Transcript Highlights:

• It must be a private four-year not-for-profit institution that meets the criteria of RCW 28B.50.040,
• RCW 26.44.020. Abuse and neglect.
• So it's kind of funny to me that female genital mutilation is considered abuse and neglect in RCW, but
• When it says compelling reasons, the underlying bill points to RCW 13.32A.082.
• It had a technical error in the reference to the RCW.

Bills: HB2689, SB5420, SB5868, SB5877

Keywords: Working Connections Child Care, child care subsidy, subsidized child care, Washington DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, low-income families, child care providers, licensed child care centers, family child care, market rate survey, subsidy rates, income eligibility, state median income, SNAP, Basic Food, collective bargaining, provider reimbursement, daily payment, half-day care, partial-day care

Transcript Highlights:

• discharge permits, including general permits issued by the Department of Ecology under Chapter 90.48 RCW
• , are considered credentials. ...Department of Ecology under Chapter 90.48 RCW are considered credentials

Bills: SB5000, SB5325, SB6044, SB6313, SB6084, SB6137

Keywords: state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday

Bills: SB6248, SB5976, SB6079, SB6250, SB6257, SB6289, SB6230, SB6312, SB6149, SGA9060, SGA9169, SGA9265, SGA9266

Keywords: travel insurance, travel protection plan, travel assistance services, cancellation fee waiver, travel retailer, travel administrator, limited lines producer, insurance producer license, blanket travel insurance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel medical coverage, emergency evacuation, repatriation, inland marine, premium tax, consumer protection, unfair trade practice, insurance commissioner, Washington RCW

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee met on cut-off day and first received a staff briefing on several gubernatorial appointments and bills, including travel insurance (SB 6248), false subject lines in commercial emails (SB 5976), wildfire mitigation grants and insurance underwriting limits (SB 6079), small loan principal limits (SB 6250), appraiser trainee licensing tolling (SB 6257), the statewide economic development strategic plan (SB 6289), cash transaction rounding to eliminate pennies (SB 6230), surveillance pricing in grocery stores, and a late-added proposed substitute on the definition of rural counties. Staff noted fiscal impacts where available and described proposed substitutes that adjusted effective dates, reporting requirements, eligibility, and other technical details. In executive session, the committee voted to recommend confirmation for gubernatorial appointments 9060 (Alicia Levy), 9169 (Michael Charles), 9265 (Brian Bennett), and 9266 (Noah Skartford). It then advanced SB 6248, SB 6079, SB 6250, SB 6257, SB 6289, SB 6230, and SB 6149 with due pass recommendations, sending most to Rules and SB 6079 to Ways and Means. SB 5976 was not considered, and SB 612 was removed from the agenda. Members and the chair closed by thanking committee staff, stakeholders, tribes, and those who testified in person or online during the short session. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• RCW 13.34.030 and 74.3.1 in this particular case. I urge adoption. Thank you.
• definitions in this particular case for individuals experiencing housing instability as defined in RCW
• amendment clarifies individuals with disabilities are those with disability defined in our statute, RCW
• Friendly amendment to ensure that the rural area as described in the bill aligns with all the other RCW

Bills: HB2157, HB2351, HB2365, HB2357, HB2446, HB2523, HB2606

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee met on January 27, first in executive session and later for public hearings. In executive session, the committee considered House Bills 2157 (high-risk AI systems), 2351 (protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations), 2365 (digital equity), 2357 (establishing the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol), and 2446 (developing the quantum technology industry). Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for each bill. The committee adopted amendments to HB 2157 exempting activities regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and covered entities under HIPAA, and then advanced the bill. HB 2351 and HB 2365 also advanced after debate and amendment votes; several definition-related amendments to HB 2365 were adopted, while others, including a data-sharing amendment and a rural-area amendment, were rejected. HB 2357 passed without amendment, and HB 2446 advanced after adoption of an amendment extending the strategy deadline, broadening eligible contractors, and making a technical correction. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2523, which would make the community reinvestment program ongoing, require periodic updates and reporting, and direct a study of fund distribution and use. Testifiers from workforce boards, tribal programs, reentry services, community organizations, and Commerce described successful uses of the program for job training, reentry, small business support, and economic mobility, and urged continued investment. Some witnesses suggested technical changes, including stronger accountability and clearer reporting. Commerce staff said the program had reached many organizations and people and supported the bill with technical recommendations. A second public hearing was held on House Bill 2606, which would update the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and performance measures in response to a JLARC audit. The bill would remove certain reporting requirements, add measures tied to privacy training, public contacts, staff education, and privacy assessments, and expand the office’s duties to include review of agency AI projects. The prime sponsor and the state chief privacy officer both said the bill aligns the office’s statute with its current capacity and JLARC’s recommendations, and the hearing concluded with no further committee action before adjournment.

Bills: HB2238, HB1311, HB1608, HB1735, HB1825, HB1976, HB2062

Keywords: HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum, BIPOC, tribal consultation, small farmers, diet-related health disparities, food affordability

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee opened public hearing on House Bill 2238, which would add food security coordination and food system performance monitoring to the Department of Agriculture’s duties and require a statewide food security strategy due by December 1, 2027. Prime sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves said the bill would codify and extend work the department had done under prior emergency authority and argued it would help coordinate agencies, food banks, farmers, schools, and other partners to address hunger and affordability. Testimony from food banks, farmers market advocates, agricultural groups, county government, grocers, hunger-relief organizations, and health-related coalitions was broadly supportive, with some asking for inclusion of people with lived experience and small farmers on advisory efforts and emphasizing food deserts, rising costs, and the need for better coordination. No one testified in opposition during the hearing, though the written record showed 137 pro and 166 con sign-ins. The committee then reviewed several bills on executive session, including measures on gray wolf management (HB 1311), farmed octopus (HB 1608), force-feeding birds/foie gras (HB 1735), grizzly bear management (HB 1825), invasive species education for pet retailers (HB 1976), and maple syrup processing operations (HB 262). Staff briefings described the bills and, for some, proposed amendments, but most action was deferred. Members discussed HB 1976’s retailer notice requirements and whether the bill provided funding for the required cards or pamphlets. The only bill voted out of committee was House Bill 1608, which would prohibit knowingly possessing, transporting, or distributing farmed octopus and allow a civil penalty. After debate, with supporters citing animal welfare and opponents raising concerns about unanswered questions, the committee approved the bill 6-5 on a roll call vote and sent it to the next committee with a do pass recommendation. Other bills on the executive session calendar were deferred, including HB 1735 for amendment and HB 1976 for further amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's chapter 74.45 RCW for transactions involving a covered material change transaction.

Bills: HB2255, HB2320, HB2548

Keywords: litigation finance, legal funding, lawsuit, financial services, access to justice, firearm regulation, manufacturing, safety standards, background checks, license requirements, health care market standards, hospital consolidation, merger review, health care transaction notice, attorney general review, antitrust, provider organizations, hospital systems, contracting affiliation, material change

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2255 would regulate third-party litigation funding by requiring disclosure of funders and financing agreements, limiting certain funder practices, capping funder recovery at 25% of a monetary award, and creating enforcement remedies. The bill sponsor and supporters from insurance and business groups described it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure that could improve case management and reduce costs, while opponents from the plaintiffs’ bar and litigation finance industry argued it would chill access to justice, create satellite litigation, and unfairly expose plaintiffs’ financing arrangements. No vote was taken; the chair asked testifiers to submit written comments and closed the hearing. The committee then heard HB 2548, which would expand state notice and review requirements for health care market transactions, including broader definitions of material changes, pauses for Attorney General information requests, interagency data-sharing, and revocation of nonprofit designation in certain transactions. Supporters, including patient advocates, nurses, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, and the Attorney General’s office, said the bill would help address consolidation, private equity involvement, and rising health care costs. Hospital and medical association representatives opposed or sought changes, citing drafting problems, undefined terms, concerns about overbreadth, and questions about how nonprofit status would be affected. Staff was asked to follow up on the alleged drafting error and other language concerns. Finally, the committee heard HB 2320, which would tighten restrictions on the manufacture and distribution of 3D-printed and CNC-produced firearms, digital firearm manufacturing code, and devices marketed for firearm production, and would make certain violations per se CPA violations. The sponsor and supporters, including school officials, gun violence survivors, students, researchers, and gun safety advocates, said the bill would close a loophole in existing ghost gun laws and respond to growing use of untraceable firearms. Opponents, including the NRA and a makerspace representative, argued the bill was overbroad, raised First, Second, and Fifth Amendment concerns, and could sweep in lawful 3D printing and CNC activities. The hearing ended with additional testimony in support and opposition; no action or vote was taken.

Bills: HB1175, HB1376, HB1500, HB1796

Keywords: HB1175, small business, residential zoning, land use, zoning reform, neighborhood store, neighborhood cafe, convenience store, minimarket, corner store, mixed-use, local government, city zoning, town zoning, code city, parking regulations, hours of operation, alcohol service, food requirement, commercial use in residential areas

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. The chamber then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and an opening prayer, followed by approval of the previous day’s minutes without objection. Under messages from the Senate, the clerk reported that the President had signed House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407 and Resolution 8407. The Speaker then signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407. The House also agreed to treat the bills, memorials, and resolutions on the day’s introduction sheet as first-reading items and refer them to the appropriate committees. No substantive debate or bill action occurred beyond these procedural steps. Representatives Ortiz-Self and Abbarno announced that the Democratic and Republican caucuses, respectively, would meet after adjournment. The House then adjourned until 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 15.

Bills: HB2428, HB2399, HB2087, HB2629, HB2483, HB2477

Keywords: life insurance, policy lapse, policy cancellation, nonpayment of premium, premium grace period, lapse notice, termination notice, third-party notice, third-party designee, beneficiary protection, consumer protection, insurance regulation, insurer notice requirements, policyholder, beneficiary, Washington RCW, insurance code, unintentional lapse, coverage continuation, premium delinquency

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met on February 4, 2026, and did not hold public hearings. House Bill 2629 was removed from consideration and not advanced. The committee was briefed on House Bill 2428, which would require insurers to give 30 days’ written notice before an individual life insurance policy lapses for nonpayment and to notify applicants of the right to designate a third party for lapse notices; the committee adopted Representative Ryu’s amendment clarifying the notice applies to nonpayment lapses, adjusting proof-of-delivery language, and adding a January 1, 2027 effective date. The committee also considered House Bill 2399, which would prohibit assignment of post-loss property insurance benefits. Supporters described it as a way to curb predatory assignments that transfer policyholder rights to contractors, while opponents argued it can help homeowners get repairs completed and return home, especially after flooding or other losses. The bill was reported out on a narrow 8-7 vote, with members noting the issue may need further work. House Bill 2087, creating the Washington Travel Insurance Act, was also advanced after a proposed substitute made changes to conflict-of-law language, attorney exclusions, child support-related license suspension, supervision liability, and rate-setting provisions; it passed 12-3. The committee then took up House Bill 2483 on data brokers and a public registry. Members adopted three amendments: one narrowing exemptions for entities with customer or business relationships, one delaying penalties until notice of noncompliance and making the registry public, and one exempting publicly available or already published information. Supporters said the bill would make hidden data practices visible and improve transparency, while opponents warned it was still too broad and could sweep in retailers, public entities, or other unintended actors. The amended bill passed 8-7. Finally, House Bill 2477, with an amendment limiting appraiser liability to clients and named intended users and clarifying appraisal reports, was unanimously reported out of committee. The committee then adjourned after thanking staff on cutoff day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, RCW 64. Last line. Correct the title. Remarks. Remarks.
• Section 1, RCW, last line. Correct the title.

Bills: HB1175, HB1376, HB1500, HB1796

Keywords: HB1175, small business, residential zoning, land use, zoning reform, neighborhood store, neighborhood cafe, convenience store, minimarket, corner store, mixed-use, local government, city zoning, town zoning, code city, parking regulations, hours of operation, alcohol service, food requirement, commercial use in residential areas

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer from Rabbi Seth Goldstein. After caucus announcements and routine approval of introductions and committee referrals, the chamber moved to second and third reading of several bills. House Bill 1175, concerning small business establishments in residential zones, was amended to give smaller communities more local control and then passed 94-2. House Bill 1376, allowing voluntary prepayment of the state capital gains tax to preserve a federal tax deduction, passed unanimously 97-0. House Bill 1500, dealing with resale certificates for units in common interest communities, received a technical striking amendment to update the bill to current condo law and then passed 85-12. On third reading, Substitute House Bill 1302, which would let local governments waive utility connection charges for certain industrial symbiosis or green technology projects, passed 76-21 after supporters described it as an environmental and economic development tool and opponents warned it could shift costs and raise utility prices. House Bill 1796, allowing school districts to bond against capital levy collections to accelerate construction projects, passed 78-19 amid debate over whether the change respected voter intent and public trust. Substitute House Bill 1980 was returned to second reading for a striking amendment, which was adopted, and then passed 97-0. Supporters said it would create a pilot program to help employers, transit agencies, and workers better use transportation infrastructure and HOV/transit lanes in congested areas. The House also re-referred House Joint Memorial 4010 and House Bill 2402 to different committees, then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Bills: HB1175, HB1376, HB1500, HB1796

Keywords: HB1175, small business, residential zoning, land use, zoning reform, neighborhood store, neighborhood cafe, convenience store, minimarket, corner store, mixed-use, local government, city zoning, town zoning, code city, parking regulations, hours of operation, alcohol service, food requirement, commercial use in residential areas

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. The chamber then observed the Pledge of Allegiance and heard an opening prayer from Pastor Gordy Hutchins of Evergreen Grace Church in Tacoma, who asked for clarity, humility, justice, compassion, and unity in the members’ work, ending with a lighthearted “Go Hawks.” The House approved the previous day’s minutes without objection and received a message from the Senate stating that the President had signed House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407 and Resolution 8407. The Speaker also signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407. The House agreed to treat the bills, memorials, and resolutions on the introduction sheet as first reading items and refer them to the appropriate committees. No substantive debate or votes on policy bills occurred. Members announced caucuses after adjournment, and the House adjourned until 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 15.

Bills: HB1239, HB2310, HB2490, HB2508, HB2510, HB2532, HB2539

Keywords: reentry, reentry readiness, recidivism, earned release time, good time credits, graduated reentry, community custody, partial confinement, home detention, work release, electronic monitoring, substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, corrections, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, sentencing, release date recalculation, transition services

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session on February 2, 2026, to consider several bills. Staff summarized House Bills 1239, 2310, 2490, 2508, 2510, 2532, and 2539, along with proposed substitutes and amendments. HB 1239 would expand earned release time and add a DOC pilot program for incarcerated survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence; HB 2310 would elevate certain fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation cases to a felony for repeat offenders; HB 2490 would revise extraordinary medical placement criteria; HB 2508 would expand Office of Independent Investigations reporting and access rules; HB 2510 would require DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking; HB 2532 would make nitrous oxide distribution a gross misdemeanor with exemptions; and HB 2539 would raise the inmate indigency threshold and, in the substitute, retain only that increase. The committee took action on amendments to HB 1239, rejecting amendments that would have extended supervision for earned early release, reduced the maximum earned release percentage for serious violent and Class A sex offenses, and barred earned release time from being used if parole is later established. It adopted amendments excluding sexual motivation enhancements from earned release calculations and adding a second pilot program at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton. The committee then reported out Substitute HB 1239 on a 5-4 vote, with members split over public safety, victim impact, and sentence length concerns. HB 2310, HB 2508, HB 2510, HB 2532, and HB 2539 were all reported out with do pass recommendations, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 2508 was amended to narrow and clarify reporting requirements for non-deadly force incidents and in-custody deaths. HB 2532 was amended to add a veterinary care exemption for nitrous oxide. HB 2539’s substitute, which removed the telephone-services provision and kept only the indigency-threshold increase from $25 to $100, passed 6-3. The committee deferred action on HB 2490 and announced it would return to the remaining bills the next day.

Bills: HB1228, HB1982, HB2156, HB2165, HB2173, HB2203, HB2220, HB2362, HB2403, HB2464

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Summary: The Community Safety Committee met in executive session to act on several bills previously heard in public hearings. House Bill 1228, dealing with certification of toxicology labs for blood and breath analysis, was amended to allow use of a private lab with an out-of-state expert available for pretrial interview and virtual trial appearance if requested by the prosecutor and agreed to by defense counsel, and to require a Washington State Patrol report on implementation and backlog reduction by October 1, 2031. The committee adopted amendments 261 and 341, withdrew amendment 340, and reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 1982, expanding vacatur eligibility for convictions tied to exercise of treaty Indian rights and requiring Office of Public Defense representation, was advanced as a proposed substitute that reorganizes the statute and clarifies hunting-rights eligibility; it was reported out due pass. House Bill 2156, concerning Attorney General investigators’ authority to obtain email search warrants, also passed out of committee after a roll call vote of 6-3, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents wanting more stakeholder work. The committee next considered House Bill 2165, creating the gross misdemeanor of false identification as a peace officer. The proposed substitute moved some conduct from criminal impersonation into the new offense, narrowed defenses, and defined “peace officer” to include state, local, reserve, and federal officers. Members raised concerns about clarity, honorary or reserve officer issues, and possible unintended effects, but the substitute was adopted and the bill was reported out 8-1. House Bill 2173 was held because a Senate companion is moving. House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency operations and allowing recovery of emergency response costs, was amended to reduce penalties in some cases and shorten license suspensions; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill out unanimously. House Bill 2220, relating to the Criminal Justice Training Commission, was deferred to a later executive session. The committee also advanced House Bill 2362, the so-called 0.05 impaired driving bill, after a divided debate. Supporters argued lower blood alcohol limits reduce deaths and injuries, while opponents raised concerns about toxicology backlogs, court capacity, racial disproportionality in traffic stops, disability-related enforcement issues, and the lack of a broader second-chance policy for DUI convictions. The bill passed 5-4. House Bill 2403, modifying failure-to-register offenses for sex offenders and kidnapping offenders, was reported out 6-3 after debate over whether the offense should remain treated as a sex offense. Finally, House Bill 2464, requiring private detention facilities and local law enforcement to report incidents to the Department of Health, passed 6-3 amid arguments over transparency and whether the issue should be addressed at the federal level. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: HB1710, HB2124, HB2125, HB2179

Keywords: Washington Voting Rights Act, voting rights, election law, preclearance, Attorney General review, local government, county redistricting, districting, ward boundaries, at-large elections, language minority, language access, voter dilution, racial discrimination, protected class, consent decree, settlement, covered jurisdiction, covered policy, RCW Title 29A

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met in possible executive session and first announced that HB 1710 would be removed from consideration. Members were briefed on an amendment related to HB 2179, which would have made the bill prospective for employees hired after June 30, 2026, but that amendment was later withdrawn. The chair also reviewed committee voting procedures and amendment deadlines, then the committee recessed briefly for caucus before returning to executive session. The committee then took up HB 2124, a retirement-related bill described as giving seniors more flexibility to use lump-sum payments and easing administrative burden for the Department of Retirement Systems. After supportive comments from Representatives Couture and Fitzgibbon, the bill was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 30 aye and one excused. HB 2125 followed, another Department of Retirement Systems bill aimed at protecting long-term retiree benefits by using interest-earned funds to pay some retirement expenses; it also passed out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 30 aye and one excused. Finally, the committee considered HB 2179, concerning port district employees’ participation in PERS, a federal railroad plan, or a union-sponsored retirement plan. After the amendment was withdrawn, members discussed the bill as a clarification and pension-security measure for port workers and port districts. The committee voted 30 aye and one excused to report HB 2179 out with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are codified in RCW 7.98.020. And we worked out a plan with the prime sponsor.

Bills: SB5720, SB5833, SB5936, SB5993, SB5735

Keywords: consumer debt, judgment, uniformity, legal standards, debt collection, pets, motor vehicles, animal welfare, public safety, legislation, human trafficking, prevention, remedies, victims, law enforcement, support services, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills. SB 5720, the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, was described by staff as adding complaint, notice, and default-judgment requirements for consumer debt cases and preserving existing debt-buyer protections. Senator Peterson said the bill had been revised through stakeholder compromise, and testimony from consumer advocates and collectors was broadly supportive, with no opposition noted. The hearing was closed without a vote. SB 5833, allowing a vehicle to remain running for up to 30 minutes to protect a pet, drew support from the sponsor and some animal welfare and law enforcement stakeholders, but animal control and police representatives raised concerns about the liability presumption and said current law already allows fact-specific intervention. The sponsor said he would bring an amendment to address the liability language; the hearing closed with many pro sign-ins and a few con sign-ins. The committee also heard SB 5936 on human trafficking remedies and prevention. Staff explained that the bill would allow prosecution of business entities that knowingly engage in or benefit from trafficking or involuntary servitude, impose possible fines and disgorgement, require confidentiality for victims and families, and create a process for T and U visa certification and continued-presence requests. Senator Orwall said the bill was intended to strengthen survivor protections and accountability, while several survivors and child-advocacy witnesses strongly supported it. Hospitality and law enforcement groups supported the bill in concept but asked for amendments to clarify liability and to align the visa-certification provisions with existing law; law enforcement said some section 4 language was duplicative and likely to be amended. The hearing closed after those comments. SB 5993 would prohibit interest on new and unpaid medical debt and shorten the enforceability period for judgments involving medical debt to six years without renewal. Supporters, including consumer advocates, AARP, patient groups, and individuals with serious medical debt, said the bill would reduce financial ruin, improve affordability, and reflect the fact that people do not choose medical emergencies. Opponents from hospitals, physician groups, collectors, and business organizations argued that eliminating interest and judgment renewal would reduce repayment incentives, shift costs to providers and other patients, and hit small rural hospitals hardest; they also asked for more stakeholder work and warned about effects on mixed judgments. The committee then began SB 5375 on labeling imitation firearms, with staff explaining that it would create state standards for BB devices, toy guns, replicas, and similar items, prohibit altering markings, require advisories, and impose civil and misdemeanor penalties. The sponsor said it was intended to reduce mistaken shootings and cited a fatal incident involving an airsoft gun, while opponents from the NRA and firearms-training users argued the bill was overbroad, duplicated federal law, and could harm training, competition, and lawful firearm customization.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subsection must be commenced pursuant to RCW 64.90.680. There are no amendments.
• An act relating to pet insurance and amending RCW 48.205.05. Last line. RCW 48.205.05. Last line.
• Insert board under RCW 66.24.0.0.713. RCW 66.24.010.13.
• Section 1, RCW 29A. Correct the title. RCW 29A. Correct the title.
• RCW 43.10.305 subsection 2 through 5(f). There are no amendments.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1916, HB2264, HB1078, HB1687, HB1701, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2088, HB2091, HB2107, HB2109, HB2110, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2152, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2228, HB2229, HB2230, HB2235, HB2238, HB2242, HB2245, HB2249, HB2253, HB2254, HB2269, HB2272, HB2283, HB2304, HB2317, HB2340, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2445, HB2452, HB2472, HB2492, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House considered and passed a series of bills on topics including public employee bargaining communication, condominium and middle-housing development, building code changes for scissor stairs, substance use disorder monitoring for nursing assistants, pet insurance continuity, liquor licensing flexibility, voter registration challenges, concealed pistol license records exemptions, social housing public development authorities, services for people with developmental disabilities, rent increase notices, and unlawful detainer notices. Members repeatedly described the housing bills as efforts to increase supply, improve affordability, and fix prior statutory problems, while the health-related bills were framed as improving patient comfort, provider flexibility, or workforce consistency. Several measures were advanced without amendment, while others were substituted with committee recommendations before final passage. The most debated item was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 on voter registration challenges. Supporters said it would curb mass or frivolous challenges, protect voters, and give election officials clearer standards and more accountability. Opponents argued it would make legitimate voter challenges harder, reduce citizen oversight of voter rolls, and weaken election integrity. Multiple amendments were offered to reduce penalties from felony to gross misdemeanor, allow electronic challenges, remove county-residency limits, and strike sections of the bill; most were rejected, though one amendment removing the same-county requirement was adopted. The bill ultimately passed after a divided vote. Other notable debate included House Bill 2152, which would allow terminally ill patients in hospitals and similar facilities to use medical cannabis; supporters emphasized dignity and comfort at end of life, while one opponent worried about added burdens on rural hospitals. House Bill 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions tied to concealed pistol license records and a permit-to-purchase framework, passed with strong support. House Bill 1687 on social housing public development authorities passed after an amendment restored city council involvement in housing cooperation decisions, while House Bill 2249, relating to Washington Technical employees and civil service treatment, passed with a larger number of nays. The House then placed additional bills on second reading and adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2, RCW, or premium discounts. The good member from... ...or premium discounts.
• An act relating to statewide food security amending RCW 43. Last line.
• Clerk will read: An act relating to ending probates for profit, amending RCW... Last line.
• Clerk will read: An act relating to securing vehicle loads on public highways and amending RCW 46.
• will read: An act relating to the dietician licensure compact and adding a new chapter to Title 18 RCW

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1916, HB2264, HB1078, HB1687, HB1701, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2088, HB2091, HB2107, HB2109, HB2110, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2152, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2228, HB2229, HB2230, HB2235, HB2238, HB2242, HB2245, HB2249, HB2253, HB2254, HB2269, HB2272, HB2283, HB2304, HB2317, HB2340, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2445, HB2452, HB2472, HB2492, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also announced caucus breaks and a reminder that Seahawks apparel would be permitted on the floor the next day. The chamber then moved through second- and third-reading business on a series of bills, with several committee substitutes and amendments adopted by voice vote before final passage votes were taken by roll call. House Bill 1155, dealing with non-compete agreements, drew the most debate. Supporters said it would ban non-competes, improve worker mobility, and promote entrepreneurship; opponents raised concerns about contract freedom and, in one failed amendment, sought to exempt high earners and senior executives. Other adopted amendments clarified tribal worker relationships, defined patients in place of customers, and required notice that existing non-competes would be void. The bill ultimately passed 65-29. House Bill 1002, concerning PTSD eligibility for coroners and medical examiners, failed an amendment that would have limited costs to the relevant risk class, then passed 70-24 after supporters argued the measure would help a small group of workers exposed to traumatic scenes. House Bill 2264, on unemployment benefits for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0. The House also passed House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without EMT licensure, after an amendment requiring training on ambulance equipment; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy and narrowing agency scope through amendment; House Bill 2445, aimed at stopping profiteering in probate cases involving unclaimed estates; House Bill 2109, allowing covered transport of certain vehicle loads to reduce roadway debris; House Bill 2492, requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction and trades workers despite objections about added costs; House Bill 2472, strengthening licensing enforcement for fire sprinkler work; House Bill 288, joining the dietician licensure compact; and House Bill 2229, updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring board members to have practiced in Washington for at least five years. Final votes on these bills ranged from near-unanimous to more divided, with each receiving the constitutional majority needed to pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2, RCW, or premium discounts. A good member from... ...or premium discounts.
• An act relating to statewide food security amending RCW 43. Last line. Sub 6.
• House Bill 2445, clerk will read: An act relating to ending probates for profit amending RCW.
• Clerk will read: An act relating to securing vehicle loads on public highways and amending RCW 46.
• will read: An act relating to the dietician licensure compact and adding a new chapter to Title 18 RCW

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1916, HB2264, HB1078, HB1687, HB1701, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2088, HB2091, HB2107, HB2109, HB2110, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2152, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2228, HB2229, HB2230, HB2235, HB2238, HB2242, HB2245, HB2249, HB2253, HB2254, HB2269, HB2272, HB2283, HB2304, HB2317, HB2340, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2445, HB2452, HB2472, HB2492, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer. Members approved the prior day’s minutes, referred introduction-sheet bills, and later took up several second- and third-reading bills. Early in the day, the chamber also announced that members could wear Seahawks apparel during floor action the next day. The House passed House Bill 1155, which bans non-compete agreements, after adopting amendments clarifying tribal worker relationships, replacing references to “customer” with “patient” in certain contexts, and requiring notice to current and some former employees that non-competes are void. An amendment to exempt senior executives earning over $350,000 was rejected. The bill passed 65-29. The House also passed House Bill 1002, allowing certain coroners and medical examiners to seek workers’ compensation for PTSD; an amendment to isolate costs to their own risk class was rejected, and the bill passed 70-24. House Bill 2264, clarifying unemployment insurance eligibility for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0. Later measures included House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without also holding EMT licenses, which passed 94-0 after an amendment clarifying training; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology, which passed 94-0; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy, which passed 83-12 after a technical amendment narrowing agency scope; and House Bill 2445, aimed at preventing profiteering in probate estates, which passed 67-28 after a technical amendment. The House also passed House Bill 2109 on securing vehicle loads (95-0), House Bill 2492 requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction workers and apprentices (79-16), House Bill 2472 on licensed contractors for fire sprinkler work (92-3), House Bill 288 joining the dietician licensure compact (93-1), and House Bill 2229 updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring five years of Washington practice for board members after an amendment (68-26).

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1916, HB2264, HB1078, HB1687, HB1701, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2088, HB2091, HB2107, HB2109, HB2110, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2152, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2228, HB2229, HB2230, HB2235, HB2238, HB2242, HB2245, HB2249, HB2253, HB2254, HB2269, HB2272, HB2283, HB2304, HB2317, HB2340, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2445, HB2452, HB2472, HB2492, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Bills: HB1812, HB2232, HB2250, HB2340, HB2577

Keywords: anesthesia services, healthcare access, reimbursement, patient care, equitable treatment, emergency services, healthcare outcomes, health infrastructure, system improvement, charity care, residency requirements, medical assistance, low-income, HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2232 would create a time-sensitive emergency data repository for cardiac, stroke, and trauma care, with Department of Health oversight, quality improvement reporting, and support for rural facilities; emergency physicians, nurses, and DOH supported it as a way to improve outcomes and reduce rural-urban disparities, while the Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals support the goal but lack resources to absorb the added reporting burden. House Bill 1812, on the proposed substitute, would bar insurers, public employee plans, HCA, and Medicaid managed care from imposing anesthesia time limits or related reimbursement caps; the sponsor and anesthesia providers said it protects patient safety and prevents insurers from interfering with medical judgment, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists asked for a clarifying amendment on physical status modifiers. House Bill 2340 would extend substance use disorder monitoring program protections and stipend eligibility to nursing assistants; the sponsor and Board of Nursing supported it as a way to reduce stigma and help participants afford treatment and monitoring, and the board said the stipend is currently funded through general funds. House Bill 2577 would require acute care hospital inspections at least every 18 months, clarify use of approved accrediting organizations, and adjust fire protection re-inspection rules; the sponsor and Department of Health said it responds to a JLARC audit and clarifies timelines after COVID-related delays, while the department said it is still working to catch up on inspections and continues complaint investigations. House Bill 2250 would limit hospital charity care eligibility to Washington residents, using residency standards similar to Medicaid and preserving emergency care coverage under EMTALA. Supporters, including border hospital officials, the Washington State Hospital Association, and Seattle Children’s, argued the current policy draws nonresident non-emergent patients and strains rural and border hospitals, especially Newport Hospital, while opponents from Columbia Legal Services, Dollar For, Northwest Health Law Advocates, and QLaw Foundation said the bill would chill access for immigrants, temporary visa holders, and people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care, and that the real problem is hospitals failing to provide charity care to eligible patients. The sponsor said he is working with DOH on amendments to address unintended consequences, and several testifiers indicated willingness to continue stakeholder discussions. No votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and then closed public hearings on the bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• current law, the school district may also submit claims for reimbursement by the legislature under RCW

Bills: SB6052, SB6051, SB5907, SB5860, SB5574

Keywords: digital transcript, transcript sharing, student records, education data exchange, K-12, higher education, community colleges, universities, school districts, charter schools, state-tribal education compact schools, educational service districts, data interoperability, secure platform, student consent, FERPA, privacy, education technology, records management, transcript standard

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills. Senate Bill 6051 would let local school boards grant waivers or partial waivers of certain state laws and rules to individual schools, with limits on waiving health and safety, civil rights, basic education, records, and constitutional requirements. Supporters said it could give districts flexibility and reveal recurring burdens or unfunded mandates; opponents including WEA, OSPI, and the State Board of Education warned it was too broad, could weaken protections such as special education, and would create inconsistent oversight. The committee also discussed whether waivers would be granted by school boards or reviewed by OSPI, and staff clarified the bill gives waiver authority to local school boards, with reporting to OSPI and the State Board afterward. Senate Bill 6052 would create a statewide digital transcript data-sharing environment for K-12 and higher education, with a secure standard for exchanging transcript data and student-controlled, revocable permission for disclosure. Testifiers from universities, OSPI, school districts, and school counselors supported the bill, saying it would reduce paper handling, staff time, errors, and delays in admissions, while helping students and families navigate transcript requests more easily. Questions focused on alignment with the High School and Beyond plan, security, and whether the system would also support apprenticeships, CTE, and other postsecondary pathways. Senate Bill 5907 would expand access to ECEAP for military families with incomes below a set threshold and add prioritization for deployed or single-custodial military parents. The sponsor and supporters from ESDs, school districts, early learning groups, and veterans organizations said military families face frequent moves, deployments, child care instability, and related stress, and that the bill would provide a modest, cost-effective benefit without a state fiscal impact. After the hearings, the committee took executive action: it adopted a substitute and passed SB 5860 to Ways and Means, and adopted a substitute and passed SB 5574 to Rules.