving the exemption when property is transferred to another exempt nonprofit. The sponsor said the bill was intended to let a community land trust host local performances without jeopardizing affordable housing plans. Finally, the committee heard SB 5880, which would allow blood and breath toxicology results to be admissible if tested by ISO/IEC 17025-certified labs, in addition to the state toxicologist process. Seattle’s city attorney supported it as a way to reduce a long toxicology backlog and speed DUI cases, while counties raised concerns about shifting costs to local governments and creating unequal access based on local resources. No votes were taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• value across Washington State.
• equitably across all state-regulated populations.
• bill does not apply to Medicaid or state employees.
• across all state regulated populations, and this bill does not apply to Medicaid or state employees.
• And so now there are 15 states that have mandates, including the two states in which I'm licensed, Massachusetts

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three health care bills. HB 1496 would cap charges for electronically stored medical records at $50 for patients and certain authorized recipients, while removing a free-copy provision tied to SSI/SSDI appeals and changing attorney fee language to “prevailing patient.” Supporters, including patient advocates, attorneys, and injured workers, said current record fees can reach thousands of dollars and block access to justice; opponents, including hospitals, home care providers, and records vendors, argued the bill would not cover the labor and HIPAA compliance work involved in large third-party requests and could shift costs to providers and patients. The bill remained in hearing with testimony continuing after the committee moved through other bills. HB 2182 would change how the Department of Corrections distributes its stockpile of mifepristone and misoprostol, removing the requirement that the medications be sold at cost plus a $5 fee and instead allowing, but not requiring, payment while directing DOC and the Department of Health to coordinate distribution to providers and facilities. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill is needed so the state’s stockpile does not go unused or expire and to remove barriers to access for abortion and miscarriage care; opponents argued the bill subsidizes abortion, raises legal and taxpayer concerns, and should be rejected. Public testimony on HB 2182 was closed after hearing from both supporters and opponents. HB 2196 would require certain fully insured health plans to cover IVIG for PANS and PANDAS, with initial and medically necessary follow-up courses, and would bar denials based on prior treatment, age, out-of-state care when unavailable in Washington, or treatment guidelines that only address psychiatric symptoms. The sponsor, families, and physicians described severe, sudden-onset symptoms in children and said IVIG can be life-changing after other treatments fail, while insurers warned the mandate could add to already rising premiums and noted the treatment can be very expensive. HB 2242 would shift vaccine and preventive-service recommendation authority from federal bodies to the Department of Health, while preserving no-cost coverage for preventive services and updating the reference date for protected services; the governor, insurance commissioner, public health officials, and many physicians supported it as a way to preserve access amid federal instability and rising vaccine-preventable disease, while questions focused on whether the bill would change school or daycare requirements, which staff said it would not.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are code specialists and they're very familiar with the building codes and are able to be that third-party
• First, ensuring compliance with building codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and fire and life
• First, ensuring compliance with building<00:20:46.159><c> codes,</c><00:20:46.799><c> the</c><00:20:47.039
• ><c> American</c><00:20:47.520><c> with</c> building codes, the American with building codes, the American
• buildings like schools.

Bills: SB88 , SB337 , SB88 , SB337 , HB623

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: expungement, criminal records, courts, victim rights, rehabilitation, Alabama law, SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, construction management

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:35.080><c> either</c> this point seven or eight states either this point seven or eight states
• </c> we knew worked well for one other state we knew worked well for one other state agency<00:24:54.760
• state rate it also helps with in state rate it also helps with in educating<01:09:38.000><c> with</c>
• the Medicaid levels in the state.
• You mentioned that it's more aggressive than most states. What do most states have?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.