Transcript Highlights:

• Since the beginning of 2020, it's estimated that home prices have risen over 25% statewide, and the typical
• Since the beginning of 2020, it's estimated that home prices have risen over 25% statewide, and the typical
• Since the beginning of 2020, it's estimated that home prices have risen over 25% statewide, and the typical
• Since the beginning of 2020, it's estimated that home prices have risen over 25% statewide, and the typical
• that home prices have risen over 25% statewide, and the typical mortgage payment on the median-priced

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's just one word that needs to be taken a look at: the word is estimate.
• And it says that the estimate has to be based on Exactimate.
• And so when you say estimate and you want to do something, ...history.
• sure that the people do the estimates based on the law.
• As far as the estimate just being the work product, there's other clients.

Bills: S0266 , S0394 , S0540 , S0632 , S0642 , S0832 , S0834 , S1028

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: public adjuster, contract cancellation, state of emergency, vulnerable adults, disciplinary actions, financial regulation, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, transportation, insurance, TNC, ride-sharing, automobile liability, bail bond, insurance regulation, foreign insurers, financial disclosure, premium reporting, residential property insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• an everyday low-price model.
• ><c> and</c> pricing including grocery pricing and pricing including grocery pricing and covered<01:14
• board</c> drives the price price across the board drives the price price across the board house<01:15
• What this bill is about is not regulating prices; it's about regulating price discrimination.
• </c><01:25:35.280><c> is</c><01:25:35.719><c> pricing</c> volume based pricing is pricing volume based

Bills: HF2228 , HF46 , HF856 , HF2149 , HF2215

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• Gas prices are too high. Grocery prices are too high. Health care prices are too high.
• Gas prices are too high. right now. Gas prices are too high.
• Health care Grocery prices are too high.
• And too many prices are too high.
• Families across the country have paid the price, Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we're seeing in the gas prices now.
• :14.560><c> can</c><01:20:14.800><c> fairly</c> estimate so that we can fairly estimate so that we can
• Basically, the program prices for this.
• </c> lowering the class one wreck ACP price lowering the class one wreck ACP price down<01:24:34.160>
• fuel price increases. fuel price increases.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> skyrocket,</c><02:22:09.680><c> leaving</c> fertilizer prices to skyrocket, leaving fertilizer prices
• </c><02:54:44.080><c> are</c> a reckless war in Iran and prices are a reckless war in Iran and prices
• </c> started and diesel prices are up 47%. started and diesel prices are up 47%.
• ><c> have</c> Residential natural gas prices have Residential natural gas prices have increased<02:54
• </c> wildly higher gas and de diesel prices wildly higher gas and de diesel prices and<03:10:43.680><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• versus library price.
• </c> from 2022 to 2025, library ebook pricing from 2022 to 2025, library ebook pricing increased<00:58
• </c> retail and library e audio pricing retail and library e audio pricing increased<00:58:14.960><c>
• ><c> and</c><00:59:06.480><c> they</c> inequitable pricing practices, and they inequitable pricing practices
• </c><01:42:05.760><c> 18.5</c> construction though has estimated 18.5 construction though has estimated

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The estimated replacement will be this spring, with an estimated completion this summer.
• The estimated replacement will be this spring, with an estimated completion this summer.
• </c> programmed in the estimated programmed in the estimated replacement<00:33:58.960><c> will</c><00
• </c><04:38:31.840><c> which</c> comes from a contractor estimate which comes from a contractor estimate
• The DOJ estimate of $2.2 million: is that a hard estimate, or is it to be adjusted maybe depending on

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage. DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system. Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.

Transcript Highlights:

• By modernizing endometriosis education and care, Washington can improve outcomes for an estimated 5%
• Endometriosis is neither rare nor obscure, and it affects an estimated 200 million women and girls and
• When care is delayed, patients pay the price with their bodies and their futures.
• When care is delayed, patients pay the price with their bodies and their futures.
• So yes, obviously hospital prices are detached from reality.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and advanced Senate Bills 6102 and 6103 with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and referred Senate Bill 6194 to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. SB 6102 would align the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations, SB 6103 would make payments for rural emergency hospital services subject to appropriation, and SB 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations under specified conditions. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, beginning in 2027, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor and one testifier supported the bill as a way to reduce barriers to timely HIV treatment and prevention; sign-in testimony showed 53 pro, 58 con, and one other. SB 5985 would create an online endometriosis resource center, require Department of Health training modules, and direct OSPI to include menstrual health and endometriosis awareness in school standards. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians testified in support, emphasizing long diagnostic delays and the need for earlier education; sign-in testimony showed 36 pro, 56 con, and 92 not testifying. SB 6019 would revise home care rate statutes to clarify how Medicaid home care agency rates are set, cap administrative portions at 20%, and require verification that funds are spent as required. The sponsor, labor, and provider representatives supported it as a technical fix to preserve pay parity, while sign-in testimony showed 46 pro and 57 con. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public and provider materials when appropriate and to consult experts; supporters said it could help reduce cognitive decline and align with the state Alzheimer’s plan, while sign-in testimony showed 61 pro and 62 con. Finally, SB 6210 would authorize the Health Benefit Exchange to add a new certification criterion for marketplace plans to address affordability and access, including possible requirements tied to county availability, plan differentiation, and metal-level offerings. The prime sponsor, the Exchange, AARP, and patient advocates supported it as a response to rising premiums and limited choices, especially in rural or single-carrier counties; insurers, brokers, and some carriers opposed it, warning it could reduce competition, create uncertainty, and raise costs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill with a requested amendment to avoid premature disclosure of proposed rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• be glad to discuss this with you and provide some circumstances where you might be able to get an estimate
• In this case, we did a conservative estimate, an aggressive estimate, and then we did a base case.
• vehicles tend to be more expensive, it also captures a great deal of other factors that impact the price
• Pricing a mile of driving is essential.
• Something we'd have to consider in our price for the project, but I appreciate it.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a side note, members, last week the Early Learning Program's estimating conference met and did adopt
• , five, 10 years, going from 25 to 35 percent, child care prices have even, are even drastically more
• But over the last, I think, five to 10 years, 45 percent child care prices have been inflated, right?
• And so the budget amendment was submitted requesting $12.3 million, roughly, to support an estimated
• DL developed an estimate of children who would be potentially eligible for the SR Plus program based

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and focused on School Readiness, specifically the new provider reimbursement rates and the School Readiness Plus program. The chair gave an overview of how School Readiness is funded and administered, noting that the Legislature now sets county-based reimbursement rates using market and cost data, and that School Readiness Plus was created to help families who would otherwise fall off the subsidy “cliff” at 85% of state median income by extending assistance up to 100% of state median income. Panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, and the Division of Early Learning described the programs as major workforce and family-support tools that help parents stay employed and help providers recruit and retain qualified staff. Testimony emphasized that higher reimbursement rates increase parental choice, help providers cover rising child care costs, and support better staffing and lower turnover. The panel also said School Readiness Plus is easing the pressure on families to turn down raises or promotions for fear of losing child care assistance, though uptake is still early because the program only began in late 2024 and is only available to current School Readiness families at redetermination. The Division of Early Learning reported about 275 children enrolled in School Readiness Plus as of March 10, with expenditures of about $161,420 through January 2025, and said participation is increasing. Members asked about the federal-state funding split, wait lists, reverted funds, coalition accountability, county-based rate differences, and whether the entrance eligibility threshold should be raised or shifted to state median income. The panel said roughly 70% of School Readiness funding is federal, about 4% has typically reverted in recent years, and the wait list is around 12,000 children, with reasons including income ineligibility, lack of available seats, and funding limits. They argued that raising the entrance threshold would expand access but would require additional funding, and they also discussed the need to reduce workforce barriers such as in-person testing and training requirements. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond the presentation and member discussion, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our office estimates this metric, and you can use the vertical axis on the right-hand side to see how
• Less, and our analysis estimates around 25% to 30%.
• It would be before the next CPP meeting. does lead to higher prices.
• My recollection is it's estimated to be done in September of 2027.
• My recollection is it's estimated to be done in September of 2027.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The study will also estimate the number of patients who will require long-term care and estimate the
• And it's about us, in my estimation, it's about a seven-year role, okay?
• Do you have any estimate of what kind of licensures would be impacted by this?
• And the estimated overpayments and fraud in some states is actually over 30%.
• And the estimated overpayments and fraud in some states is actually over 30%.

Bills: SB500 , SB719 , SB912 , SB1232 , SB1467 , SB1777 , SB1864 , SB2023 , SB2119 , SB2458

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data. Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed. The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• by $6.1 million, bringing the total estimated payment in 2026-27 to $668.3 million.
• our prior estimates by $2.3 billion in 2026-27 and in the current year by $1.3 billion.
• These increases are to align the WIOA funding with estimated federal allocations.
• The position included in the request is an estimated annual cost of $154,000.
• So we are estimating about a $100 million shortfall.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:00:59.760><c> and</c> Care Board reference based pricing and Care Board reference based pricing
• ,</c><00:01:53.360><c> and</c> Board, reference based pricing, and Board, reference based pricing, and
• </c> reference-based pricing for hospitals. reference-based pricing for hospitals.
• It requires that the Green Mountain Care Board use reference-based pricing to reduce hospital prices
• </c> they need to demand price moderation. they need to demand price moderation.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we'll move into estimates of the 2023 market and data limitations.
• , but they are the best estimates using available data.
• As previously discussed, Horand estimated that there is currently...
• prices to decline and contributing to market consolidation.
• And the range was like 300% between the estimate.

Summary: At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations. The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses. JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, an estimated 16,920 Californians were diagnosed with lung cancer.
• These are critical treatments, but their high price tags are putting a real strain on patients and our
• And when biosimilars enter the market, they introduce competition that helps bring prices down across
• Drug companies often keep these drug prices high by setting their own list prices and then offering co-pay
• coupons in order to help some patients afford those high prices.

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, beginning with SB 1124 on lung cancer screening awareness. The author and supporters said the bill would require CDPH signage about lung cancer screening eligibility at tobacco point-of-sale locations to address low awareness and low screening rates. Support came from medical students, physicians, and the California Academy of Family Physicians, while retailers raised concerns about sign size, retailer notification, and implementation. Committee members generally supported the bill and noted the need to work through those concerns. SB 1150 sought to require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry. The author described the bill as a response to inconsistent notification practices and privacy concerns, and the chair and other members shared personal stories about learning they or family members were in the registry without knowing it. Cancer registry and university stakeholders expressed appreciation for amendments but continued to have concerns or wanted more time to review the language. The bill was discussed as a patient-awareness measure rather than a change to reporting requirements. The committee also heard SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1094 on biosimilar substitution and health plan policies, SB 1314 on smoke shop regulation and nitrous oxide restrictions, and SB 1309 on eliminating cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up after lung cancer screening. SB 1400 and SB 1314 drew support from local officials, labor, and public health advocates, with members emphasizing youth protection and local oversight. SB 1094 passed after extensive debate over pharmacist substitution authority and notification requirements, with a 6-0 vote and opposition from biotechnology and physician groups. SB 1309 also passed after members discussed the cost of follow-up care and the value of early detection, despite opposition from health plans over premium impacts; it received a 7-0 vote and was placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, instead of the $3.5 million that was estimated at Governor's budget, the estimate has been updated
• However, instead of the $3.5 million that was estimated at Governor's budget, the estimate has been updated
• However, instead of the $3.5 million that was estimated at Governor's budget, the estimate has been updated
• The administration did provide some estimates for the number of recipients estimated to be impacted by
• Again, as the administration noted, the estimate... ...estimated savings in the out years of this proposal

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FIFA is estimating that there will be 3 billion unique viewers, which is more than one-third of the world's
• One of the concerns is that vacation homes have been bidding up the price of housing, and it's kind of
• One of the concerns is that vacation homes have been bidding up the price of housing, and it's kind of
• That's one in seven drivers, and in Washington the percentage is estimated to be even higher.
• drivers, and in Washington, the percentage is estimated to be even higher, nearly 20 percent or one

Bills: SB5839 , SB5824 , SB5864 , SB6032

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: county authority, transportation, ferry district, infrastructure, government powers, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, state law, motor vehicle, insurance verification, automobile regulation, state compliance, traffic safety, highway safety, load limits, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We estimate our city is home to more than 150 facilities of many varieties.
• “Yeah, I mean, that's an estimate by the California Health Benefits Review Program.
• Drug companies often keep their drug prices high by setting their own list price, and they're offering
• copay coupons to help some patients afford those high prices.
• But those dollars still get priced into premiums and create significant conflicts of interest.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all