Transcript Highlights:

• And so the values you see here, these are from last year's survey.
• So the values on the side, The average of 1.97, that was the average value calculated last year for all
• Compared to all users in the region, that value was 4.5%.
• I know how much that’s north line, but there’s a lot of value in that.
• There's a significant value associated with that rail line.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It contributes about $28.6 billion in economic value.
• It contributes about $28.6 billion in economic value.
• So we know that accessibility starts with commitment; it's a value, but it also requires significant
• So we know that accessibility starts with commitment; it's a value, but it also requires significant
• So we know that accessibility starts with commitment; it's a value, but it also requires significant

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing focused on accessibility-related legislation, with the chairs emphasizing ASL and CART accessibility and asking testifiers to speak slowly and clearly. The committee heard testimony first on H.223/S.130, a bill to establish a livable wage for community-based human service workers by reducing the pay gap with state employees. Providers’ Council, Communities for People, the Key Program, and BAMSI all supported the bill, describing persistent wage disparities, high vacancy and turnover rates, and the impact on continuity of care for children, youth, and families. Witnesses said the bill would help recruitment and retention and stabilize services across the Commonwealth. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H.224/S.160, the ACE Act, which would create a dedicated funding source to improve accessibility in the creative economy. Arts organizations and advocates, including Community Access to the Arts, Abilities Dance Boston, Jacob’s Pillow, the Multicultural Arts Center, Northampton Community Music Center, Mass Creative, Open Door Arts, and Monkey House, described barriers such as inaccessible buildings, lack of ASL interpretation and captioning, inadequate lifts and backstage access, and the high cost of renovations. Testifiers said the bill would help smaller and historic institutions make physical and programmatic improvements and allow people with disabilities to participate as artists, workers, and audiences. The committee also heard testimony on H.4180, which would require DDS to consider neuropsychological evaluations when determining eligibility for intellectual disability services. Parents and advocates argued that IQ cutoffs alone can miss significant functional needs, especially for autistic adults and others with complex developmental profiles, and urged broader access to DDS supports. Additional testimony supported S.101 on closed captioning and telecommunications in public areas, and S.158 on requiring restaurants to have some chairs with arms to better accommodate physically disabled and older patrons. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after hearing from the scheduled witnesses and noting a few signups that were not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, somebody who doesn't believe there's any value in their house is approached by a wholesaler
• These vacant properties decrease values not only of that home, but of all the homes in the communities
• Secondly, when people have gone in to rehab these homes, have you noticed that the value of homes in
• We offer them $200,000 for fair market value of the current asset. A wholesaler comes in behind us.
• So where $200,000 was fair market value, they may only get an offer of $200,000 from a reputable buyer

Committee: House Economic Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The value is determined by USDA commodity prices based on the day that the animal was killed. Mr.
• Representative Martinez, the value that's calculated for the animal that I spoke to is based on that
• So it's a fact-based value.
• It's a fact-based value that we believe is a fair value for that animal, but again does not recognize
• He said he is concerned about the lack of long-term studies and the nutritional value, because it is

Bills: HB2155 , HB2156 , HB2162 , HB2762 , HB2791

Committee: House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Keywords: Arizona Beef Council, agriculture, market development, beef products, terminating council, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, game and fish commission, wildlife, appointment, commission membership, Arizona Revised Statutes, food labeling, cultivated cells, cell-cultured products, consumer information, food safety, cell-cultured protein

Transcript Highlights:

• say about $200,000 in additional reimbursements per biennium going forward, and with a total present value
• say about $200,000 in additional reimbursements per biennium going forward, and with a total present value
• Of note for revenue purposes, the 10-cent refund value of containers is deductible by taxpayers from
• business and occupation taxes that would otherwise be owed, and the refund value charges are also exempt
• Beverage containers account for 30% of the value of what we sell to end markets.

Bills: HB1607 , HB2159 , HB2441 , HB2521 , HB2531 , HB2543

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: recycling, waste reduction, environmental policy, sustainability, municipal regulations, preK, education funding, childcare, youth development, state budget, HB 2441, line of duty death, survivor benefits, medical insurance premium reimbursement, surviving spouse, domestic partner, dependent children, public employee death benefits, retirement system, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• would say about $200,000 in additional reimbursements per biennium going forward, with a total present value
• would say about $200,000 in additional reimbursements per biennium going forward, with a total present value
• Of note for revenue purposes, the 10-cent refund value of containers is deductible by taxpayers from
• The refund value charges are also exempt from the state litter tax.
• Beverage containers account for 30% of the value of what we sell to end markets.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and briefing on several bills, with House Bill 2441, House Bill 2159, House Bill 2521, House Bill 2531, House Bill 2543, and House Bill 1607 discussed in that order after agenda changes. HB 2441 would expand reimbursement from the LEO retirement fund for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, covering Medicare Parts A and B premiums and retroactive health insurance premiums during the period before a death is officially determined to be work-related. Staff described a relatively small number of affected survivors and modest actuarial impacts, and the prime sponsor spoke emotionally in support. A representative from the L&I Board also testified that the board had studied the issue and endorsed the bill. HB 2159 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic funds for ECEAP expansion. Staff explained ECEAP eligibility and the proposed non-appropriated account structure, noting Governor Ferguson’s budget included $34.5 million in non-appropriated authority for about 2,000 new school-day slots. Testimony was strongly supportive from Ballmer Group, DCYF, Head Start/ECEAP advocates, a Yakima provider, and the governor’s office, all emphasizing the public-private partnership, expanded access, and support for children furthest from opportunity. HB 2521 would remove the $18 cap on the State Patrol’s firearm background check fee and allow the fee to be set to cover total program costs. Staff said the fee could rise to about $33 per check based on current costs, and the State Patrol testified that the cap no longer matches actual expenses and threatens staffing and service levels. One member of the public opposed the bill, arguing the state system should be scrapped or capped and that consumers would face higher costs. HB 2531 would freeze the ambulance quality assurance fee at its July 4, 2025 level to comply with federal law and adjust Medicaid add-on payments accordingly; the Washington Ambulance Association strongly supported it as essential to preserving federal matching funds and improving wages and benefits. HB 2543 would update county clerk fees and modernize outdated references, with county officials supporting the changes as necessary to reflect current electronic-record practices. HB 1607, the Recycling Refund Act, drew the most extensive testimony. Staff described a 10-cent refund system for covered beverage containers, a producer responsibility organization, Ecology oversight, and fiscal impacts tied to program administration and lost tax revenue. Supporters, including environmental groups, youth advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and some industry voices, argued the bill would reduce litter, increase recycling rates, support reuse systems, and complement the existing recycling reform law. Opponents from recycling haulers, grocers, beverage interests, counties, and solid waste providers argued it would function like a tax, raise consumer and retailer costs, duplicate or undermine curbside recycling and EPR, and create siting and implementation problems. No votes were taken on the bills in this transcript; the hearing concluded with public testimony and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• These measures don't reflect a pure market value of assets.
• Instead, it's a smooth value, which helps limit volatility over time.
• We start with the market value of assets, but then we develop what's called an actual value, or a smooth
• value of assets, like you mentioned.
• So it's not the asset value of the house, but obviously they're intertwined in any given market.

Committee: Joint Pension Funding Council

Summary: The Pension Funding Council met on October 8 with introductions from council members and staff, then received a detailed presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on long-term economic assumptions and the state pension systems’ financial condition. OSA reported that the combined pension systems are currently 100% funded on a smoothed basis, with open plans above 95% funded, and that legacy Plan 1 systems remain on a path toward full funding under current policy. The actuaries recommended updating assumptions to 3% inflation, 3.5% general salary growth, and a 7.25% investment return, while keeping Plan 1 membership growth at 1%. They also explained asset smoothing, the role of recent strong investment returns, and the expected budget impacts of the recommended changes. Representatives from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council and the State Investment Board offered supporting perspectives, generally describing the assumptions as reasonable and consistent with their own outlooks. The council also heard an overview of the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WACares) from DSHS and OSA. Program staff described the program’s social insurance structure, premium collection, benefit eligibility, and upcoming implementation milestones. OSA reported that the program’s first actuarial valuation showed a positive actuarial balance under the base scenario and recommended no change to the current 0.58% premium rate during the program’s early learning phase, noting that future changes would depend on experience and the program’s risk-management framework. OSA also said the recommendation would remain the same regardless of the outcome of the pending ballot measure affecting investment options. During public comment, a representative of the Washington State School Retirees Association urged continued work on Plan 1 funding and related legislation, while the Association of Washington Cities cautioned against increasing pension assumptions in a way that could raise future employer costs and reduce flexibility for current local government services. In action, the council adopted a motion to maintain the current long-term economic assumptions by a 4-2 vote, adopted the recommendation to keep the WACares premium rate at 0.58% by a 6-0 vote, and then elected Katie Chapman as council chair by unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I like to think we've proven the value of a strong Democratic party, but also of a strong Republican
• ><00:01:57.600><c> we've</c><00:01:57.920><c> proven</c><00:01:58.159><c> the</c><00:01:58.399><c> value
• </c> I like to think we've proven the value I like to think we've proven the value of<00:01:58.719><c
• The president has also chosen, and I stress this, chosen to tear up the values that once made America
• </c> stress this chosen to tear up the values stress this chosen to tear up the values that<00:10:34.160

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesotans should not be forced to unknowingly fund people who are actively working against their own values
• Minnesotans should not be forced to unknowingly fund people who are actively working against their own values
• Minnesotans should not be forced to unknowingly fund people who are actively working against their own values
• Minnesotans should not be forced to unknowingly fund people who are actively working against their own values
• Minnesotans should not be forced to unknowingly fund people who are actively working against their own values

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As I start my 7th term in office, I have come to appreciate the value of maintaining friendships, despite
• Throughout his bid to be our next speaker, David has consistently shown that he values all perspectives
• David values cooperation over conflict, service over self-interest, and the priorities of Texans over
• They're not values that are limited by either primary or either party.
• United by shared values that are bigger and stronger than our geographical or our political differences

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:55.599><c> if</c> Hampshire logs have a lesser value if Hampshire logs have a lesser value
• </c> Hampshire has a little best less value Hampshire has a little best less value because<00:48:04.640
• </c> tremendous effect on the strength value tremendous effect on the strength value of<00:55:05.760>
• It was mentioned by a previous speaker as a safety value.
• value in public<01:58:12.800><c> travel.

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:49.920><c> and</c> disability community was valued and disability community was valued and worked
• So, please keep the value of people in So, please keep the value of people in mind<00:18:15.120><c> as
• I wish that we would value people more for just their productivity and the value they give to our communities
• I wish that we would value people more for just their productivity and the value they give to our communities
• <00:51:29.320><c> to</c> productivity and the value they give to productivity and the value they give

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• money at a higher value on a burger and a restaurant, and we're trying to make sure the equipment that
• you make it on is not taxed when you're creating a much higher valued price because we're getting the
• They produce something, make it a higher value.
• </c> something make it a higher value something make it a higher value we<01:24:55.119><c> collect</c
• for sale where taxes will be value for sale where taxes will be collected<01:29:40.159><c> and</c><01

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , and valuing real estate, which also requires appraisals.
• , so it's easier to value.
• How do you value?
• </c> probate forms that automatically value probate forms that automatically value so<00:31:45.639><c
• to Value so it's easier to Value but<00:31:50.519><c> you</c><00:31:50.679><c> know</c><00:31:50.919

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now universal school meals are a California value. ...I think about Dr.
• So I encourage all of us, as we approach the end of this legislative cycle, to reflect on the values
• national celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States... ...we cannot fully claim the values
• Not when these same values were denied and delayed to enslaved Black Americans 161 years ago.
• Not when these same values were denied and delayed to enslaved Black Americans 161 years ago.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and recognized several guests and honorees, including CAUSE leadership academy participants, retiring FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, a Capitol intern, environmental leaders celebrating Black Conservation Week, family members of members, and NASA astronaut Captain Victor Glover Jr. The body also took up a number of routine file items and committee referral requests, with several bills referred to committees by unanimous consent and multiple items passed or retained on file. The main floor debate centered on ACR 214, the Juneteenth resolution. Members from the Black Caucus and other caucuses spoke in support, describing Juneteenth as both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder that freedom and equality remain unfinished work. Speakers emphasized Black history, civil rights, solidarity across communities, and ongoing issues such as education, housing, health, incarceration, and economic inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 coauthors were added. The Assembly also considered AB 2285 on blockchain staking and crypto regulation. The author argued the bill would provide consumer protections and clear rules for banks, credit unions, and crypto exchanges, while an opponent warned it could weaken securities oversight and consumer safeguards. The bill passed 45-1, and the author requested immediate transmission to the Senate. Later, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment passed 55-0 after brief support for clarifying fee rules and reducing duplicative costs. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including resolutions for Women’s Equality Day and the International Day of Yoga, along with several Senate bills, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Assembly announced it would not meet on Friday, June 19, would reconvene Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see you, we value you, and we have a responsibility to make sure that no family is left to do this
• workforce, and is it any surprise that they're paid less than what they should be if we were placing a value
• workforce and is it any surprise that they're paid less than what they should be if we were placing a value
• the survivors for sharing their truth and hopes that by renaming this day, we are supporting the values
• I appreciate the diverse perspectives and understanding of the value of the farm workers.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of guest introductions, including Canadian diplomatic visitors and youth soccer champions from Senator Niello’s district. The body also recognized guests connected to arts education and later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Caitlin “Katie” Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The President announced the Senate would enter a one-week spring recess and return on April 6, 2026. On the floor, the Senate adopted SR 89 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day in California. Supporters emphasized the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and services for people with profound autism and their families. The resolution passed by a 35-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SCR 147 by Senator Allen, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with remarks stressing the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success; it passed 37-0. The chamber then adopted SCR 141 by Senator Wahab, recognizing March 26, 2026 as Women’s Equal Pay Day. Senators discussed the gender pay gap, its impact on families, and the need for transparency and enforcement; the resolution passed 37-0. The Senate also approved AB 2156, an urgency measure to proclaim March 31 as Farm Worker Day, with extensive debate about farm workers’ historical contributions, labor conditions, and the decision to rename the day in light of recent allegations involving the prior honoree. The bill passed unanimously, 37-0, including the urgency clause. Finally, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 968, SJR 11, SB 1005, and SB 1080, by unanimous vote. A committee announcement noted Budget Subcommittee 3 would meet upon adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see you, we value you, and we have a responsibility to make sure that no family is left to do this
• And is it any surprise that they're paid less than what they should be if we were placing a value on
• the survivors for sharing their truth and hopes that by renaming this day, we are supporting the values
• The values of the movement of dignity and justice.
• I appreciate the diverse perspectives and understanding of the value of the farm workers, as the people

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several guest introductions, including a Canadian diplomatic delegation visiting for Canada Day at the Capitol and the undefeated Under-11 San Juan Spirits soccer team. The chamber also recognized guests connected to later resolutions, including families and advocates tied to profound autism and farm worker issues, as well as arts education leaders. The Senate adopted SR 89, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day, after remarks emphasizing the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and lifelong services for people with profound autism and their caregivers. Members also adopted SCR 147, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with support focused on the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success. Both resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up AB 2156, an urgency measure renaming Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day and proclaiming March 31 as Farm Worker Day. Supporters from multiple caucuses and regions spoke about the history of farm labor, the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers, and the need to honor the broader movement and its diverse participants; some speakers also referenced recent allegations and the desire to center survivors and workers rather than one individual. The bill passed with 37 ayes and 0 noes, including the urgency clause. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of several items without objection, then adjourned in memory of Caitlin Mardell Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The session concluded with announcements of a committee meeting and a one-week spring recess, with the next floor session scheduled for April 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think one point on the value on the independent research side of things is that we have no dog in
• And I think the other important part on the value side of things is that some of the work that we're
• So I think one point on the value on the independent research side of things is that we have no dog in
• And I think the other important part on the value side of things is that some of the work that we're
• So I think that there's a lot of value to the state in that specifically.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's very difficult for any Minnesotan and it's very difficult for us to take at face value anything
• </c><00:20:59.360><c> take</c><00:20:59.520><c> at</c><00:20:59.760><c> faith</c><00:21:00.000><c> value
• </c> difficult for us to take at faith value difficult for us to take at faith value at<00:21:00.559>
• <c> face</c><00:21:00.880><c> value</c><00:21:01.600><c> anything</c><00:21:02.000><c> that</c><00:21
• :02.559><c> uh</c><00:21:02.960><c> the</c><00:21:03.200><c> walls</c> at face value anything that uh

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• preferred approach because it covers agreements with both children and adults, and we think there's a value
• We trust those recommendations because we value and trust their expertise.
• so that survivors who have not yet come forward would do so knowing they would be believed, was of value
• of privacy. of secrecy that too many people... the mis-value of secrecy that too many people have had
• And, you know, we think it produced. a great value for change. It is in a better place. Absolutely.

Bills: HB128 , HB34 , HB128 , HB621 , HB748 , HB2259 , HB2960 , HB3113 , HB4749 , SB835

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, administrative penalties, advisory board, employee protection, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy, local government, state agency, political subdivision, foreign adversary, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Taiwan, major non-NATO ally