Transcript Highlights:

• </c> corporations to uh to claim the credit corporations to uh to claim the credit uh<00:03:56.200><c
• </c> provide for Community saf education provide for Community saf education programs<00:19:00.559><c
• credit credit non-refundable<00:25:25.200><c> uh</c><00:25:25.320><c> we're</c><00:25:25.440><c> going
• also a public private uh credit also a public private uh credit enhancement<00:36:55.160><c> program<
• c> Orit and and provide credit enhancements Orit and and provide credit enhancements to<00:44:15.720>

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• credits.
• </c><00:10:26.880><c> that</c> amounts of continuing education that amounts of continuing education that
• </c><00:15:22.880><c> policy</c> re-refer this to the education policy re-refer this to the education
• They need to continue their education.
• These nurses don't require any credits.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 549, Allen, from the Local Government Committee to the Education Committee.
• And when it comes to education, the people that matter in the education budget are mostly young people
• Title I education funding, that was DEI.
• This legislation also caps multiple tax credits and... ...that they buy.
• It is time we finally reexamine those tax credits.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when it comes to education, the people that matter in the education budget are mostly young people
• Title I education funding, that was DEI.
• An alternative tax credit to the May revision proposal for certain business tax credits lowers taxes
• Their corporations still benefit from generous tax credits.
• It is time we finally reexamine those tax credits.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also offer workforce and community education.
• I am the director of the nursing education program here at.
• So, briefly over the program, it is a 60 credit hour program, as all two-year degrees are. 45 to 43 credit
• These foundations have really high education standards.
• college credit to younger students.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• seeks a line of credit for $3 million.
• So you're really not asking for a line of credit.
• It's a line of credit. It's a deficiency.
• And so I think any education we can do is helpful.
• So I think any education we do to help drive engagement and drive educated choices... ...we do to help

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Livingston, do we still have the education rollover? Yes, the education rollover, we do.
• the individual and corporate refundable research and development tax credit.
• tax credit at $110 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027.
• Right below that, number 11 talks about the dependent tax credit. Big deal if you have kids.
• We're giving a 25% increase in this credit. This is a big deal for families.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a 30% refundable credit. fantastic. It's a 30% refundable credit.
• </c> present in the tax credit legislation. present in the tax credit legislation.
• </c> credits wouldn't happen without them. credits wouldn't happen without them.
• </c> are coming for their credits. are coming for their credits.
• </c> credit can go to any corporation. credit can go to any corporation.

Summary: The Kentucky Housing Task Force met and heard first from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which presented findings from a housing study done with the Home Builders Association. The chamber said housing is now a major economic-development issue, citing survey results that 90% of community leaders said their region could not absorb a major job announcement and 66% said housing is holding back Kentucky’s economy. The chamber described Kentucky’s housing shortage, rising home prices, declining permits since 2008, and the need for more production to support growth. It urged policy changes including zoning and land-use reform, tax incentives, regional approaches, and especially a residential infrastructure fund modeled on Indiana’s low-interest loan program to help communities finance roads and other infrastructure needed for new housing. Members asked about the severity of the problem, workforce shortages in permitting and construction, the loan interest rate, repayment, and whether Kentucky could replicate Indiana’s results; the witness said the issue is a crisis and that the program would be a revolving public-private partnership, likely around 3% interest, with implementation details still to be worked out. The Kentucky Bankers Association then testified that the housing gap is especially acute for households at 80% of area median income and below, which it said represents about 70% of Kentucky’s housing need. It emphasized that the shortage affects both urban and rural counties and pointed to examples such as Rowan County, where workers at major employers must commute long distances because local housing is unavailable or unaffordable. The bankers said high interest rates remain a major barrier and proposed a $20 million bank commitment for a revolving fund tied to tax credits to finance new housing, not refinances. They cited Hope of the Midwest as an example of a successful tax-credit housing model with a long track record and no defaults, and said the proposal would leverage public-private partnerships to create new units. Committee members questioned how the proposed fund would compare with industrial revenue bonds and whether it could be structured like Kentucky’s tobacco settlement fund, with seed money, a review board, scoring criteria, and possible population thresholds to ensure smaller communities benefit. The bankers said the proposal would be another tool for cities and counties, specifically tied to residential infrastructure, and that larger cities should not be able to capture all of the resources. No formal votes or actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Education and Employment Committee will come to order. Chair Canady. Rep. Canady: Here.
• I would like to—you are codifying specifically because I am an educator.
• Kristen: I am here as a Florida parent and a public education advocate.
• That is not an educational item. That is coercive in an emotional way.
• This will be managed carefully and efficiently as per our education system.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and considered four measures. HB 409, which would require K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, was presented briefly with no public testimony or debate and passed 18-0. The committee then took up HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment to codify religious liberty and expression in schools. Supporters argued it would strengthen existing protections and give voters the final say, while opponents from parent, atheist, interfaith, and church groups warned it could privilege dominant faiths, create coercion or confusion in schools, and reduce flexibility for districts. After extended debate, the resolution passed 18-1, with Rep. Harris voting no. The committee next heard CS/HB 453, which would allow students to substitute participation in Special Olympics for a PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill recognizes the physical demands of these activities and would benefit students with disabilities and band students; school district and PTA representatives waived in support. The bill passed unanimously, 19-0. Finally, HB 127, requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2 through 5, was presented as a literacy and heritage measure. Supporters said it would help students read historical documents and strengthen handwriting skills, while questions focused on grading, retention, and applicability to charter schools. It passed 17-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kate, you want to come on up and talk to us about higher education and post-secondary education funding
• Today I will go over the overview of higher education.
• It just shows that of the 13% of the higher education pie, that changes from the 8% of higher education
• Participating students receive tuition-free education.
• Participating students receive tuition-free education.

Bills: HB2148 , HB2132

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid, state financial aid, financial aid application, postsecondary education, higher education, student aid, Washington Student Achievement Council, public records exemption, privacy, student records, personally identifying information, financial information, data sharing agreement, enrollment assistance, institutional records, FERPA

Transcript Highlights:

• and quality education.
• </c> abolishing the Department of Education abolishing the Department of Education then<00:23:38.600>
• It cuts credit card late fees from an average of $32 to $8, meaning your credit card company cannot charge
• </c><05:43:48.558><c> card</c> $32 to $8 meaning your credit card $32 to $8 meaning your credit card
• </c><05:44:19.878><c> card</c> principle that is let the credit card principle that is let the credit

Bills: HR77

Keywords: Fred Korematsu, civil liberties, constitutional rights, Japanese internment, historical education, national reflection, personal justice

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank you for standing by educators all of these years, not just early educators, but K-12 educators
• and higher education educators, you have been a North Star for education in this state.
• Not just early educators, but K-12 educators and higher education educators, you have been a north star
• The physician tax credit.
• I view credits as unvetted appropriations. That's what tax credits are.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and agreed by unanimous consent to allow cameras on the floor and gallery, excuse several senators, and move to announcements and miscellaneous business. The chamber then adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales for his years of service as Senate president and lieutenant governor, followed by extensive remarks from senators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praising his leadership, fairness, education advocacy, and personal kindness. Morales briefly responded, thanking members, the governor, and his family, and noting he would offer fuller remarks on his final day. After messages from the House were read, the Senate adopted several committee reports. These included favorable action on Senate Memorial 31; House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70; House Bill 124, referred to Finance; Senate Joint Resolution 6, referred to Judiciary; Senate Joint Resolution 7; House Bills 103, 154, 165, and 285 as amended; and the Finance Committee’s amended report on House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bills 2 and 3. The Judiciary Committee also reported Senate Bill 104 as duly enrolled and engrossed, and the body noted that SB 104 had been signed in open session. During personal privilege, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth discussed a State Ethics Commission advisory opinion on whether legislators who are attorneys may vote on medical malpractice cap legislation, arguing the issue is governed by Senate rules rather than the Governmental Conduct Act. He said he would continue to disclose his interests and vote under Rule 7-5, and also rejected a newspaper suggestion that he had a conflict in sponsoring a judgeship bill for the First Judicial District Court. The Senate then moved into third reading, beginning with Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 264, which Senator Duhigg explained as an election-security measure responding to concerns about federal interference, intimidation, and emergency election disruptions; Senator Nava then spoke in support as a co-sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• The tax credit expansion outlined in this bill for the California Film and Television Credit Program.
• This bill will also make meaningful and real investments in the critical film tax credits.
• We were able to include 500 million for the low income housing tax credit. 120 million for the.
• This budget also prepares for a rainy day ahead and protects our public education investments.
• I rise to present AB 123, the Higher Education Trailer Bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education.
• Education.
• Education.
• credit for the same time.
• President of Baham, Post-Secondary Education, to prohibit public post-secondary education institutions

Bills: HR112 , HR113 , HR114 , HCR51 , HCR52 , HR94 , HR95 , HR96 , HR97 , HR98 , HR99 , HR100 , HR103 , HR104 , HR105 , HR106 , HR107 , HR108 , HR109 , HR110 , HR111 , HCR46 , HCR47 , HCR48 , HCR49 , HCR50 , SCR25 , SB17 , SB300 , HCR35 , HB51 , HB82 , HB143 , HB145 , HB160 , HB180 , HB192 , HB393 , HB430 , HB445 , HB506 , HB515 , HB521 , HB565 , HB590 , HB614 , HB638 , HB647 , HB670 , HB672 , HB685 , HB692 , HB752 , HB773 , HB781 , HB799 , HB839 , HB860 , HB873 , HB874 , HB887 , HB917 , HB937 , HB956 , HB965 , HB972 , HB977 , HB982 , HB1006 , HB1010 , HB1044 , HB1072 , HB1088 , HB1157 , HB1179 , HB1200 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HCR10 , HR74 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HB54 , HB67 , HB73 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB195 , HB245 , HB280 , HB283 , HB296 , HB319 , HB339 , HB399 , HB407 , HB448 , HB550 , HB591 , HB826 , HB995 , HB1085 , HB1086 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB288 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB380 , HB392 , HB403 , HB420 , HB459 , HB476 , HB540 , HB615 , HB631 , HB637 , HB648 , HB665 , HB682 , HB789 , HB813 , HB815 , HB835 , HB870 , HB905 , HB915 , HB933 , HB938 , HB987 , HB1040 , HB827 , HB953 , HB796 , HB352 , HB463 , HB735 , HB780 , HB882 , HB81 , HB400 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB961 , HB401 , HB901 , HB9 , HB52 , HB58 , HB154 , HB193 , HB284 , HB410 , HB570 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB733 , HB868 , HB952

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, and received several Senate messages and enrolled resolutions. The chamber also recognized visiting groups and guests, including a guest minister, the Joe Burrow Foundation, Youth Legislature participants, children’s advocacy center representatives, Alzheimer’s advocates, Delta Sigma Theta members, Kappa Alpha Psi members, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and City Year AmeriCorps. The House adopted a series of commemorative and awareness resolutions, including measures for Sanfilippo Syndrome Awareness Day, Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Awareness Day, Knock Knock Children’s Museum Day, Big Brothers Big Sisters Day, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Day, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Day, My Sister’s Keeper Day, Youth Legislature recognition, and several commendations and condolences. It also concurred in SCR 25 and received Senate resolutions and bills, including measures on commercial driver’s licenses, Medicaid eligibility during redetermination, postsecondary support fund use, juvenile traffic violations, background checks, and explosives regulation. The House then considered and advanced a long list of bills, largely on criminal justice, education, public safety, transportation, and administrative procedure. Notable measures included bills on parole and probation alternatives, supervised release venue for sex-offender violations, jail-credit limits on consecutive sentences, medical parole notice, juvenile parole eligibility cleanup, teacher and school employee battery penalties, inmate workforce cleanup, re-entry programming for female parolees, extradition costs for probation/parole violators, and a bill allowing public postsecondary institutions to permit self-defense chemical sprays. Other bills addressed protected personal information for certain public officials, the M.J. Foster Promise Program eligibility age, scholarships for spouses of firefighters and police officers, compensation for parish board commissioners, paid family leave insurance as a voluntary private-market product, insurance referral practices, and vehicle inspection sticker requirements. Several bills were amended and passed, often with strong or unanimous support, while a few were recommitted or returned to the calendar. The House passed HB 504 on parole violations as alternatives to revocation by a vote of 88-0; HB 73 on electronic voting in public meetings by 88-0; HB 125 on supervised release venue by 91-0; HB 67 on protected information records by 98-1; HB 133 on assault and battery penalties for teachers by 96-0; HB 158 on probation technical violations by 92-3; HB 168 on a female parolee re-entry program by 95-0; HB 169 on extradition costs by 92-3; HB 191 on overlapping jail credit by 88-5; HB 195 on self-defense chemical sprays on campus by 93-0; HB 245 on medical parole notice by 95-0; HB 280 on juvenile parole eligibility cleanup by 93-0; HB 283 on sick leave and discipline rules for attacked school employees by 97-1; HB 296 repealing inactive inmate workforce provisions by 88-5; HB 319 on civic education commission quorum by 98-0; HB 339 on protected information for police officers and retired judges by 97-0; HB 407 on the M.J. Foster Promise Program age reset to 21 by 94-2; HB 448 on scholarships for spouses of firefighters and police officers by 95-0; HB 550 increasing parish board commissioner pay from $50 to $100 per day by 91-2; HB 591 creating a voluntary paid family leave insurance product by 95-0; and HB 826 modernizing insurance referral rules by 93-0. HB 1085, a major proposal to eliminate traditional vehicle inspection stickers and replace them with a new sticker/QR-code system tied to registration, drew extensive questioning about costs, enforcement, local parish programs, and where the fee revenue would go; the debate was ongoing in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas Taiwan and Alabama signed the K through 12 and Higher Education Corporation memorandum of
• -Taiwan Education Initiative, facilitating educational cooperation, Mandarin and English language learning
• Senate Bill number one relating to Senate Bill number one relating to public education.
• President, I move the Senate confirm Edith Franklin to the Credit Union Administration Board. Mr.
• Danny Varnon to the Credit Union Administration Board using previous roll. Is there any objection?

Bills: SJR 39 , SB 22 , SB 30 , SB 33 , SB 34 , SB 37 , SB 75 , SB 209 , SB 310 , SB 505 , SB 552 , SB 618 , SB 626 , SB 636 , SB 732 , SB 747 , SB 762 , SB 769 , SB 819 , SB 825 , SB 870 , SB 926 , SB 964 , SB 1030 , SB 1080 , SB 1099 , SB 1124 , SB 1177 , SB 1208 , SB 1233 , SB 1314 , SB 1325 , SB 1333 , SB 1405 , SB 1455 , SB 1506 , SB 1524 , SB 1541 , SB 1577 , SB 1579 , SB 1596 , SB 1646 , SB 1667 , SB 1727 , SB 1750 , SB 1758 , SB 1760 , SB 1791 , SB 1804 , SB 1806 , SB 1869 , SB 1923 , SB 1927 , SB 1951 , SB 1960 , SB 1962 , SB 2023 , SB 2024 , SB 2056 , SB 2078 , SB 2122 , SB 2129 , SB 2180 , SB 2183 , SB 2185 , SB 2207 , SB 2252 , SB 2361 , SB 2365 , SB 2368 , SB 2405 , SB 2411 , SB 2420 , SB 2425 , SB 2569 , SB 2717 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 39 , SJR 63 , SJR 68 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 38 , SCR 37 , SCR 42 , SCR 29 , SB 762 , SB 1596 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1539 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 957 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 310 , SB 505 , SB 264 , SB 1364 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 1877 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1333 , SB 1436 , SB 964 , SB 287 , SB 2143 , SB 261 , SB 1247 , SB 1882 , SB 618 , SB 393 , SB 2243 , SB 2226 , SB 1919 , SB 1791 , SB 22 , SB 651 , SB 1080 , SB 826 , SB 1079 , SB 1243 , SB 1504 , SB 1851 , SB 1879 , SB 2237 , SB 1257 , SB 2034 , SB 1522 , SB 1151 , SB 596 , SB 1191 , SB 226 , SB 570 , SB 870 , SB 991 , SB 60 , SB 1401 , SB 1728 , SB 586 , SB 529 , SB 217 , SB 209 , SB 1923 , SB 1839 , SB 387 , SB 1874 , SB 1872 , SB 1873 , SB 1921 , SB 1883 , SB 1620 , SB 1838 , SB 2024 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 2166 , SB 510 , SB 33 , SB 2420 , SB 1860 , SB 1541 , SB 1314 , SB 1398 , SB 1869 , SB 1750 , SB 855 , SB 1233 , SB 2425 , SB 2037 , SB 1758 , SB 1759 , SB 2365 , SB 1924 , SB 1818 , SB 1405 , SB 1762 , SB 1968 , SB 1977 , SB 2077 , SB 2321 , SB 1662 , SB 1663 , SB 2124 , SB 2204 , SB 1855 , SB 863 , SB 37 , SB 819 , SB 2078 , SB 2252 , SB 1962 , SB 2253 , SB 825 , SB 1577 , SB 1184 , SB 2018 , SB 2206 , SB 1901 , SB 1030 , SB 2368 , SB 1963 , SB 1960 , SB 1643 , SB 1625 , SB 1299 , SB 841 , SB 668 , SB 584 , SB 231 , SB 2411 , SB 1085 , SB 2431 , SB 2231 , SB 1490 , SB 530 , SB 34 , SB 1261 , SB 552 , SB 1099 , SB 1646 , SB 2180 , SB 1804 , SB 1937 , SB 1936 , SB 2569 , SB 1372 , SB 1208 , SB 1124 , SB 1506 , SB 1806 , SB 1868 , SB 2361 , SB 2314 , SB 769 , SB 1409 , SB 2122 , SB 434 , SB 1214 , SB 1951 , SB 2183 , SB 2046 , SB 1667 , SB 1870 , SB 1727 , SB 2405 , SB 2127 , SB 1975 , SB 1760 , SB 1734 , SB 1335 , SB 2066 , SB 2129 , SB 2246 , SB 2439 , SB 1624 , SB 1244 , SB 1468 , SB 2717 , SB 1612 , SB 1262 , SB 604 , SB 2395 , SB 2185 , SB 1832 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 2207 , SB 2023 , SB 1784 , SB 1524 , SB 626 , SB 528 , SB 437 , SB 269 , SB 1137 , SB 968 , SB 636 , SB 747 , SB 1325 , SB 1789 , SB 1455 , SB 2056 , SB 75 , SB 1940 , SB 2052 , SB 1927 , SB 2010 , SB 1579 , SB 2068 , SB 3034 , SB 844 , SB 1920 , SB 1177 , SB 1558 , SB 1236 , SB 1044 , SB 926 , SB 884 , SB 463 , SB 331 , SB 227 , SB 240 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1626 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2216 , SB 2681 , SB 1717 , SB 2053 , SB 546 , SB 2141 , SB 2949 , SB 2323 , SB 2200 , SB 2332 , SB 2199 , SB 1642 , SB 1150 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 1138 , SB 2051 , SB 2626 , SB 2458 , SB 1864 , SB 30 , SB 2201 , SB 1862 , SB 1583 , SB 1583 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 1898 , SB 2662 , SB 2662 , SB 2161 , SB 2161 , SB 2964 , SB 2881 , SB 1065 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2743 , SB 2533 , SB 2533 , SB 1413 , SB 1413 , SB 1 , SB 34 , SB 310 , SB 819 , SB 1030 , SB 1124 , SB 1208 , SB 1233 , SB 1333 , SB 1405 , SB 1541 , SB 1750 , SB 1758 , SB 1869 , SB 2078 , SB 2365 , SB 2411 , SB 762 , SB 33 , SB 37 , SB 505 , SR 402 , SR 409 , SB 2695 , SB 2695

Transcript Highlights:

• Through AFP education to try and get CME accreditation for some of the kind of medical education courses
• In 2021, those federal tax credits were enhanced.
• on top of those federal tax credits.
• So we're getting a lot more federal tax credit for those folks still eligible for the tax credit due
• have to overcome in order to claim those tax credits.

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC audit presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and hospital data reporting. JLARC said DOH was late on 72% of acute care hospital inspections as of December 2024, had not verified that third-party accrediting standards were substantially equivalent to state requirements, did not consistently collect proof of those inspections, and was not reviewing adverse health event corrective action plans as required. JLARC also said DOH’s complaint system may have language-access barriers and that hospital data posted online is difficult for the public to use. JLARC made five recommendations to DOH and one to the Legislature; DOH concurred with the recommendations. DOH then outlined a response plan and said it had already begun work on several items. Officials said they would develop staffing and performance plans for inspections, verify accrediting body standards and require proof of third-party inspections, expand complaint forms into additional languages, seek funding and legal updates for adverse event review, and improve public access to hospital data, including a possible dashboard. They said annual progress updates would be provided to the Legislature and noted some improvement in inspection timeliness, while also emphasizing staffing, funding, and pandemic-related backlogs as constraints. The committee also received a DOH presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current program as a tool to assess community need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility expansions and new services, and recommended a phased modernization focused on clarifying statutory purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, modernizing access standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, securing ongoing funding, and using new state data systems. Members asked about streamlining overlapping inspections and whether triggers could be used to target inspections more efficiently. A final panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care, with a Coalition for Health AI representative describing industry efforts to create standards for responsible AI, including principles of usefulness, fairness, safety, transparency, security, and privacy, plus tools such as model cards and quality-assurance frameworks. The committee then heard testimony on federal and state health care funding changes from the Washington State Hospital Association and Providence Swedish, which warned that state cuts, taxes, and federal HR1 changes would worsen already thin margins, lead to service reductions, layoffs, and delayed capital investments, and increase charity care and uncompensated care. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange also began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits and the state’s Cascade Care Savings program, warning that coverage affordability for exchange customers could be affected if federal enhancements are not extended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also allows for credit card processing fees, now incentivizing the option for consumers to use credit
• Let's take up tab 50, CS for SB 7038 on education by Education Post-Secondary, and Senator Calatayud,
• We're going to take up tab 49, CS for SB 7036 on education by the Education Pre-K through 12 Committee
• Senator, talk to us about the educational emergency.
• Is that what an educational emergency is?

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The committee first confirmed six appointees in a single vote, then took up a series of bills, most of them reported favorably. The early debate centered on SB 208, a land-use bill by Sen. McLean that would require development fees to reflect review costs and create more objective compatibility standards for residential development denials. An amendment adding housing-related provisions, including an OPAGA study of urban development boundaries, drew extended discussion over the Everglades and local control; it was adopted, while a late-filed amendment on rural boundaries was withdrawn. The bill was then reported favorably after supporters and opponents, including Miami-Dade and housing groups, weighed in. The committee also favorably reported SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after amendments adding conservation, wildlife corridor, and Everglades-related protections, with one amendment specifically preserving stronger protections in counties covered by the Northern Everglades/Indian River Lagoon plan. Several criminal justice and public records measures also advanced. SB 436 would add resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense for battery enhancement and include certain felony battery offenses in prison release reoffender status. SB 830 would extend public-records protections to county and city administrators and related family information. SB 990 would authorize protected cell captive insurers in Florida. SB 600, on bail bonds, drew the most debate: an amendment by Sen. Rouson preserved the current treatment of charitable bail organizations’ deposits, with supporters arguing nonprofits help low-income defendants and critics saying the bill should distinguish commercial and nonprofit bonding; the amendment was adopted and the bill reported favorably. SB 914 on dry needling and SB 1434 on infill redevelopment also passed, the latter with an amendment removing a 10% markup requirement for buyback provisions. The committee then moved through a large education and health agenda. SB 1504 would let high school students who complete an insurance/personal finance elective qualify later for a customer service representative license. SB 1718 would expand educator preparation and temporary certification options. SB 7038 was a broad education package covering tuition waivers for Florida State Guard members, residency rules, consumer protections, dual enrollment, grading, and college funding; amendments clarified workforce licensure and exempted certain dental training from new licensure rules. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine added definitions and restrictions for cellular/tissue-based products. SB 1138 on qualified contractors created a pre-application review program for certain local governments, with historic-preservation carveouts. SB 186 on student health and safety required seizure-training and action plans in schools, and SB 560 on child welfare streamlined psychotropic-medication procedures for children in state care while adding youth advisory meetings and insurance-data review. SB 902, a broad Department of Health bill, addressed medical marijuana facility setbacks, practitioner discipline, autism microcredentials, marriage and family therapy licensure, a neurofibromatosis grant program, and family home health aide delegation; it passed after two amendments. Finally, SB 218 on land-use regulations limited hurricane-recovery restrictions to affected counties, SB 1002 expanded child-neglect definitions tied to parental drug abuse, SB 1474 tightened biosolids land-application rules, SB 1708 eased out-of-state veterinary licensure by endorsement, and SB 314 established a Florida regulatory framework for payment stablecoins aligned with federal law. Most measures were reported favorably by committee vote after brief testimony or no debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the 4% tax credit.
• And so the federal tax credits, those 9% tax credits, generally provide more than double the equity for
• credits or other additional subsidy.
• Last year we funded 43 projects with 4% tax credit. 43 projects with 4% tax credits plus the state enhanced
• But it's critical that state tax credits and 9% credits can be paired with HDFC projects.

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the Senate’s budget plan for affordable housing and homelessness, including a proposed $2 billion housing investment and full funding for HHAP rounds 7 and 8. The first major item was the administration’s housing reorganization and trailer bill package, which would codify the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC), consolidate multifamily housing finance programs into a one-stop application and award process, and shift some authority over bonds, tax credits, and the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. Administration officials said the goal was to reduce duplication, speed projects from award to construction, and improve accountability by aligning financing decisions. The LAO generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside and earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, and suggested preserving flexibility for integrated applications and reporting back on the proposed 70/30 split for housing versus sustainable communities funding. Committee members, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the new committee structure could add process and delay, and questioned whether the proposal was effectively repurposing the climate-oriented ASIC program into a housing finance tool without enough direct investment in core housing programs. Administration witnesses responded that the structure was meant to create transparency, public accountability, and simultaneous financing awards, and said the proposal was only a first step in a broader consolidation effort. Members also asked about specific programs such as the Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grant Program and the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, and staff said those would remain within the broader streamlined framework or the flexible sustainable communities allocation. The committee then heard from CDLAC and TCAC on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance. Staff explained that H.R. 1 increased the federal 9% LIHTC allocation and, more importantly, lowered the bond-financing threshold for 4% credits from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the change, resulting in 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members asked about the value of the state low-income housing tax credit program and rehabilitation projects; staff said state credits remain important for filling financing gaps and that a portion of bond and credit resources is now set aside for acquisition and rehabilitation. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights rollbacks and on three limited-term or expiring programs: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal closures and funding cuts have increased demand on the department, which now has more than 12,000 open matters, up from 8,700 a year earlier, and a six-month wait for intake interviews despite overtime triage and early case screening. Members urged continued funding for the programs, arguing they are essential as federal protections weaken; department staff said California vs. Hate connects callers quickly to support services, the conflict resolution unit fills a gap left by the shuttered federal counterpart, and the limited-term investigators have helped reduce wait times even as filings continue to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you talking about the credit? Yes. Okay. I'm sorry.
• for credit?
• So in the substitute, the credit is not running the same way.
• account because they knew a higher education or diverse and well-educated workforce was going to be
• Are we opposed to our students pursuing an education?

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2140 would exempt land sold or transferred to a governmental entity from additional tax when removed from open space classification in certain circumstances. Staff explained the current use property tax system and said the bill would likely have minimal but indeterminate revenue effects, with about $30,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Representative Lowe said the bill was intended to fix a niche problem where a farmer loses a small frontage strip to a county and is then charged back taxes despite no change in land use. FutureWise testified in support of the bill’s intent but asked for small language changes to ensure transferred land remains compatible with agricultural or open space use. The public hearing on HB 2140 was then closed. HB 2326 would allow a fire protection district that is partially overlapped by another district’s EMS levy to impose its own levy on the portion not already covered, subject to voter approval in the affected area. Staff said the bill would have no state general fund impact and about $28,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Fire district and fire chief representatives testified in support, describing situations in Clark County and Kittitas County where most residents cannot vote on an EMS levy because a small overlapping area already has one. Opponents, including Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill would add to property tax burdens. The hearing on HB 2326 then closed. HB 2334 would require rounding of cash transactions to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out of circulation, while leaving non-cash payments unchanged. Staff said the bill would apply to the final total after taxes and fees, with an indeterminate but minimal state revenue impact and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The prime sponsor said the bill was needed because the federal government ended penny production without giving states guidance. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the concept but requested amendments for clarity, consumer protection, SNAP compliance, and flexibility while pennies remain in circulation; one witness opposed the bill as another tax burden. The hearing on HB 2334 was then closed. The committee then heard HB 2100, a proposed statewide payroll expense tax on large operating companies to fund a new Well Washington Fund for higher education, health care, cash assistance, energy, and housing. Staff said the proposed substitute would apply to employers with at least 250 employees and $7 million in annual payroll, exclude certain public and health care entities, and generate substantial revenue, with the fiscal note estimating about $7.6 billion to the general fund and $4.2 billion to the new fund in the 2027–29 biennium under the revised threshold. Supporters, including poverty, housing, labor, education, disability, and faith advocates, said the bill would help offset federal cuts and protect vulnerable residents. Business, retail, hospitality, construction, and technology groups opposed it, warning of job losses, higher costs, reduced competitiveness, and broader impacts on consumers and employers. The prime sponsor said the bill was a response to federal divestment and that the state needed a progressive revenue source now; no vote was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the February 3rd meeting of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.
• early childhood education stackable certificates or associate degree programs.
• that discontinue operations or an educational program of currently enrolled students.
• Where we're desperately short of early childhood educators.
• and meeting our desperate need for early childhood educators.

Summary: At the February 3 meeting of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, members reviewed several bills for possible executive session and noted that House Bill 2538 would be heard later in the session, while no action would be taken that day on House Bills 2422, 2427, and 2589. Staff walked the committee through proposed substitutes and amendments on multiple bills, including HB 2438 (early childhood education degree seekers scholarship), HB 2525 (heritage orchard program at WSU), HB 2586 (Passport to Careers and Washington College Grant alignment), HB 2458 (expanding Washington College Grant eligibility to certain non-degree credential programs), HB 2474 (student consumer protections and tuition recovery for school closures), and HB 2540/2450 relating to EMT recertification timing. Members discussed fiscal impacts, use of the GET account, student aid access, support for trades and vulnerable students, and protections for students when institutions or programs close. The committee adopted a proposed substitute for HB 2438 and reported it out on a 13-4 vote, with supporters emphasizing early childhood workforce shortages and opponents raising concerns about using GET account funds. HB 2525’s proposed substitute and a null-and-void amendment were adopted, and the bill was reported out unanimously. HB 2586 was reported out on a 17-0 vote, with members citing benefits for students experiencing homelessness and foster care. HB 2458’s amendment was adopted and the substitute bill passed out of committee on an 11-6 vote, despite objections about available financial aid funding. For HB 2474, members withdrew several amendments, adopted REN 076 to narrow exemptions for certain private institutions, and then reported the substitute bill out on a narrow 9-8 vote after debate over student protections versus institutional flexibility. The final bill considered, relating to EMT recertification intervals, was reported out of committee by voice vote with 17 ayes. Throughout the meeting, the committee generally advanced the bills with do-pass recommendations, while recording split views on funding sources, student consumer protections, and the scope of aid eligibility.