Transcript Highlights:

• bond authorization for the Department of Transportation to issue highway revenue bonds for highway capital
• essentially, if your negligence is caused by alcohol and you hurt someone, that should be treated as a felony
• essentially, if your negligence is caused by alcohol and you hurt someone, that should be treated as a felony
• have shown the cases that you take to trial that could have constituted as potentially an upgraded felony
• have shown the cases that you take to trial that could have constituted as potentially an upgraded felony

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 11, 2025, and heard a series of bills focused on transportation funding and roadway safety. HB 1154 would cap Central Services assessments from the state highway, airport, and harbor funds, with a CPI-based process for additional deductions; the Department of Transportation supported it and the Department of Budget and Finance offered comments. HB 1164 would restore highway revenue bond authorization for DOT capital projects, and HB 1286 would prohibit pedestrians from walking along interstate and certain state highways except for authorized duties; both drew DOT support, with Ulupono Initiative and an individual offering comments or support on HB 1286. HB 1162 would require motorcycle instruction permit applicants, beginning July 1, 2026, to complete an approved basic rider course before becoming eligible, and HB 537 would require helmets and chin straps for all operators and passengers of two-wheel motorized vehicles; both had DOT support, with HB 537 also drawing support from AAA Hawaii and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and opposition from one individual. The committee then took up HB 387, which would expand negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing current law already covers drunk driving and that the proposal would turn alcohol-caused negligence causing injury into a felony; prosecutors from Honolulu and Hawaiʻi counties and DOT supported it, saying serious injuries short of “substantial bodily injury” are not adequately punished and that circuit court would better handle restitution and related proceedings. Members asked about data on cases that might fit the new felony category, and prosecutors said they did not have exact numbers but could try to provide more information. The committee also heard HB 1084 and the related HB 1387, both of which would lower Hawaiʻi’s per se DUI blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Support came from DOT, police departments, the Department of Health, prosecutors, the Governor’s office, MADD Hawaii, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance, AAA Hawaii, and the National Transportation Safety Board, all citing research that lower BAC limits reduce impaired driving and fatalities. The Public Defender opposed the change, and some testimony raised concerns about enforcement and the need for an amendment in HB 1084. Several individuals and advocates gave emotional testimony about crashes and losses tied to impaired driving, while supporters emphasized that a 0.05 standard would save lives and would not harm alcohol sales or the tourism economy. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also strengthens ballot security by making it a felony to unlawfully remove voted ballots from
• month a state-financed supportive housing unit sits vacant, a month of delayed return on California's capital
• investment and continued pressure on more expensive state California's capital investment and continued

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, and began by taking up a large consent calendar, moving a first group of bills to the floor consent calendar and a second group by due pass. The committee then heard and advanced a series of measures covering housing, public safety, health care, education, and local government issues. Among the bills discussed were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions, AB 2525 on a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park, AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, AB 2055 on boating safety and enforcement, AB 1579 on children’s crisis residential services, AB 2139 on a Surplus Lands Act amendment for an Inland Empire soccer project, AB 2041 on EMS reporting, AB 1973 on reproductive health scope for advanced practice clinicians, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation, AB 1809 on school job order contracting, SB 73 on election security, AB 2418 on commercial building permit timelines, AB 1970 on step therapy limits for serious mental illness and substance use treatment, AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability, AB 1976 on bike and pedestrian project approvals, AB 2110 on tax increment financing for workforce housing, and AB 2146 on supportive housing documentation and vacancy rules. Testimony was generally supportive for the measures heard. Authors and sponsors emphasized consumer fairness, housing production, public safety, access to care, and administrative streamlining. Supporters included local governments, housing advocates, school districts, law enforcement groups, health care organizations, and affected individuals. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public testimony from wildfire survivors and local officials who urged stronger compensation for victims of PG&E-caused fires and relief from high utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were raised during public comment on bills not heard in committee, with several industry groups opposing AB 2034 and both supporters and opponents speaking on AB 1790’s Waters Edge issue. Most bills were reported out of committee on due pass motions, with several noted as amended or with members not voting on particular roll calls. The committee also read and approved a lengthy suspense calendar, then opened public comment on bills not presented that day before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• whereas Tolleson's agricultural roots run deep and the city was once proudly known as the vegetable capital
• It strengthens penalties for straw purchasing by making it a clear felony.
• This bill is just an attempt to wring more political capital out of attacking trans people and won't

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several points of personal privilege recognizing guests, including a newly graduated Army servicemember, the Doctor of the Day, and members of Delta Sigma Theta visiting for Delta Day at the Capitol. The chamber also adopted a proclamation designating April 10, 2026, as Founders Day in the City of Tolleson, with remarks highlighting the city’s history and the Whoopi Days Festival. The House then appointed a conference committee on HB 2874 after voting not to concur in Senate amendments. The House considered several bills in Committee of the Whole. On SB 1058, a floor amendment offered by Rep. Gutierrez to address gun trafficking, merchant codes, and related enforcement tools failed by a vote of 17-32, and the bill was then recommended do pass. SB 1094, dealing with civil liability related to gender transition procedures for minors, drew extended debate over constitutionality, medical liability, and impacts on physicians and patients, and it was also recommended do pass. SB 1136, SB 1422, and SB 1663 (with a Blackman floor amendment adopted) each received do pass recommendations. Later, the House adopted Committee of the Whole reports placing SB 1075 and SB 1202 on third reading, retaining SB 1419 on the calendar, and advancing SCM 1004 and SCM 1007. On third reading, the House passed SB 1024, SB 1148, SB 1232, SB 1293, and SB 1586, with members explaining votes on issues including vehicle registration, Supreme Court administration, outdoor advertising and zoning, GPLET tax policy, and state agency matters. The chamber then recessed briefly for announcements and personal privilege remarks, and finally adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• whereas Tolleson's agricultural roots run deep and the city was once proudly known as the vegetable capital
• It strengthens penalties for straw purchasing by making it a clear felony.
• This bill is just an attempt to wring more political capital out of attacking trans people and won't

Transcript Highlights:

• Also here to register support from Small Business Majority, California Capital Financial Development
• in the first place, not having a bond, not having leaders of the company be convicted of certain felonies
• As an example, one of the CFPB cases that was just dismissed was against Capital One Bank.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called capital flight.
• So the idea that they think the capital flight isn't happening is just willfully ignoring the facts directly
• It took capital gains tax three years to get passed.
• the new Attorney General's top two legislative priorities: a bill to make violation of a permit a felony

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax on high earners, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans argued the income tax was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, would lead to capital flight and broader tax expansion, and was being rushed through without adequate public input. They also criticized the budget process as overspending revenues, relying on gimmicks, and setting up future deficits and tax increases. The leaders said the House was preparing to consider a transportation bond bill requiring a three-fifths vote, along with bills on data centers, pharmaceutical wholesale taxes, K-12 funding, highway construction, direct electric vehicle sales, abortion-related funding, and an electric transmission measure. They said Democrats could pass the bond bill without Republican votes if all 59 House Democrats supported it, but Republicans opposed bonding for maintenance and preservation. They also said the budget could be balanced even if some of the tax bills failed. Much of the discussion centered on the 24-hour House debate over the income tax, which Republicans said they extended to force daylight debate and highlight objections. They said the bill passed by two votes and that several Democrats privately opposed it. Republicans also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or the Working Families Tax Credit rather than special interests. In closing, they said House Republicans had been successful in opposite-house cutoff, killing 54% of Senate bills sent to the House and helping produce one of the lowest numbers of bills passed in years.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called capital flight.
• So the idea that they think the capital flight isn't happening is just willfully ignoring the facts directly
• It took capital gains tax three years to get passed.
• the new Attorney General's top two legislative priorities: a bill to make violation of a permit a felony

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax proposal, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans said the income tax was a major, rushed change to the tax code, argued it was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, and criticized Democrats for blocking referendum options and for what they described as a tax-first approach to affordability and budgeting. They also said the budget conference process was likely to produce another deficit and warned of future tax increases if spending is not restrained. On transportation, Republicans discussed a bond bill needed to support the transportation budget and noted it requires a three-fifths vote in the House, which Democrats could reach on their own. They said they generally support maintenance and preservation but are skeptical of bonding for those purposes. They also identified other bills likely to move at the end of session, including a data center tax, a wholesale pharmaceutical tax, a K-12 funding bill, a highway construction bill, a direct electric vehicle sales bill, and an electric transmission bill. Republicans repeatedly framed the income tax as a “millionaires tax” that could later expand to more taxpayers, and said the 24-hour floor debate was intended to slow the process and force daylight scrutiny. They also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or other public needs rather than special interests. In closing, Stokesbary said House Republicans had defeated a majority of Senate bills sent to the House and had helped stop several major Democratic priorities, including an agriculture unionization bill and other tax and regulatory measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> those kind of we'll call capital those kind of we'll call capital purchases<01:14:19.240><c> except
• And uh just talk briefly about uh the capital structure.
• ,</c> capital structure.
• When we say capital, capital structure.
• The it's okay for us to capitalize that.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• You get to represent the Space Coast, the International Speedway, and the shark attack capital of the
• It provides that shooting into an unoccupied autonomous vehicle is a felony of the second degree.
• Specifically, this bill: one, makes it a third-degree felony to commit animal cruelty, sex acts with
• This keeps taxpayers off the hook while enabling a modern private capital solution.
• A violation is a third-degree felony.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes to fallen service members. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar focused on a series of bills, with most measures receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief explanations and floor debate. Several bills were temporarily postponed, but the body took up and passed multiple others, often substituting identical House companions before final passage. The first major measure, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, drew extensive supportive debate from senators who described debate as a civic skill that builds confidence, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, especially for students in public schools and underserved communities. An amendment creating a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, expanding access through public-private partnerships, and establishing coach training was adopted, and the bill ultimately passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 1072 creating an Anti-Semitism Task Force, with a late-filed amendment clarifying that the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is not intended to infringe First Amendment rights; that bill also passed 37-0. Other measures passed included a PFAS bill phasing out firefighting foam containing forever chemicals and setting testing, reporting, and enforcement requirements; an expansion of the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program; student health and safety legislation expanding seizure-response training in schools; updates to funeral and cemetery regulation; protected cell captive insurance company legislation aimed at increasing insurance market capacity; nonprofit corporation updates; child welfare reforms streamlining foster-care medication approvals and related procedures; salvage title/e-signature changes; and forensic client services changes allowing certain APD clients to be housed with other secure forensic residents. Most of these bills were passed after substituting House companions and received unanimous votes. The most contentious debate came on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Senator Yarborough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting DEI practices he described as discriminatory or ideological, while several amendments sought to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances such as LGBTQ Pride Month. Those amendments were rejected, and debate continued on the bill’s scope and exemptions, but the transcript ends before final disposition of SB 1134 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You get to represent the Space Coast, the International Speedway, and the shark attack capital of the
• It provides that shooting into an unoccupied autonomous vehicle is a felony of the second degree.
• This keeps taxpayers off the hook while enabling a modern private capital solution.
• It brings more capital into the market.
• A violation is a third-degree felony.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations. The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• As was noted, at the University of California, we have billions of dollars in unfunded capital needs,
• The CSU is proud to support AB 48, which will help finance critical capital renewal projects about the
• renovation, and renewal of facilities throughout our 23-campus system, as outlined in our five-year capital
• The CSU is proud to support AB48, which will help finance critical capital renewal projects about the
• renovation, and renewal facilities throughout our 23 campus system, as outlined in our five-year capital

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development heard a long agenda focused mainly on housing production, higher education facilities, homelessness, and permitting reform. Early items included AB 6, which would direct HCD to convene a working group on allowing three- to ten-unit “missing middle” housing to be built under the Residential Code rather than the Building Code; AB 48, a higher education bond proposal that would fund campus repairs, modernization, disaster recovery, and student/employee housing; and AB 76, which would clarify a Chula Vista university innovation district exemption so the project can include academic buildings and housing without conflicting with surplus land rules. Supporters emphasized affordability, cost savings, student housing needs, and access to education, while members raised questions about implementation, affordability requirements, and project scope. The committee later took votes on these items, with AB 6, AB 48, and AB 76 all moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Members also heard AB 595, which would create a state homeownership tax credit pilot to support affordable for-sale housing. The author and supporters argued that California’s homeownership rate is at historic lows and that the bill would help close racial wealth gaps by financing homes working families can buy. The committee approved AB 595 and sent it to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including several other housing-related bills, was also approved unanimously. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act of 2025, which would require ongoing state investment and a financing plan to address homelessness and housing affordability. The author and witnesses described the scale of homelessness, the limits of one-time funding, and the need for sustained, accountable funding streams. After testimony from housing advocates and people with lived experience, the committee passed AB 1165 on a 10-0 vote to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 609, a CEQA reform bill that would create a simplified exemption for qualifying infill housing projects in already developed areas. Supporters framed it as a targeted way to reduce delays and costs for housing near jobs and transit, while opponents from environmental justice, labor, and tribal groups warned it could reduce public participation, weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, and create consultation concerns for tribal cultural resources. The author said the bill would not change zoning or affordability tools and would continue to work with opponents on amendments. The bill was moved forward after extensive discussion, with members noting ongoing negotiations on tribal consultation and labor concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that green line at the top are felony that green line at the top are felony C's.<00:45:56.240><c
• </c> um, percentage of admissions for felony um, percentage of admissions for felony C's<00:46:03.520
• ,</c> within your offices here at the capital, within your offices here at the capital, but<02:19:31.920
• We continue the core capital district.
• Wouldn't core of the capital district.

Transcript Highlights:

• is<00:48:52.960><c> convicted</c><00:48:53.280><c> of</c><00:48:53.520><c> a</c><00:48:53.680><c> felony
• </c><00:48:54.319><c> or</c><00:48:54.559><c> quote</c> is convicted of a felony or quote is convicted
• of a felony or quote mentally<00:48:55.440><c> ill.
• </c><01:44:32.639><c> So,</c><01:44:32.880><c> that's</c><01:44:33.199><c> the</c> committed a felony
• So, that's the committed a felony. So, that's the detainer<01:44:33.920><c> issue.

Bills: HF3405 , HF3413 , HF3769 , HF3768 , HF3771 , HF3465

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires teaching students how to compare systems, Marxism and fascism, communism and capitalism,
• ,</c> and fascism, communism and capitalism, and fascism, communism and capitalism, and<01:25:18.880>
• If you were recently convicted of a felony, that's good cause for eviction.
• It encourages planning through capital reserve funds and honest pay-as-you-go budgeting.
• </c> It encourages planning through capital It encourages planning through capital reserve<05:03:20.080

Transcript Highlights:

• So if somebody has $1 million of long-term capital gains subject to the Washington capital gains tax,
• This includes a tax credit for any capital gains tax owed on the same long-term capital gains included
• would not be captured within the existing capital gains tax.
• Capital gains, Washington, care.
• And as a reminder, capital grant programs are allowed to use 3% of their capital appropriation for administrative

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on February 6, 2026, and first voted to suspend the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda. Senators Braun and Gildon objected, arguing the bill needed more public review and that the fiscal note had only just been released, but a roll call vote passed 15-9 and the committee proceeded to Senate Bill 6346. Staff briefed SB 6346 as a proposal to create a 9.9% income tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million per-household standard deduction, with a $50,000 charitable deduction, apportionment rules for nonresidents and certain professions, quarterly estimated payments, and credits for capital gains tax and certain business taxes. Staff said the tax would begin in 2029 and eventually raise about $3.5 billion annually from roughly 30,000 taxpayers. The bill also would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, create a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products, increase the small business B&O tax credit and filing threshold, and end the B&O surcharge on high-grossing businesses one year early. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, its exemption from referendum, treatment of student athletes, natural-resource industries, and whether real estate gains would be captured. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor groups, educators, health care advocates, counties, child care workers, and some business owners and high-income individuals, said the bill would make the tax code more progressive and provide stable funding for health care, education, child care, public defense, and other services, while expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. Opponents, including many small business, construction, housing, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, harm housing production and investment, encourage wealthy residents and businesses to leave the state, and violate the state constitution or the will of voters. No final action on SB 6346 was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You get to represent the Space Coast, the International Speedway, and the shark attack capital of the
• It provides that shooting into an unoccupied autonomous vehicle is a felony of the second degree.
• It provides that shooting into an unoccupied autonomous vehicle is a felony of the second degree.
• It brings more capital into the market.
• A violation is a third-degree felony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to change the bill to say it's a felony to possess such a firearm.
• say it's a felony to possess such<01:28:44.560><c> a</c><01:28:44.719><c> firearm.
• Possession of a stolen firearm carries a penalty equivalent to a Class A felony.
• Possession of a stolen firearm carries a penalty equivalent to a Class A felony.
• The man was charged with a felony and sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, an aspect of this bill is requiring the removal of an individual from voter rolls based on a felony
• </c><00:39:52.480><c> do</c><00:39:52.680><c> believe</c><00:39:53.000><c> that</c> convicted of felonies
• I do believe that convicted of felonies.
• </c><01:28:18.640><c> But,</c> of the renovations of the capital.
• But, of the renovations of the capital.

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• In litigation harvesting financing, outside capital is used to mass-solicit legal claims, convert them
• In litigation harvesting financing, outside capital is used to mass-solicit legal claims, convert them
• They were the plaintiff that used Burford Capital, the largest funder... They are Goliath.
• Cisco ends up suing Burford Capital. They settle.
• This crime would be a third-degree felony, similar to a mortgage fraud under Florida law, and that is

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 620, which would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any citizenship in countries other than the United States. The bill was presented as a transparency measure, with one opponent waiving time, and it was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 1396 on litigation financing consumer protection. Supporters from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, and U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform argued the bill would add transparency, limit funder control, and require disclosure of foreign entities involved in litigation funding. Opponents, including the Florida Justice Association, argued the bill would create strategic advantages for defendants and could affect discovery and settlement dynamics. The bill passed 7-2. The committee also approved SB 192, removing a $1,500 cap on patient funds chiropractors may hold in trust; SB 888, limiting indemnity and insurance requirements in design-professional contracts; CS/SB 332, creating a temporary closed-meeting exemption for pre-suit Burt Harris litigation strategy discussions; SB 820, requiring quarterly reporting on problem-solving courts; SB 1500, updating uncontested probate procedures; SB 1224, making fraudulent entry into rental dwellings a third-degree felony; and SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest rates on law firm trust accounts. Each of these bills was reported favorably, with broad support and little or no opposition. The committee also advanced CS/SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step in addressing the wrongful convictions, deaths, and long-term harm suffered by Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas. Family members and advocacy groups testified in support, urging the state to complete its acknowledgment of wrongdoing with monetary compensation. An amendment was adopted to divide any appropriation equally among the four families. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, SB 144 creating a public records exemption for personal information of Judicial Qualifications Commission employees and their families was approved 9-1. Several members also requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if somebody has $1 million of long-term capital gains subject to the Washington capital gains tax,
• This includes a tax credit for any capital gains tax owed on the same long-term capital gains included
• would not be captured within the existing capital gains tax.
• Capital gains, Washington, care.
• And as a reminder, capital grant programs are allowed to use 3% of their capital appropriation for administrative

Bills: SB6346 , SB6347 , SB6147 , SB6246 , SB5940 , SB5882 , SB6223 , SJR8206 , SB5762 , SB5828

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue