Transcript Highlights:

• I Director<00:41:57.440><c> Gram.</c> Director Gram. Director Gram.
• </c> the executive branch. the executive branch.
• &gt;&gt; Director<00:48:39.640><c> Gram.</c> &gt;&gt; Director Gram. &gt;&gt; Director Gram.
• Director<01:08:56.920><c> Gram.</c> Director Gram. Director Gram.
• Director Gram. the future? Director Gram.

Bills: HF4110 , HF4101 , HF4144 , HF3546

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That is comprised of the executive directors of certified centers.
• They requested the executive director of that program to meet with the work group, and within that work
• director.
• director.
• That is the executive director or CEO of every coalition from every state, and they are who I consider

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s domestic violence system, focusing on how state and federally funded services are coordinated, the role of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV), the Florida Domestic Violence Collaborative, DCF, and certified domestic violence centers. Members reviewed the post-2020 restructuring after the dissolution of FCADV, the current hotline, legal services, training, and technical assistance contracts, and the Legislature’s recent work on lethality assessments under SB 1224. Panelists also described prevention, shelter, counseling, child advocacy, and legal support services, along with the statewide network of 41 certified centers serving all 67 counties. Testimony highlighted both collaboration and tension. FPEDV and Women in Distress described overlapping training and technical assistance roles, but FPEDV said its relationship with DCF has been difficult and at times obstructive, while DCF said communication and coordination are ongoing. Women in Distress and other providers emphasized the importance of direct services, the statewide hotline, injunction assistance, child welfare co-located advocates, and prevention programs. Several members asked about funding flows, certification, and whether the current structure is sufficient for rural counties; witnesses said federal FVPSA funds are formula-based, DCF contracts directly with centers, and rural programs face staffing and fundraising challenges that limit beds and services. A major portion of the discussion centered on the lethality assessment work group and implementation of the new statewide tool. FDLE explained that the work group concluded the Maryland model was copyrighted and costly to replicate exactly, so Florida adopted a statutory assessment that is not evidence-based in the same way, with training available online and 46 of about 400 law enforcement agencies having completed it so far. Senators raised concerns about multiple assessments, redacted police reports, and whether the tool will be useful without better coordination and data collection. Witnesses also discussed rising domestic violence, teen dating violence, and strangulation cases, with providers reporting increased demand, full shelters, and greater use of hotels and mobile crisis responses. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Todd Anderson, Director of Risk Management. Mr.
• Chairman, members of the committee for the record, Todd Anderson director. Mr.
• Chairman, members of the committee for the record, Tog Anderson, Director of Risk Management.
• We are the smallest executive budget agency of any state with five analysts.
• With the executive branch. Senator Hogan. Thank you, because this is such a work in progress.

Committee: Joint Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE ALSO OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OUR STATE REGIONAL LITERACY DIRECTOR PAGE MICHAEL IS HERE AND
• Burns: I WILL LET OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR START, PAIGE MICHAEL. >> GOOD MORNING, MY NAME IS PAIGE MICHAEL
• AND I AM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE REGIONAL LITERACY TEAM AND I HAVE >> GOOD MORNING, MY NAME IS PAIGE
• MICHAEL AND I AM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE REGIONAL LITERACY TEAM AND I HAVE WITH ME DOCTOR JACKIE
• HOW IS, IS THERE JUST ONE REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR MIAMI-DADE AND MONROE AND I'M ASSUMING THERE'S ONE DIRECTOR

Transcript Highlights:

• So Chelsea left a couple of months ago, I think, and we've got a new director.
• Director of the Sheriffs and Deputies Association.
• The executive branch, we execute, right?
• I'm the director of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
• That zone director then picks where that child lives.

Committees: Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• director, KCNA. >> Jason Johnson, deputy executive director of KCNA. >> Please raise your right hand
• , executive director, uh,<01:39:40.080><c> KCNA.
• , deputy executive director of<01:39:43.679><c> KCNA.
• ><01:50:24.960><c> of</c> &gt;&gt; Jenny Sand, executive director of &gt;&gt; Jenny Sand, executive director
• director who's been as an executive director who's been wildly<02:01:40.560><c> successful.

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2223 concerns irrigation district director beneficial interests and contracts.
• House Bill 2223 concerns irrigation district director beneficial interests and contracts.
• We have a number of bills to consider for executive session, and we'll just start off.
• That concludes the official work of the committee today as far as executive session.
• So the purpose—you've seen me and my director a fair amount this session.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee reviewed several House bills in executive session. Staff briefed bills on aviation assurances for wildland fire response (HB 2104), derelict vessels (HB 2199), irrigation district director spouse employment conflicts (HB 2223), statewide food security strategy (HB 2238), water quality and game farms (HB 2343), timber sales efficiencies (HB 2348), treaty reserve fishing rights and repeal of Initiative 456 (HB 2554), and a task force on reducing regulatory stress in agriculture (HB 2619). Members noted that HB 2238 had been heard previously as a striker but was now being considered as the engrossed substitute. Several bills had no amendments and little or no fiscal impact, while others carried modest fiscal notes. The committee took action on most bills: HB 2104, HB 2199, HB 2238, HB 2348, HB 2554, and HB 2619 all received due pass recommendations and were sent either to Ways and Means or Rules, with votes recorded by voice and no opposition noted. The committee took no action on HB 2223 or HB 2343. Members also thanked staff and acknowledged departing senators for their service. In the work session, the Washington State Department of Agriculture presented an overview of the 2024 local farms, workers, and food overtime reimbursement grant. WSDA described how it used targeted outreach, cross-agency coordination, and a streamlined application to administer the one-time program, which reimbursed qualifying overtime wages for hand-harvest vegetable farms selling to local markets and schools. The agency reported that 24 farms received about $213,000 total, and members asked about lessons learned, including how the experience might inform future grant design and broader agricultural support programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So first we have Dennis Weekly, our committee director.
• So it's Paul Brady, who's the executive director of the New York Public Welfare Association, and Dave
• I'm the executive director of the New York Public Welfare Association.
• I myself have been the executive director with the association for three years now.
• I myself have been the executive director with the association for three years now, but prior to that

Committee: Senate Social Services

Summary: The Social Services Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with Chair Senator Roxanne Persaud noting a quorum and reviewing the committee’s prior-year activity. She said the committee handled 87 referred bills in 2025, reported 31, passed 25 committee bills in the Senate, and saw five bills pass both houses, with two signed and three vetoed. She also highlighted stakeholder workshops and hearings on rental assistance, youth employment, and human trafficking in the transportation sector, and said the annual report would be posted soon. The committee then heard from Paul Brady of the New York Public Welfare Association and Dave Lucas of the New York State Association of Counties. They focused on federal and state budget pressures, including the HHS withholding letter, TANF, child care, Social Services Block Grant funding, and the implications of HR1 for SNAP and Medicaid work requirements. They warned about staffing shortages, county budget strain, and the need for more time, training, and technology to implement new requirements. Both also emphasized housing instability, supporting rental assistance and shelter-related programs, and Brady urged attention to shelter allowances and safety-net cost sharing. The committee reported several bills to Finance: S.180B to increase enhanced residential care eligibility amounts; S.182 to raise the federal poverty level threshold for a one-time income disregard after job entry; S.184 to establish a full-year youth and young adult employment immersion program, with members questioning how it would be funded; S.1465 to implement an electronic benefit transfer system, which members strongly supported as a fraud-prevention measure; S.3787 to eliminate rent for homeless shelters; and S.7730 to authorize reimbursement for shelters housing a single individual in a double-occupancy room. The committee also advanced S.8570, creating a Fiscal Cliff Task Force to study public assistance program funding shortfalls, despite discussion of prior gubernatorial vetoes of similar measures. All bills were reported, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:56:58.000><c> director</c> Guadalupe Lopez I'm executive director Guadalupe Lopez I'm executive
• </c><00:58:44.720><c> directors</c> coalitions my fellow executive directors coalitions my fellow executive
• I am the executive director of the Minnesota Children's Alliance.
• director of the am the executive director of the Minnesota<01:05:05.960><c> Alliance</c><01:05:06.359
• </c><01:09:12.719><c> director</c> primary role is the executive director primary role is the executive

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I also am here as the chair of the Court Executive Advisory Committee, representing the 58 court executives
• Daryl Parker, Court Executive Officer, Santa Barbara.
• Next we'll move to Jennifer Peabody, Acting Executive Director, California Appellate Project Los Angeles
• Good evening, my name is Lynelle He. and I'm the Executive Director of Appellate Defenders.
• Good afternoon, I'm Jonathan Soglin, I'm the Executive Director of the First District Appellate Project

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Russell Brown, the Executive Director for the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
• I'm Russell Brown, the Executive Director for the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
• I'm James McMahon, Policy Director with the Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
• Chair, members of the committee, I'm Russell Brown, Executive Director for the Washington Association
• Chair, members of the committee, I'm Russell Brown, Executive Director for the Washington Association

Summary: The committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills, with members repeatedly noting limited time and that some measures were already familiar from prior hearings. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 would allow cities and counties to use ISO/IEC-accredited private toxicology labs for blood or breath testing, accept private donations for that purpose, and reimburse the State Patrol for evidence transport costs. Senator Wagoner said the bill is a temporary fix for a major toxicology backlog that delays justice; prosecutors, police chiefs, and the Seattle City Attorney supported it as a way to relieve the backlog, while defense representatives said it would not solve the problem and raised due process concerns about out-of-state labs and access to witnesses. Members discussed possible amendments on in-state/out-of-state labs and litigation logistics, and the bill was set for executive action the following Tuesday. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5436 would create a gross misdemeanor for willfully or recklessly interfering with access to or from a place of worship or disrupting religious services through obstruction, trespass, repeated calls or electronic communications, or threats. Senator Solomon said the bill responds to rising intolerance and is modeled on protections for health care facilities; supporters from the Anti-Defamation League, Faith Action Network, Jewish and Sikh community organizations described harassment, threats, and security costs at houses of worship. Defense and law enforcement groups raised concerns about overbreadth, possible impacts on peaceful protest, and unintended effects on law enforcement or immigration enforcement, and asked for clarifying amendments. The sponsor said he was open to changes, and the committee indicated it would continue working on the bill before executive action next Tuesday. Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 would expand child sexual abuse material offenses to cover digitally created or altered obscene depictions, even when the minor is not identifiable, extend the statute of limitations for those felony offenses from three to ten years, and broaden sexual exploitation of a minor to include knowingly causing a minor who is unconscious or unaware to be photographed or part of a live performance. Supporters including the Attorney General’s Office, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ chiefs said the bill is needed to address AI and other technology that can evade current law and to keep pace with rapidly changing digital abuse material. Opponents from the defense bar and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission argued the bill may still be overbroad and raise First Amendment problems under Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition, especially where no actual minor is identified. The committee also heard and then quickly acted on other bills: Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, requiring one year of community custody for unlawful possession of a firearm, was amended and reported out due pass as amended; Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, addressing penalties for violence against referees and school volunteers, was reported out due pass; and Engrossed Senate Bill 5286, concerning reimbursement for costs in cities with state psychiatric hospitals, was also reported out due pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:21.880><c> Director</c><00:04:22.400><c> Kristen</c> Commission Executive Director Kristen
• </c><00:04:36.520><c> director</c> culture and the Arts executive director culture and the Arts executive
• </c> celebration Commission Executive celebration Commission Executive Director<00:04:42.360><c> Amy<
• Um, Kristen, he's the executive director.
• </c> he's Town executive director um um as he's Town executive director um um as you<01:34:53.320><c>

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Daniels is Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney's Office and present and would like
• Zach Daniels, Executive Director, Louisiana District Attorney's Association.
• Daniels, Executive Director, Louisiana District Attorneys Association.
• Daniels, Executive Director, Louisiana District Attorneys Association.
• Executive Director, Louisiana District Attorneys Association.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee met on March 18, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 36 by Rep. Butler, as amended, removed Evangeline Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and was reported favorably. HB 160 by Rep. Knox increased penalties for domestic violence offenses involving strangulation; the committee adopted an amendment requiring at least one year without probation or suspension, heard strong support from survivors and prosecutors, and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 552 by Rep. Bryant, handled by Vice Chair LaFleur, clarified DWI law to include impairment beyond alcohol; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 119 by Rep. Fontenot created and strengthened penalties for AI-generated sexual images, especially involving minors; after amendments, including a new possession offense and a name change to “Act Ivy Daniels,” the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 171 by Rep. Spell corrected a citation in the personal surety provisions and was reported favorably without opposition. HB 140 by Rep. Cox drew the most debate. The bill lengthened juvenile delinquency filing and adjudication timelines and changed procedures for extensions and dismissals. Prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical update to account for modern evidence gathering and case complexity, while public defenders, juvenile advocates, and other opponents argued it would prolong detention, undermine speedy-trial protections, increase costs, and harm children. After extensive testimony and discussion, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 140 favorably as amended by a roll call vote of 8-3, with Representatives Knox, LaFleur, and Moore voting no. The committee also heard HB 68 by Rep. Schlegel, combined with concepts from Rep. Glorioso’s similar bill, to update disturbing-the-peace law to protect houses of worship from intentional disruption. An amendment clarified definitions of worship spaces and interruptions and increased the mandatory minimum jail time from 15 to 30 days, while enhancing penalties to a felony for more serious conduct such as battery, property damage, or carrying a dangerous weapon during the offense. Supporters framed it as a deterrent and protection for religious liberty, while opponents, including the ACLU, raised First Amendment concerns and asked for tighter language. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on HB 68 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Leas, Ranking Member King, members of the committee, I'm Kirk Hove and Cotter, the executive director
• director of Transportation Choices Coalition.
• I'm Eric Fitch, Executive Director at the Washington Public Ports Association, signed in pro on Senate
• I'm Kyle Tuig, Senior Director of Public Works for Spokane County.
• I'm also the chair of the Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center Executive Board.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills: SB 6225, a proposed substitute bond bill authorizing transportation funding bonds; SB 6005, the proposed substitute supplemental transportation budget; and SB 6354, a bill to expand access to electric vehicles through limited direct sales by qualifying EV-only manufacturers and changes to the documentary service fee. Staff explained that SB 6225 would authorize $1.1 billion in general obligation bonds, an additional $400 million for selected Move Ahead Washington highway projects, a $500 million increase in SR 520 bond authority, and the expiration of some older unused bond authorizations. For SB 6005, staff described a $17.5 billion supplemental budget with $1.5 billion in new funding, including reappropriations, preservation and maintenance spending, ferry investments, Climate Commitment Act-related adjustments, and a six-year balanced plan through 2031. For SB 6354, staff outlined the direct-sales framework for qualifying EV manufacturers, dealer licensing requirements, penalties for violations, and a fee increase that would direct revenue to EV rebates and multimodal transportation. Testimony on the budget and bond bills was broadly supportive from transit, local government, labor, construction, ports, and climate advocates, who praised preservation funding, ferry investments, safety programs, EV charging, rail electrification, and flood-response or local project funding. Several witnesses asked for specific project or account changes, including support for Skagit Transit, Day Road and Poplar Way bridge-related funding, Spokane TMC operating support, Kent corridor funding, and additional rail capital projects. Some speakers also urged more Climate Commitment Act funding for EV rebates, charging, and rail electrification, while others warned against deeper cuts to local programs and stressed the need for long-term preservation and bonding to stabilize the system. Testimony on SB 6354 was sharply divided. Rivian, Lucid, and several Washington auto dealers supported the bill as a compromise that would allow limited direct sales for EV-only manufacturers while preserving franchise protections and generating revenue for EV rebates. Climate advocates supported the bill as a way to accelerate EV adoption and asked that more of the fee revenue go to instant rebates for low-income buyers. In opposition, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Honda argued the bill creates unequal rules, weakens the franchise system, and was not the product of a true compromise. The committee announced that SB 6225 and SB 6005 would be in executive session Thursday at 8 a.m., with amendments due by noon the prior day, while SB 6354 would be scheduled for executive action later.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Keith Graff, Executive Director, Office of the Governor.
• Keith Graff: I'm the Executive Director of the Governor's Military Preparedness Commission, and I'm here
• And that statute, which is a current statute... that she requires that the executive director of the
• Today, Keith Graff, the Executive Director of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, is here to
• I’m Keith Kraft, the Executive Director of the Governor's Military Preparedness Commission.

Bills: HCR92 , HB 114 , HB561 , HB 1171 , HB1894 , HB2026 , HB2143 , HB2337 , HB2564 , HB114

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: Tuskegee Airmen, commemoration, African American history, civil rights, military recognition, veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, defense, grants, local government, economic support, community development, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, state land use

Transcript Highlights:

• He became the executive director.
• “Anthony Powers is the executive director, ultimately had the...”
• “Anthony Powers is the executive director, ultimately had the decision.”
• And can you talk a little bit about the kind of thing you did as executive director?
• And you were the executive director and you later became the president.

Summary: The hearing opened in a Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings matter involving Legislative Ethics Board complaint 2025-5 against Representative Tara Simmons. The ALJ outlined the process, the issues on appeal, and the burden of proof, which centered on whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for others’ benefit and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her duties, and what sanction would be appropriate. Several exhibits were admitted by stipulation or without objection, while Exhibit 2 was initially held for later ruling but was ultimately admitted after testimony from the witness who prepared it. The board also granted a motion to sequester witnesses and took under advisement a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after the staff case-in-chief. In opening statements, board staff alleged Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070 by sponsoring a proviso that benefited her outside employer, Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), by using campaign surplus funds to help hire a friend, by intervening in a dispute over the proviso-funded work, and by sending text messages to influence others. Staff said it would seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation plus costs. Defense counsel argued the allegations were technical ethics issues, denied Simmons profited personally, and contended the proviso funding her employer was permitted under prior board guidance; counsel also argued the campaign donation and later contract dispute were lawful and context-dependent. The first witness, Kimberly Gordon of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), testified that AEJG received state proviso funding and donations from Simmons, including $10,000 and later $40,000, which Gordon said were intended to fund the hiring of Antoine Coleman, Simmons’s romantic partner. Gordon said AEJG returned the donations and terminated Coleman after learning of the relationship and potential conflict of interest. She also testified about a later 2024 proviso involving EEC, a subcontract between AEJG and EEC, and a dispute over EEC’s performance under that subcontract. Gordon said AEJG raised concerns with the Administrative Office of the Courts, met with contract manager Chris Stanley, and ultimately rewrote the subcontract after Stanley, allegedly after speaking with Simmons, directed them to do so. The hearing then recessed for lunch, and cross-examination of Gordon was set to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Executive director Jameson. &gt;&gt; Executive director Jameson.
• So I'm sorry executive director at.
• Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, &gt;&gt; executive<00:21:00.240><c> director</c> &gt;&gt; executive director &gt;&gt
• >> Executive Director Danielson.
• Thank you for your testimony, executive director. Thank you for your testimony, executive director.

Bills: HF4893

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:10.720><c> of</c> Hirsch and I serve as director of Hirsch and I serve as director of government
• </c> pressures and would align the executive pressures and would align the executive branch<00:16:21.199
• I'm the executive director and chief investment officer of the Minnesota State Board of Investment.
• I'm the executive director<00:26:39.520><c> and</c><00:26:39.760><c> chief</c><00:26:40.000><c> investment
• </c><00:26:40.480><c> officer</c><00:26:40.720><c> of</c> director and chief investment officer of director

Bills: HF2783

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Caitlin Ryan, and I'm the executive director for the Cannabis Alliance.
• I'm Malou Chavez, Executive Director at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.
• I'm the executive director of the LEOFF 2 Retirement Board.
• My name is Steve Nelson, Executive Director of the LEOFF 2 Retirement Board.
• My name is Mike Gempler, Executive Director of the Washington Growers League. Thank you.

Bills: SB6294 , SB6211 , SB5650 , SB6033 , SB6297 , SB6343 , SB6067 , SB6082 , SB6323 , SB6324 , SB5862 , SB5923 , SB6151

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness

Transcript Highlights:

• He will spend the rest of his life in prison, but these are the things that happen when an executive,
• It forces the executive, or the party of the executive, eligible for parole for pardon which he eligible
• with their in their sole executive with their in their sole discretion<00:04:37.800><c> can</c><00:04
• </c> Executive or the party of the executive, to stand in front of the voters and account for the actions
• After I got out of session and literally had a phone call from every funeral director in my district,

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up two bills. Senate Bill 126, sponsored by Senator McDaniel, proposed a constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power during the final 60 days before a gubernatorial election and through the transition period, with the stated goal of giving voters more time to learn about executive clemency decisions. McDaniel said the measure was intended to increase accountability and noted it would need approval by both chambers and then placement on the 2026 ballot. Senator Haron raised concerns about whether the proposal could chill pardons and asked about the timing; McDaniel responded that 60 days was chosen because of early voting and the need for public notice. The committee adopted a substitute and then passed the bill with a favorable expression; several members voted aye, Senator Haron passed, and Senator Adams later asked to be recorded as voting aye before adjournment. The committee then considered Senate Bill 37, sponsored by Senator Elkins, which would amend Kentucky law on indigent burials to allow cremation as an option instead of requiring burial, and would require consultation with the county coroner before a decision is made. Elkins described it as a local control measure and said he was working with Rabbi Litman on a possible accommodation for Jewish indigent decedents, since the Jewish community strongly prefers burial and has offered to assume costs in those cases. Questions focused on how long officials must make a bona fide effort to notify a spouse or next of kin and whether the bill would affect current practices; Elkins said it would not change existing policy on that point and suggested a possible floor amendment for additional issues. Rabbi Litman testified in support, explaining the religious importance of burial and the community’s concern about cremation. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed with a favorable expression, though Senator Herron and Senator Tichenor expressed reservations and voted no or passed, citing constituent concerns and the possibility that family members may later seek a burial place to visit.