Transcript Highlights:

• What rules are in place for selection committee members when it comes to communicating with bidders?
• How do departments communicate?
• Is there communication between the procurement team and the contract management team and the accounts
• So when it says no ex parte communications, there are none.
• And if it's appropriated, if it's taxpayers, if it's fees you pay at the registry, if it's community

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And best practices for communication.
• Ultimately benefiting both public safety and community trust. There's no fiscal note.
• This bill protects the safety of the autism community, strengthens public trust, and provides officers
• Good evening, Chairman Heffner and members of the community. My name is Nick Hines.
• Like many individuals with autism, my son communicates and reacts to the world differently.

Bills: SB 36

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• The internet is being used for horrible purposes, and I think it's our job to keep up with technology
• The internet is being used for horrible purposes, and I think it's our job to keep up with technology
• The internet is being used for horrible purposes, and I think it's our job to keep up with technology
• The internet is being used for horrible purposes, and I think it's our job to keep up with technology
• And now that we have the technology to be able to stop and catch people who do it, I think it's appropriate

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that all cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or on silent mode
• Florida's economy depends on many industries: tourism, manufacturing, green trades, technology, and health
• I am so grateful to everyone in the community who drove so far to come.
• Our country serves as he served his community. Now we serve the state of Florida.
• And listen, we've talked about this over and over and over again, Florida's agricultural community and

Transcript Highlights:

• administering closed party primary procedures, operating and monitoring voting machines and election technology
• administering closed party primary procedures, operating and monitoring voting machines and election technology

Bills: HB65 , HB67 , HB73 , HB205 , HB225 , HB339 , HB550

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: sexual harassment, public employees, training requirements, mandatory education, elected officials, public records, personal information, protected individuals, ethics, transparency, public meetings, voting, electronic voting machine, government accountability, term limits, governor, Louisiana constitution, elections, gubernatorial, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, technology is maybe not one of my strong suits. I came here with written notes today.
• And we'll see if we can get technology to work. Doctor, can you hear the committee all right?

Summary: The Senate Commerce committee approved the January 22, 2026 minutes and then heard three gubernatorial appointments. Erica Malman of Boise was introduced for the Idaho Personnel Commission; she described her background as a natural resources attorney and law firm managing partner, and senators asked about the challenges and rewards of commission service and her legal practice. Brett Thomas of Twin Falls was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Dr. Karen Cabell of Post Falls was appointed to the same board; both briefly outlined their professional backgrounds and service, and the committee indicated it would likely vote on the appointments the following Tuesday. The committee then considered two DOPL rules dockets. Docket 24-3201-2101 for the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors moved licensing fees into rule, formalized a 60% fee reduction, and removed intern-related fees; it received no public comments and was approved. Docket 24-3950-2101 for the Public Works Contractors Board finalized temporary fee reductions of 16% to 20% and added “not to exceed” language to allow future reductions; it also drew no public comments and was approved effective sine die. Senate Bill 1221 was presented by Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association and supported by a water master from Water District 65. The bill would change Percy retirement language from “irrigation district” to “irrigation or drainage entity” so seasonal retirees can work up to eight months for certain water entities without triggering penalties, matching how the provision is already applied. The committee heard no opposition and voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The final presentation was an informational briefing from NCCI on Idaho workers’ compensation. Todd Johnson explained NCCI’s role as the state’s rating bureau, described declining claim frequency and generally favorable combined ratios, and noted recent rate decreases, including a 2.5% overall decrease effective January 1, 2026, plus reductions in assigned-risk surcharges. Senators asked about high-risk employers, NCCI’s rating process, and whether it handles claims decisions; Johnson said NCCI sets class-code rate recommendations and does not decide compensability or claims adjustment. The committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, technology is maybe not one of my strong suits. I came here with written notes today.
• And we'll see if we can get technology to work. Doctor, can you hear the committee all right?

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bar, our most illustrious expert for Bitcoin and other technological matters, tell us about SB282
• It's like a heat-not-burning technology for cigarettes. I think we had a dinner... Cigarettes.

Bills: SB282 , SB300 , HB72 , HB396 , SB282 , SB300 , HB72 , HB396

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: virtual currency, cryptocurrency, tax exemption, state tax law, digital assets, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact, firefighter, license plate, fees, funds distribution, support programs, memorial, disabled veterans, property tax exemption, debt-to-income ratio, homestead, veterans affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, with the advent of technology, we have rifles, shotguns that are chambered like rifles, or with
• So technology has caught up to a point where this distinction is arbitrary.
• , everyone in the community, is aware and so this is also on the record.
• everyone in in the so that the community everyone in in the community<01:31:22.080><c> are</c><01:31
• close as possible to their local communities and to the ultimate use.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• partners. ...and coordinate with state, regional, and local agencies and community partners involved
• and intervention, and crisis intervention, strategies for coordinating resources, agencies, and community
• Now many of you know that she actually works in communications.
• It's how we fill out forms, understand our rights, and fully participate in our communities.
• Using evidence-based frameworks to guide collaboration reduces duplication, strengthens communication

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three K-12 bills focused on behavioral health, literacy, and review of education mandates. On House Bill 1634, staff and Rep. Milin Tai described a framework for OSPI and educational service districts to coordinate with state and local partners on behavioral health technical assistance and training for schools, aligned with the Washington Thriving prenatal-to-25 plan. Testifiers, including students and education/behavioral health representatives, said the bill would improve coordination, early intervention, and access to supports for students and families. The bill was presented as having no fiscal note because it relies on existing funding, and testimony emphasized parent and student engagement in the framework. On House Bill 2636, staff and Rep. Skyler Rude explained that the bill creates a Public Education Review Steering Committee to identify existing policies and funding provisions for JLARC review, with the goal of determining whether they achieve intended outcomes, improve student performance, are cost-effective, and should be maintained, modified, or repealed. Supporters said the bill is intended to help reduce burdensome or ineffective requirements on school districts and free resources for students, while some members questioned how the committee would define policy and whether it could affect future mandates. A representative of the Washington State School Directors Association supported the concept as a meaningful review of unfunded mandates. The committee also heard House Bill 1295, which would require evidence-aligned literacy curriculum updates after 2027, require comprehensive K-4 literacy programs using structured literacy practices, direct PESB to revise literacy endorsement standards, require literacy-related continuing education, and direct OSPI to develop educator literacy training. Supporters, including parents, educators, students, dyslexia advocates, and district staff, argued that structured literacy is supported by research and would improve outcomes for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. One witness from the Washington Education Association supported the bill but raised concern about adding another continuing-education requirement. Testimony on the bill was extensive and largely in favor, with some discussion about whether the approach would address older students and how it would interact with existing district and ESD efforts. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and approved three gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation. It adopted an amendment to House Bill 1796 and advanced the bill to Ways and Means, passed Engrossed House Bill 2317 to Rules, and adopted a striking amendment to Substitute House Bill 2594 before advancing it to Ways and Means. All actions were taken by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• suppliers who feed the entire country using practices that represent natural resources, utilizing technology
• No, none of that communication came from them.
• Mays works every day to keep our communities safe. She's been clear. A.G.
• Mays works every day to keep our communities safe.
• , in my community, is responsible leadership.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items recorded in the transcript. The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which was converted from a concurrent resolution to a Senate resolution and brought forward under a suspension of rules. The resolution condemned Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract, clarify, and resign. Senators debated whether the resolution was a necessary public safety response or a politically motivated stunt, with supporters arguing Mays’ remarks endangered officers and opponents saying the resolution misquoted her and was being rushed without committee review or public input. A floor amendment was adopted, and after extended debate the Senate passed SR 1036 on a 17-13 vote. After the resolution vote, the Senate briefly returned to personal privileges, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education, and then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026. The transcript does not show any other bill final actions beyond the SR 1036 vote and the routine referral and reporting of other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• suppliers who feed the entire country using practices that represent natural resources, utilizing technology
• No, none of that communication came from them.
• Mays works every day to keep our communities safe. She's been clear. A.G.
• Mays works every day to keep our communities safe.
• , in my community, is responsible leadership.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to know how well we're doing in meeting your needs and communicating the results of our work,
• how... ...those fiscal notes are intended to communicate how the staff estimate on how new legislation
• That's at 1 o'clock, right here, and on TVW, your community service, and on Zoom for members.
• Community service and on Zoom for members. Thank you very much. We're concluded.
• Adjourned for today. community service and on Zoom for members. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on January 7, 2026, approved the December minutes, and adopted an amended work plan. Staff proposed moving the drug take-back program sunset review up to 2026 and delaying the thermal energy network pilot review to 2028, which would free capacity for new studies. Members also discussed active bills that would eliminate two recurring JLARC reports, including one on lodging tax revenue data collection, and the committee adopted the work plan without objection. JLARC staff then outlined new performance measures for the committee itself, covering effectiveness, efficiency, and quality. The measures include member and legislative satisfaction surveys, presentations to other committees, recommendation follow-up, staff retention, on-time report delivery, peer review results, and national recognition. Members praised the effort and did not take formal action, treating the measures as an ongoing process. The committee also heard a proposal to improve JLARC’s review of tax preference performance statements by adding a standard rubric in fiscal notes to assess whether a metric matches the policy objective, is measurable, uses reliable data, and allows enough time for evaluation. Members supported the pilot approach. Staff also described planned changes to public records reporting guidance, including opt-outs for low-volume metrics, better validation, targeted outreach to nonreporting agencies, and a survey of records officers. Two preliminary reports were presented. On ignition interlock devices, JLARC found that only 41% of drivers with a requirement had installed a device, with installation rates rising sharply with income; financial assistance reaches only about 11% of users, and JLARC recommended clearer program goals and stronger coordination between the Department of Licensing and State Patrol. On the drug take-back program, JLARC found that the fee structure tied to operator expenditures limits the Department of Health’s ability to recover oversight costs and recommended public reporting of oversight spending and a statutory change to better align fees with actual costs. Agency representatives generally agreed with the findings, described current coordination and administrative changes, and said they would consider the recommendations. No formal votes were taken on the reports, which will return in final form later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Coastal communities support manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and tourism industries that play a critical
• owners and workers that sustain our tourism in these industries must be able to live in coastal communities
• Coastal communities are constantly struggling with the rising cost of their TUA policies.
• So for example, in in a community that has, say, inland homes and waterfront homes, you'd be able to
• It is important to us to advance the technology and the engineering, um, and then we think the market

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• When it visitors from every community.
• and towns and communities are not ready for<02:05:40.679><c> that.
• Damn of the community and the state. Um by of the community and the state.
• have the authority to regulate what comes into their community.
• comes into their community.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> communities healthy. Thank you. communities healthy. Thank you. Thank<00:05:11.479><c> you.
• The can community reinvestment grant.
• </c><00:41:56.800><c> Reinvestment</c> to the CAN Renew Community Reinvestment to the CAN Renew Community
• </c> established the uh can renew community established the uh can renew community reinvestment<00:42
• </c> uh, is the common interest community uh, is the common interest community ombbuds<00:53:11.680><

Bills: HF1646 , HF2443

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation will require a significant investment of state agency workforce and technology to ensure
• This legislation will require a significant investment of state agency workforce and technology to ensure
• agency significant investment of state agency workforce<00:29:30.399><c> and</c><00:29:30.640><c> technology
• </c><00:29:31.200><c> to</c><00:29:31.440><c> ensure</c> workforce and technology to ensure workforce
• and technology to ensure constant<00:29:32.320><c> data</c><00:29:32.640><c> matching</c><00:29:33.360

Bills: SB61 , SB8 , SB58 , SB60 , SB167 , SB61 , SB8 , SB58 , SB60 , SB167

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice, reciprocal licensing, background check, continuing education, workforce shortage, military spouse, active duty military, compact commission

Transcript Highlights:

• , as a parent, as someone who cares about their community.
• Anaheim is supportive of community care. Anaheim is supportive of community care facilities.
• So I want to thank you for the constant communication.
• This issue has become more urgent than ever for my community.
• , and that doesn't get communicated.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:55.319><c> Resources</c> families to Our Community Resources families to Our Community Resources
• Unfortunately, the delay to receive these services from the providers within our community are weeks,
• Unfortunately, the delay to receive these services from the providers within our community are weeks,
• our communities when we support<00:31:09.559><c> students</c><00:31:10.120><c> completely</c><00:31:
• </c><01:16:17.480><c> uh</c> lot of times with that communication uh lot of times with that communication

Bills: HF984 , HF921 , HF922

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education funding, nonpublic schools, counseling services, guidance services, transportation for students, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the greatest resources in our communities is older adults themselves.
• I think as a physician, as a parent, as someone who cares about their community.
• Anaheim is supportive of community care. Anaheim is supportive of community care facilities.
• This issue has become more urgent than ever for my community.
• that doesn’t get communicated, so there’s an accounting issue there.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all