Transcript Highlights:

• eye-gaze computers... ...utilize AAC devices, so eye-gaze computers, such as those used by people with ALS
• Washingtonians with ALS, cerebral palsy, or other speech disabilities who rely on eye-gaze devices or

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2073, which would require nonprofit health carriers with surplus above 600% of risk-based capital to pay 3% of the excess to support the Cascade Care Savings premium assistance program. Committee staff said the bill could generate about $80 million in FY 2027 based on 2024 surplus data, while carriers and business groups argued their reserves are needed to pay claims, manage risk, and avoid premium increases. Supporters said the bill would redirect consumer-funded surplus to help Washingtonians afford coverage, especially as federal subsidies expire. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information in WASFA applications. Staff explained the bill would exempt WASFA records from public disclosure, restrict sharing to narrow purposes, and shorten retention periods, with significant fiscal impacts tied to purging records and updating data-sharing practices. Student and advocacy testimony strongly supported the bill as a privacy and safety measure for immigrant and mixed-status students. The committee also heard House Bill 2403, which lowers the penalty for failure to register as a sex offender and adds community custody and DOC supervision; public defense supported it as a cost-saving, consensus reform, and staff projected DOC savings. House Bill 2587 was also heard, creating a Commerce pilot to provide limited advance grant funding to eligible nonprofits; supporters said it would help smaller nonprofits manage reimbursement-based contracts, while staff estimated indeterminate but potentially significant administrative costs. The committee heard House Bill 2607, which would require DCYF to periodically rebase child care subsidy rate regions to better reflect local cost differences. Supporters from Benton and Franklin counties said current regional rates are outdated and unfairly low in fast-growing areas; staff said the fiscal impact was indeterminate. The committee then moved into possible executive session on several bills. Second Substitute House Bill 1170, dealing with generative AI disclosures and provenance tools, was amended and ultimately passed out of committee on an 18-9 vote after all proposed amendments were rejected. Substitute House Bill 1570 was amended to narrow its scope to Western Washington University and then passed out of committee on a 17-9 vote. The committee also began action on proposed Third Substitute House Bill 1710, which would create a state pre-clearance requirement under the Washington Voting Rights Act, but the transcript cuts off during consideration of amendments to that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris deserved to grow old, but he transitioned on July 5th due to complications from ALS.
• 5th due to transitioned on July 5th due to complications<02:10:23.040><c> from</c><02:10:23.360><c> ALS
• <02:10:24.480><c> He</c><02:10:24.639><c> excelled</c><02:10:25.040><c> from</c> complications from ALS
• He excelled from complications from ALS.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Al Gore? So, Mr.
• Representative Al Gore?
• is vanishingly small but what is the right wing do the right wing uses the them additionally small al
• Well, if you thought I was lost gave Al Cy McDonald Joe McDonald Vault. I Momanyi-hiltsley Helsley.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Meta et al.
• Assemblymember Al-Hawari, yeah. Just want to give you...
• Assemblymember Al-Hawari, yeah. Just want to give you a heads up.
• We have up next Assembly Ward, followed by Assembly Member Al-Hawari.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans of America, a lot of times veterans that I'll encounter that suffer from Lou Garri's disease or ALS
• <01:09:45.440><c> Garri's</c><01:09:45.920><c> disease</c><01:09:46.159><c> or</c><01:09:46.400><c> ALS
• ,</c><01:09:47.839><c> the</c><01:09:48.080><c> PVA</c> from Lou Garri's disease or ALS, the PVA from
• Lou Garri's disease or ALS, the PVA specializes<01:09:49.920><c> and</c><01:09:50.239><c> literally<

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I'm not going to repeat some of the facts and background that Senator Al Schiller has already
• And that hasn't really happened because, as Senator Al has already said, the Children's Scholarship Fund
• And I also will reiterate what Senator Al said about information being available on the Children's Scholarship
• So, as Senator Al said, this legislation will restore and ensure accountability and transparency of the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, in their 2015 study on Q Comp effectiveness, Mykresi et al. reported that their study showed
• In addition, in their 2015 study on Q Comp effectiveness, Mykresi et al. reported that their study showed
• In addition, in their 2015 study on Q Comp effectiveness, Mykresi et al. reported that their study showed
• In addition, in their 2015 study on Q Comp effectiveness, Mykresi et al. reported that their study showed

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Moani Kala Katherine Tua Al-Muna.
• law or to commit prostitution then you law or to commit prostitution then you may<01:25:54.719><c> al
• 25:56.000><c> It</c><01:25:56.239><c> does</c><01:25:56.480><c> place</c><01:25:56.719><c> a</c> may al
• It does place a may al alleviate that.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll move Al to pass we have an Al to I'll move Al to pass we have an Al to pass<01:54:55.960><c> from

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 45.600><c> Garrett</c> hello to to you representative Garrett hello to to you representative Garrett al
• ><00:11:48.320><c> I</c><00:11:48.640><c> can</c><00:11:48.959><c> sort</c><00:11:49.200><c> of</c> al
• also to um the folks I can sort of al also to um the folks I can sort of see<00:11:49.519><c> on</c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um but I think there's<00:38:39.200><c> al</c><00:38:39.440><c> also</c><00:38:39.680><c> the</c><00:
• 38:39.920><c> thought</c><00:38:40.079><c> that</c><00:38:41.200><c> the</c> there's al also the thought
• that the there's al also the thought that the more<00:38:41.680><c> shallow</c><00:38:42.079><c> the

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mental in mental health<00:17:31.600><c> practice</c><00:17:32.160><c> licensed</c><00:17:32.559><c> al
• </c><00:17:32.960><c> and</c><00:17:33.120><c> other</c> health practice licensed al and other health
• practice licensed al and other drug<00:17:33.679><c> professionals</c><00:17:34.640><c> medicine</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the Legislative Budget Assistant audit of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s response to 12 findings, especially those tied to mental health workforce licensure. The executive director said 10 findings were substantially resolved, one fully resolved, and one partially resolved, with most issues tied to ongoing rulemaking. He explained that the office regulates 61 professions, has limited rules-drafting staff, and is working through a long rulemaking process while also adapting to frequent statutory changes. The committee discussed the first finding on license portability/endorsement, which the director said was the office’s highest priority and had been implemented through universal recognition rules adopted in 2023. Members asked detailed questions about how the office reviews other states’ licensing standards, whether it evaluates jurisdictions case-by-case or maintains a database, and how many jurisdictions qualify for endorsement in various professions. The director said the office initially reviewed all states and professions at once, now maintains and updates a list of substantially similar jurisdictions, and sometimes evaluates narrower jurisdictions such as counties, cities, or foreign countries. He noted that some professions, like nursing, have broad reciprocity, while others, including some mental health-related fields, vary widely and may have only a limited number of qualifying jurisdictions. He also said the office is exploring whether AI could help with research and tracking, though not with final verification. The committee then turned to expedited licensure processing. The director said the office now handles examination, review, and issuance or denial based on board-set criteria, rather than requiring every board to review every application, which has sped up processing. He said delays still occur with criminal background checks and FBI fingerprint processing because of paper forms, federal involvement, and back-and-forth with the Department of Safety when releases are incomplete or incorrect. Members raised concerns about broader state process bottlenecks and asked whether legislation could help streamline the system. A legislator said he was already working on related background-check language for another agency and believed the current draft may satisfy FBI requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you have any seniors in your life, but I had a father-in-law who was diagnosed with ALS
• so knowing that there is such a shortage of that care provided, I'm wondering... was diagnosed with ALS
• when I was in my was diagnosed with ALS when I was in my last<00:05:16.800><c> year</c><00:05:16.960

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendments that were appreciate the Amendments that were added<00:32:04.679><c> to</c><00:32:05.399><c> Al
• 06.960><c> you</c><00:32:07.600><c> thank</c><00:32:07.720><c> you</c><00:32:07.840><c> Mr</c> added to Al
• 1325 thank you thank you Mr added to Al 1325 thank you thank you Mr gell<00:32:08.519><c> for</c><00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing. Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> this</c> citizens of Moose Lake this citizens of Moose Lake this significantly<01:14:14.800><c> Al
• altered</c><01:14:15.520><c> the</c><01:14:15.679><c> outcome</c><01:14:16.159><c> of</c> significantly Al
• altered the outcome of significantly Al altered the outcome of the<01:14:16.400><c> Moose</c><01:14:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c> mean they should create 400,000 or mean they should create 400,000 or something<00:06:51.639><c> Al
• c> that's</c><00:06:52.400><c> not</c><00:06:52.560><c> the</c><00:06:52.680><c> only</c> something Al
• that's not the only something Al that's not the only category<00:06:53.440><c> of</c><00:06:53.680><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• in</c><00:04:31.280><c> the</c><00:04:31.520><c> bill</c><00:04:32.520><c> uh</c><00:04:32.639><c> Al
• </c><00:04:33.000><c> can</c><00:04:33.160><c> you</c> the stated in the bill uh Al can you the stated
• in the bill uh Al can you think<00:04:33.400><c> with</c><00:04:33.520><c> the</c><00:04:33.600><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I took him to lunch around Christmas time and I said, "Al, how does this work?"
• back and<04:09:33.760><c> I</c><04:09:33.920><c> called</c><04:09:34.479><c> um</c><04:09:34.880><c> Al
• </c><04:09:35.199><c> Patton</c> and I called um Al Patton and I called um Al Patton was<04:09:36.880
• lunch. around Christmas time and<04:09:42.560><c> I</c><04:09:42.640><c> said,</c><04:09:42.720><c> "Al
• </c> and I said, "Al, how does this work?" and I said, "Al, how does this work?"

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield, for example, in comparison to our charges for an ALS or a BLS run, reimburses
• </c><01:47:28.239><c> charges</c><01:47:28.840><c> for</c><01:47:29.119><c> an</c><01:47:29.280><c> ALS
• or a BLS run to our charges for an ALS or a BLS run um<01:47:31.639><c> reimburses</c><01:47:32.360>
• c><04:19:44.199><c> of</c><04:19:44.439><c> striking</c><04:19:44.880><c> that</c><04:19:45.040><c> Al
• </c> we would be in favor of striking that Al we would be in favor of striking that Al together<04:19

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• 48.360><c> so</c> for you it's called hijacking Bitcoin so for you it's called hijacking Bitcoin so Al
• savador Bitcoin experiment um has Al savador Bitcoin experiment um has failed<01:40:52.920><c> um</c
• She referenced the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs and said the proposed rate would be for ALS
• > know $1,100 for this service but that know $1,100 for this service but that same<05:22:30.878><c> ALS
• billing rate um years ago when same ALS billing rate um years ago when it<05:22:33.798><c> first</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight. Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.