Transcript Highlights:

• Subpart one corrects a section internal reference to a Washington State Patrol transfer.
• and Maple Railroad Crossing Project, resulting in a $2.2 million increase to the state Connecting Washington
• and Maple Railroad Crossing Project, resulting in a $2.2 million increase to the state connecting Washington
• an additional $400 million in gas tax bonds that is for potential cost increases for Move Ahead Washington

Bills: SB6005, SB6225

Keywords: transportation budget, transportation appropriations, capital budget, supplemental budget, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferries, Puget Sound ferries, tolling, express toll lanes, highway safety, traffic safety, impaired driving, ignition interlock, speed cameras, transit funding, public transit, multimodal transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met in executive session to review three measures: the proposed substitute for Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget; Senate Bill 6225, authorizing additional transportation bonds; and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, relating to the Office of Independent Investigations. Staff briefed eight amendments to SB 6005, including technical corrections, funding and reporting changes, and several project-specific additions such as ferry operations, rail projects, and bridge or electrification work. The committee also heard a briefing on SB 6225, which would increase bond authorizations, including general transportation bonds, gas tax bonds for Move Ahead Washington projects, and SR 520 bonds, while repealing some older authorizations. During executive session, the committee adopted all eight amendments to SB 6005, then rolled them into the substitute bill and advanced it with a due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. The committee also advanced SB 6225 with a due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. ESHB 2508 was moved without recommendation to the Ways and Means Committee. Members concluded by thanking staff for their work on the budget and bond legislation before adjourning.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Kayla Garza of Stone Church in Yakima delivered the opening prayer. The chamber then approved the previous day’s minutes without objection and recognized guests, including Roger Jacob and students and faculty from Wapato School District, who had been honored in House Resolution 4679, as well as a fourth-grade class from Log Church Christian School in Brewster. The House then moved through routine business. Democratic and Republican caucuses were announced, and the chamber was briefly at ease. Under the fourth order of business, the bills, memorials, and resolutions on the introduction sheet were accepted for first reading and referred to the appropriate committees without objection. Under the eighth order of business, Senate Bill 6132 was re-referred from the Transportation Committee to the Rules Committee without objection. No debate or recorded votes occurred. The House then adjourned until 9:55 a.m. on Friday, February 27.

Transcript Highlights:

• DCYF had received four intakes.
• I think Washington, in this chamber, we say this all the time: Washington, we do better.
• has collected on the backs of Washington residents and Washington businesses.
• Only Washington State.
• Only Washington State. Every other state in the Union Act. Only Washington state.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then took up a series of transportation, election, energy, historical records, employer reporting, cannabis, and abortion-related bills. Members also announced caucuses and several bills were transmitted or received from the Senate. Throughout the day, debate centered on the policy and fiscal impacts of transportation preservation and ferry funding, election data security, clean energy compliance, historical record retention, employer reporting penalties, cannabis licensing fees, and access to abortion medications. The House first passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting technical amendments. Supporters emphasized preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, safety, and rural and statewide infrastructure projects; the bill passed 93-0 with five excused. The House then passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources measure, after adopting an amendment to repeal the aircraft tax and delay an RV tax change; supporters said it protected jobs and businesses, while opponents argued it favored certain industries. That bill passed 83-10. The House also passed Senate Bill 5892 on voter registration database protections after rejecting an amendment that would have reduced penalties and removed the emergency clause; supporters framed it as election security, while opponents said the felony penalty was too harsh. The bill passed 57-36. The House passed Substitute Senate Bill 5982 on consumer-owned utilities and clean energy after rejecting several amendments on carbon capture, blackout-triggered suspension, and broader exemptions, but adopting an exception for certain cogeneration facilities. Supporters said it closed loopholes while preserving some existing exemptions; opponents warned it could hinder new power supply and economic development. The bill passed 57-37. The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, rejecting an amendment to extend retention indefinitely; supporters stressed the importance of preserving records from residential habilitation centers, and the bill passed 94-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Later, the House passed Engrossed House Bill 2681, which raises cannabis producer, processor, and retail license fees after adopting an amendment to remove an escalator tied to CPI; supporters said fees should cover regulation, while opponents argued the increases would further burden the industry. The bill passed 52-42. The House then began debate on Substitute Senate Bill 5917, relating to access to abortion medications, where multiple amendments offered by Representative Marshall sought to require appropriations, change terminology, limit distribution to Washingtonians, recover costs, and remove the emergency clause; opponents said the bill needed flexibility to respond to legal and health-care risks. The transcript ends during continued debate on that bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• DCYF had received four intakes.
• I think Washington, in this chamber, we say this all the time: Washington, we do better.
• has collected on the backs of Washington residents and Washington businesses.
• Only Washington State.
• Only Washington State. Every other state in the Union Act. Only Washington state.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day. The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10. On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37. The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, a measure to terminate and restate the LEOFF 1 pension plan and use a portion of its overfunded assets for other state purposes if approved. During debate, senators offered several amendments addressing the funding threshold, member distributions, and transfers to transportation or the budget stabilization account. An amendment to raise the funding floor from 110% to 120% failed, as did proposals to direct funds to retirees, transportation, or the rainy day fund. A technical amendment was adopted, and an amendment removing Climate Commitment Act repayment language was also adopted. Another amendment related to a future distribution after a merger of LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 was rejected, and an amendment concerning local government health care obligations for retirees also failed. Supporters argued the bill was actuarially sound, had been reviewed by experts, and would allow use of excess funds for one-time needs; opponents warned it risked pension security, shortchanged cities and counties, and set a bad precedent for raiding pension assets. After adopting the Ways and Means striking amendment as amended, the Senate advanced the bill to final passage. The final vote was 25 yeas and 22 nays, with one absent and one excused, and the bill passed. The Senate then moved to Substitute House Bill 2178, which was also passed on a 39-9 vote after brief remarks and a few excusal motions. The chamber then adjourned until the following Monday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State has a shortage of veterinarians.
• And this definitely helps renters across the state of Washington, urging a yes vote.
• Thank you. ...to Washington State. So this bill is an attempt to help fill that gap.
• Last line: the Washington State Department of Transportation. Senator Peterson. Mr.
• Bellevue is growing as a major city in the state of Washington.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills and memorials, often after adopting or rejecting committee striking amendments and a few floor amendments. Engrossed House Bill 2588 on county ferry district authority was amended to broaden ferry funding authority beyond Whatcom County, with supporters saying it would help replace an aging ferry serving an island community and opponents arguing countywide taxes should go to voters; it passed 30-17. Engrossed House Bill 2247 on veterinary telemedicine and client-patient relationships was amended to clarify livestock and prescription-drug provisions, with supporters citing veterinarian shortages and access to care and opponents warning about moving too quickly before a related study; it passed 30-18. Substitute House Bill 2296 on distributed energy resources was narrowed by amendment to focus on agreed-upon energy opportunities, especially benefits for renters and utility flexibility, and passed 45-3. Engrossed House Bill 2211 on medically tailored meals was amended to prioritize Washington-based suppliers and nonprofit/small providers while preserving local sourcing preferences; supporters emphasized nutrition support for Apple Health enrollees and opponents objected to limiting competition, and it passed 46-2. House Bill 2338 on community-scaled weatherization projects passed unanimously, with broad support for neighborhood-scale efficiency upgrades and low-income weatherization. House Bill 1376 on prepayment of capital gains tax passed 48-0 after a Ways and Means striking amendment, with supporters calling it a simple taxpayer option and a way to realize a federal benefit. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903 establishing a statewide low-income energy assistance program passed 35-13 after amendments clarifying funding and duration, with supporters saying it would help fill a federal funding gap and critics concerned about added bureaucracy and utility impacts. Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001 honoring Russ Blount passed 43-4, despite one senator objecting to inconsistent naming processes for memorials. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1980 authorizing certain private employer transportation services in transit lanes passed 48-0, with supporters citing commuter buses for major employers and opponents not prevailing. The Senate also set Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034 as a special order of business later that day. In the second half of the session, the Senate passed Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a court unification task force after adopting amendments to add district court representation and reject a virtual-meetings amendment that would have removed reimbursement; supporters framed it as an access-to-justice study, while opponents questioned the process and cost, and it passed 30-18. Engrossed House Bill 2445 on ending probates for profit was reshaped by a striking amendment separating legitimate heir-finder services from predatory third-party probate administrators; supporters said it would protect grieving families and preserve a legitimate industry, and it passed 47-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act revenue allocation was amended to clarify how revenues are split among the operating, capital, and transportation budgets, with supporters emphasizing predictability and emissions-reduction goals and critics concerned about budget impacts; it passed 34-14. Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences for clean energy projects saw failed amendments over project labor/community workforce agreements, with supporters arguing for local job standards and opponents seeking more private-sector flexibility; it passed 28-20. The Senate then moved to additional second-reading bills, including Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1295 on evidence-based literacy instruction, which was amended to require curriculum considerations such as phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and teacher training costs; supporters said it would improve reading outcomes and it passed 47-1. House Bill 2426 on speeding Pollution Control Hearings Board appeals passed 48-0, with supporters saying it would help projects move faster. House Bill 2264 on unemployment eligibility for workers in employer-initiated layoffs passed 48-0, allowing benefits for workers who participate in planned reductions in force. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of additional bills, including another climate-related measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• graduated from the University of Washington Law School.
• Senior Counsel for the Washington State House of Representatives from 1993 to 2023.
• President of Symetra Life Insurance Company in Bellevue, Washington.
• So we thank the Washington Trucking Association for initiating this idea.
• State. ...the ferry system that we do offer here in Washington State.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate convened with all members present, approved the previous day’s journal, received House messages on several bills, and referred Substitute House Bill 2688 to Ways and Means. The chamber then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Kristen L. Frazier to the Board of Tax Appeals, Sharmila Swenson to the Highline College Board of Trustees, and Robert A. Battles to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Each confirmation passed by roll call, with one or two dissenting votes on the latter two appointments. Senators also excused several absent members during the proceedings. The Senate then took up a series of bills, often suspending the rules to move measures directly to final passage. House Bill 1983, concerning the real estate excise tax treatment of timberland transferred to government entities, passed despite opposition from senators who argued it could reduce timber harvests and affect land management. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229, updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act, passed after debate over changes to board qualifications, including removal of a citizenship requirement. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2192, expanding the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s ability to use sensitive medical information in fatality reviews with privacy safeguards, also passed. Other measures approved included Substitute House Bill 2410 creating a commercial truck safety and education council funded by a self-assessed fee; House Bill 2610 protecting nonprofit housing providers’ property tax exemption when property is temporarily used for other nonprofit purposes; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2274 revising the Commercial Electronic Mail Act and consumer protections for misleading email subject lines; House Bill 2495 extending vehicle-removal authority to streetcars; Substitute House Bill 2323 establishing a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops involving people with communication challenges; and House Bill 2604 allowing electronic transfer of totaled vehicles to insurers. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots after adopting one amendment and rejecting another, with supporters emphasizing child safety and opponents warning about scope and industry impacts. The chamber also passed Second Substitute House Bill 1923, creating a framework for local passenger-only ferries, after adopting amendments related to whale protections and revenue clarifications; and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215, addressing Climate Commitment Act compliance obligations and closing loopholes, after rejecting an amendment concerning propane distributors. Several bills drew brief floor debate over fiscal impacts, consumer protections, environmental concerns, and transportation policy, but most ultimately advanced with bipartisan support. The Senate later recessed for caucuses and lunch.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills. HB 2624, relating to consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions for public purposes, was amended with a striking amendment from the Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee and then passed 30-18, with Senator Dozier voting no and saying the bill still needed work. HB 2104, which makes permanent aviation assurance funding for wildfire response by removing a sunset clause, passed 47-0 with two excused after Senator Short urged support based on its wildfire-fighting value. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Substitute HB 2334, which addresses cash transactions and rounding to eliminate the need for pennies, adding language that customers with exact change must be able to pay exact change. The bill passed 45-2, with Senator Frame describing it as permissive guidance for businesses and Senator Dozier supporting it humorously; Senator Gainer voted no. HB 2436, concerning requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters and clarifying tugboat horsepower standards to match current practice, passed 46-1 after support from Senator Lovelett and Senator King. Finally, Engrossed HB 2575, reducing certain reporting obligations under environmental or energy laws, passed 47-0 with two excused. Senator Schumaker said it would save administrative costs for the Department of Commerce and utilities and free up money for low-income energy assistance. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Data showing the volume of duplicate discounts in Washington.
• Critically for Washington, a state-specific analysis estimates that the 340B program already cost Washington
• Bill 5968 to streamline permitting and license processing in Washington.
• I am Washington State's first DNA exoneree. In 1996, I was wrongly convicted.
• Again, Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

Bills: SB5420, SB5877, SB5868, SB5109, SB5832, SB5922, SB5944, SB5988, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Summary: The committee heard a series of public hearings on bills affecting education, veterans’ benefits, health care, court staffing, traffic safety, climate policy, workers’ compensation, tribal relations, and state reporting requirements. Staff briefed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969 on integrating high school and beyond plans with IEP transition plans, and the committee heard no public testimony. The bill’s fiscal note was described as about $164,000 in FY 2027 for OSPI, with ongoing costs for IT updates and staff time. Members then heard Senate Bill 5420 on expanding veteran benefits to include Public Health Service and NOAA Corps members and extending some preferences to spouses of active-duty service members; supporters from military and veterans’ groups testified in favor, and the fiscal note was described as modest. Substitute Senate Bill 5827 would allow pre-discharge certification to establish eligibility for veterans’ civil service preference before discharge; it drew no public testimony, and OFM estimated about $174,000 annually to implement training and policy work. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5877, which would apply physician health program and Healwa surcharges to certified anesthesiology assistants and other Medical Commission licensees; the Washington Medical Commission and the new provider group supported it, with DOH estimating small revenue increases and about $31,000 in IT costs. The largest policy debate centered on the 340B drug pricing bill, gross Second Substitute Senate Bill 5981. Supporters, including hospitals, tribal representatives, and safety-net providers, said the bill would preserve access to discounted drugs and improve transparency, while opponents from manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would raise costs, reduce rebates, and create legal risk under federal preemption challenges. The Health Care Authority estimated about $608,000 per year to administer the reporting system, and a representative raised concerns about potential federal litigation and state liability. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5868 to add one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties; county and court officials testified that caseloads and delays justify the additions, and the Senate budget was said to fully fund the state share. Engrossed Senate Bill 5890 would expand reckless driving to include extreme speeding and speeding in construction zones with workers present; staff said fiscal impacts were indeterminate, with possible local jail and licensing effects. Engrossed Senate Bill 6246 on Climate Commitment Act treatment of emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities drew support from industry and labor witnesses who praised the stakeholder process and the added leakage study, while staff said Ecology costs would be roughly $300,000 to $400,000 annually. The committee also heard Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847 on workers’ compensation medical treatment and claims management, where supporters said it would improve care and save money, while employers objected to expanded spending authority and the shift to allotment-based hiring; staff estimated substantial costs and potential savings, but no action was taken. Later, the committee heard Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which eliminates or modifies numerous agency reports, and Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which codifies the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency with Senate confirmation for the director; both had no public testimony. Finally, Second Substitute Senate Bill 5968 would create a statewide credential catalog and central repository, require agencies to publish processing information and deadlines, and in some cases refund fees for missed deadlines; staff began outlining the fiscal impacts across multiple agencies as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary will read to the Honorable Senate of the State of Washington.
• The Secretary will read to the Honorable Senate of the State of Washington.
• We want to have mixed-income families in residences across Washington.
• The fact that we have those protections in place in Washington is a credit to Washington, Mr.
• If increasing taxes stopped usage, Washington would not... ...stopped usage, Washington would not have

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231, SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer, then approved the previous day’s journal and moved through gubernatorial appointments. Acacia Engram was confirmed to the Evergreen State College Board of Trustees, Ashland J. Tibbet to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, David S. Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees, each with strong floor support and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Senator Warnick also offered a personal tribute to a Colfax basketball coach who recently died of pancreatic cancer, and the Senate briefly recessed for caucus and lunch. The chamber then passed several bills dealing with transportation, health care, housing, and education. These included Substitute House Bill 2199 on derelict vessels; House Bill 2113 on supervision of radiologic technologists; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2532 banning retail sales of nitrous oxide for misuse; House Bills 2531 and 2540 on ambulance/rural transport fees and EMT recertification; Second Substitute House Bill 1859 expanding affordable housing on religious property; Substitute House Bill 2151 adopting national standards for factory-built housing; Engrossed House Bill 1687 on social housing public development authorities; and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2534 to improve educational stability for military children. Most passed overwhelmingly, though HB 1859 drew one no vote and HB 1687 passed after debate over whether the bill should be limited to Seattle’s existing social housing authority. The Senate also considered more contentious election and energy measures. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1750, updating the Washington Voting Rights Act to address voter suppression and dilution claims, drew several failed amendments from Senators Fortunato and Wilson seeking higher evidentiary standards and narrower definitions; the bill ultimately passed 30-19. House Bill 2367, which removes preferential treatment related to coal-fired electric utilities, also passed after a failed amendment to preserve certain emissions-related allowances. House Bill 2606, concerning performance measures and reporting for the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, passed unanimously and was described as a government efficiency and AI-related measure. The Senate also passed House Bill 2360 on stock albuterol in schools after adopting an amendment requiring parents to be notified when albuterol is administered. Later, the Senate debated Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on firearm manufacturing files used with 3D printers and CNC milling machines. Several amendments were offered: one to narrow the device language failed, one protecting bona fide gunsmiths and licensed dealers was adopted, and another was withdrawn. The underlying bill was then advanced toward final passage, with supporters saying it updates ghost-gun laws to keep pace with technology and opponents raising concerns about overbreadth and impacts on legitimate uses of 3D printing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Washington State University combined.
• and Washington State University combined.
• This is a request of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Tree Fruit
• President, last fall we saw historic flooding throughout Washington State.
• This budget invests in Eastern Washington and in Western Washington.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate met on February 23, 2026, opened with the usual roll call, pledge, prayer, and approval of the previous journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 8698 recognizing piano teachers, with several senators sharing personal remarks about their own teachers and the role of music education in families and communities. Guests from the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then moved into budget debate, considering a series of amendments to the operating budget. Several proposals focused on housing costs, local planning, utility rates, and state spending restraint. Amendment 0772, which would have created a housing-related task force and increased funding, was rejected after debate over housing affordability and regulatory costs. Amendment 0785, restoring growth management planning funding for local governments, was also rejected. Amendment 0791, directing the Department of Commerce to study the effects of climate and clean energy laws on utility costs, and Amendment 0769, related to grid capacity and clean energy investments, were both adopted. Other amendments drew sharper partisan debate. Amendment 0798, which would have reduced the Supreme Court from nine justices to five and redirected savings to public defense, failed. Amendments 0794 and 0795, seeking funding for ballot measure costs tied to initiatives, also failed. Amendment 0799, intended to redirect Pacific Tower lease savings to developmental disability services, was rejected after discussion of the building’s current public uses. Amendment 0773, capping state spending growth and tying it to median wage growth, failed on a roll call vote, while Amendment 0777, addressing concurrent use of paid family and medical leave and sick leave by state employees, also failed after extended debate. Later, Amendment 0776 on tort liability reporting was adopted, as were Amendment 0758 creating a DSHS work group on community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Amendment 0786 was introduced to reduce cash and food assistance work-related funding, with debate beginning before the transcript ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Washington State University combined.
• and Washington State University combined.
• This is a request of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Tree Fruit
• The state of Washington is.
• This budget invests in Eastern Washington and in Western Washington.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules. Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.

Bills: S0182, S1318, S1690

Keywords: education, Florida schools, charter schools, private schools, school choice, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, FTC scholarship, scholarship accounts, fund reversion, public school curriculum, cursive writing, handwriting, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, patriotic programs, In God We Trust, teacher mentoring, teacher training, new teacher support, classroom management

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was taken up without debate and passed on a favorable roll call vote. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690 by Senator Calatayud on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, clarifies terminology, and aims to avoid over-regulating before- and after-school programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying rulemaking authority, shifting it to the State Board of Education. Senator Berman questioned a provision related to information on leaving children in vehicles, and Senator Calatayud said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion, limited mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment funds. The amendment was adopted, supportive appearance forms were waived in, and the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recognized committee staff and applauded Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, and senators later recorded additional affirmative votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a member of the Western Washington University Board of Trustees.
• makes it a little easier to create affordable homes in Washington.
• And now we're going to further make Washington more inhospitable to business. ...further make Washington
• The fact that we have those protections in place in Washington is a credit to Washington, Mr.
• If increasing taxes stopped usage, Washington would not Stopped usage, Washington would not have a driving

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial items, then moved through gubernatorial appointments and a series of floor votes. It confirmed Acacia E. Ingram to the Evergreen State College Board of Trustees, Ashland J. Tibbet and David S. Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees. Members spoke in support of the appointees’ public service and ties to higher education. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement honoring a Colfax basketball coach who died of pancreatic cancer, followed by a caucus break. The Senate then considered several bills, passing measures on derelict vessels (SHB 2199), radiologic technologist supervision (HB 2113), nitrous oxide retail sales (ESHB 2532), ambulance transport fund alignment (HB 2531), EMT recertification (HB 2540), affordable housing on religious property (2SHB 1859), factory-built housing standards (SHB 2151), social housing public development authorities (EHB 1687), the Washington Voting Rights Act and voter suppression claims (ESSHB 1750), privacy and data protection reporting and AI use (HB 2606), military family school stability (ESHB 2534), coal-fired utility treatment (HB 2367), and school access to albuterol (SHB 2360). Most passed on strong bipartisan roll calls, though the voting-rights bill and coal-utility bill drew the most debate and partisan division. Several bills were amended on the floor. The Senate adopted changes to the nitrous oxide bill, the factory-built housing bill, the social housing bill, the albuterol bill, and the 3D-printer/firearm-manufacturing bill (ESHB 2320), while rejecting some proposed amendments on the voting-rights and 3D-printer bills. Debate centered on whether the voting-rights bill set too low a threshold for lawsuits and whether the coal-utility bill gave improper treatment to coal generation; supporters framed both as needed protections or transition measures, while opponents warned about litigation and policy overreach. The chamber also discussed tribal consultation in energy siting (SHB 2496), ultimately passing it after a close vote, and later returned to the 3D-printer bill, which advanced after amendments narrowed exemptions for gunsmiths and dealers and clarified the bill’s focus on digital files used to manufacture firearms.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:25.040><c> Avenue</c> challenge with the Washington Avenue challenge with the Washington Avenue
• On November 9, 2023, Kayla chose death by suicide on the Washington Avenue Bridge, leaving behind a 2
• Avenue Bridge was that the Washington Avenue Bridge was built<00:07:22.680><c> over</c><00:07:22.919
• A Star Tribune article said that three or four people jump off of the Washington Avenue Bridge every
• Washington Avenue Bridge last October.

Bills: HF192, HF268, HF1214, HF494

Keywords: Minnesota income tax, dependent exemption, personal income tax, tax relief, family tax relief, children, dependents, tax deduction, tax exemption, state revenue, inflation indexing, tax year 2025, taxable income, household tax policy, family tax credit, HF268, Joshua Schmidt Memorial Highway, memorial highway, highway naming, road designation

Transcript Highlights:

• require employers in the state of Minnesota to report new hires of 1099 independent contractors to DCYF
• </c><00:51:02.800><c> Um,</c> maintained by our partners at DCYF.
• Um, maintained by our partners at DCYF.
• </c><00:58:14.480><c> in</c><00:58:14.640><c> the</c> from DCF in the audience DCYF in the from DCF in
• the audience DCYF in the audience,<00:58:15.119><c> but</c><00:58:16.079><c> um</c><00:58:16.680><c>

Bills: HF2362, HF2136, HF1316, HF2009, HF1918, HF1614

Keywords: youth intervention, funding, mental health, education, community programs, HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:37:44.080><c> obvious</c> previously housed into uh DCYF obvious previously housed into uh DCYF
• </c><01:38:00.159><c> and</c> um from other departments to DCYF and um from other departments to DCYF
• But it's just adding DCYF everywhere.
• And it's just adding DCYF everywhere.
• </c><01:43:39.840><c> is</c> of those pieces where now that DCYF is of those pieces where now that DCYF

Bills: HF1918, HF2305, HF897, HF2191, HF2617, HF2551, HF2137

Keywords: HF1918, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, child welfare, foster care, out-of-home placement, permanency planning, relative search, noncustodial parent, kinship care, family preservation, African American Child and Family Well-Being, racial disproportionality, maltreatment reporting, educational neglect, truancy, school attendance, Great Start compensation, child care provider payments, TEACH early childhood program

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, a measure to terminate and restate the LEOFF 1 pension plan and use surplus funds for other state purposes if federal approval is obtained. During debate, senators discussed whether the plan should remain funded at 110% or 120% of actuarial value, whether surplus dollars should instead go to transportation or the budget stabilization account, whether members should receive an additional distribution, and whether local governments should be reimbursed for retiree health care costs. Several amendments were offered: a Gildon amendment to raise the funding target to 120% failed; a technical Robinson amendment adding a date passed; Holy, King, Harris, Schessler, and Conway amendments addressing member distributions, transportation, budget stabilization, local government health care costs, and a reconstituted board distribution all failed; and Robinson’s amendment removing Climate Commitment Act repayment language passed. The Ways and Means striking amendment, as amended, was then adopted. On final passage, supporters argued the bill was actuarially sound, had been reviewed by attorneys, actuaries, the State Investment Board, and the Department of Retirement Systems, and would allow use of excess funding for other state needs. Opponents warned it left too little in the pension fund, should dedicate surplus dollars only to one-time uses, and did not adequately reimburse cities and counties for retiree medical obligations. After debate, the Senate passed E2SHB 2034 by a vote of 25 yeas, 22 nays, with one absent and one excused. Afterward, the Senate returned to Substitute House Bill 2178, which was also passed on final passage by a vote of 39 yeas and 9 nays, with one excused. The chamber then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.