Transcript Highlights:

• As the chair noted the state may be facing some tightening budget constraints and conditions.
• For the current fiscal year, $2.5 million for the current fiscal year, $4.1 million in 26-27, and $3.6
• year and then it will be $3.3 million for the next fiscal year. fiscal year and ongoing operating costs
• Second, as Secretary Crowfoot noted in terms of the weather whiplash.
• Finance noted that $273 million fund shift, that means 20% is coming from recycled water.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a fiscal year 24 appropriation. $600,000 of that is now extended to the end of fiscal year 27
• Lines 85 and 86 are a general fund appropriation extension from fiscal year 22 to the end of fiscal year
• is now extended to the end of fiscal is now extended to the end of fiscal year<00:08:06.240>
• Of note, this has a delayed effective date; when the tax first goes into effect, that begins in fiscal
• under a fiscal um to pass in a fiscal under a fiscal analysis<02:48:03.600> that's<02:48:04.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay. revised fiscal note that says no fiscal revised fiscal note that says no fiscal impact.<00:03:53.519
• Um, you know, worked on the fiscal note.
• the amount that is in the fiscal note. the amount that is in the fiscal note.
• overstated in the in the fiscal note. overstated in the in the fiscal note. the<01:17:25.760>
• I don't see a fiscal note on this, see.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• for bringing that up also so in fiscal for bringing that up also so in fiscal year<00:36:59.200>
• list uh therefore the year prior fiscal list uh therefore the year prior fiscal year<00:37:22.000
• proven themselves to be fiscally proven themselves to be fiscally responsible<00:43:07.559> to
• <01:33:41.719> that the committee report we'll note that the committee report we'll note that
• <01:33:52.000> the funds to such a program we'll note the funds to such a program we'll note

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Public Safety/Water and Land hearing first took up HB 1096, which would repeal statutory tenant-selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in state low-income housing. HPHA testified in support, saying the change was a housekeeping measure because the same preferences already exist in administrative rules and could be adjusted later to align with other local preferences, while also noting the federal VASH program provides stronger veteran housing support. Several members questioned why the preference should be removed at all, emphasizing that veterans have long been underserved and asking for a stronger justification; the committees ultimately deferred HB 1096. The later Housing/Hawaiian Affairs agenda heard HB 606 HD1, a measure to extend Act 279 funding and related exemptions for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Supporters argued the bill would give DHHL more time to use the $600 million appropriation to acquire land, work with developers, and address a wait list of about 29,000 applicants, while also helping restore Hawaiian communities and reduce the Hawaiian diaspora. Opponents focused on accountability and oversight, saying DHHL needs clearer plans, measurable goals, and stronger safeguards before receiving more money, and warning that prior spending and strategic-plan changes had reduced the number of applicants served. The committee also heard testimony that the bill would help DHHL fulfill long-standing obligations to Native Hawaiians and that the housing need affects the broader state, not only Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there is a fiscal note to it.
• Um, there is a fiscal note to it.
• Um, there is a fiscal note to it.
• > no<01:18:22.480> FN, no fiscal note, no FN, no fiscal note, no FN, uh<01:18:24.159>
• It House Bill 480 has no fiscal note.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in Division 3 work session on HB 2 and began by noting a delayed start to allow the Legislative Budget Assistant to finish a large packet of updated amendments and revisions. The chair said the goal for the day was to move as many items as possible, with any cleanup deferred to a Friday follow-up. Members also discussed the process for handling public and department testimony on selected items before votes. Several early amendments were taken up and voted on. The committee unanimously recommended items dealing with repealing the liquor transfer to the alcohol fund and redirecting liquor-related revenue to the general fund, and it also approved an amendment revising Granite Advantage funding so there would be no automatic transfer from the liquor fund, instead using a general fund appropriation. Members then approved repealing the foster grandparent program by a 5-4 vote, and later approved an amendment requiring DHS contractors to comply with the patients’ bill of rights by a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved incorporating House Bill 94 on Medicaid coverage of circumcision by a 5-4 vote, while deferring the Wick Farmers Market Nutrition Program repeal for more discussion. The committee spent substantial time on the youth risk behavior survey amendment. Supporters said the change was intended to clarify opt-out procedures and ensure parents, guardians, and students are clearly notified that they may opt out without negative consequences. Some members raised privacy concerns and said the language could add administrative burden, but the amendment was ultimately recommended to Finance by a recorded vote of 8-1. Another amendment on civil rights and contractor standards for DHHS was discussed but not voted on after concerns were raised about vague enforcement language and possible penalties. The committee also struck amendment 1026 as redundant, with members noting related work in existing law and Senate Bill 134, and then moved on to other items, including a revised equity/access-related amendment that was postponed for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:25.039> Senate the Senate has passed the noted Senate the Senate has passed the noted
• moved to agree to the noted Senate bill. moved to agree to the noted Senate bill.
• Um, and because we don't have fiscal notes, I can't be sure, but just the mere change in funding sources
• <04:48:11.680> notes,<04:48:12.320> I because we don't have fiscal notes, I because
• we don't have fiscal notes, I can't<04:48:12.798> be<04:48:13.040> sure,<04:48:14.000>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are working with the Comptroller's Office and LBB to look at the fiscal note to get more accurate
• On the fiscal note, I was a little surprised by that myself.
• The first year fiscal note, so large. Yes. Do you know what it covers? One FTE.
• All right, because there are some questions on the fiscal note, we'll start with... Corey Castillo.
• Yes, the fiscal note, first year, 1.7 million. What does that include?

Bills: HB 103, HB 1256, HB1587, HB1632, HB2027, HB2525, HJR88, HJR138, HB103

Keywords: taxing unit, bond database, local government, transparency, civil penalty, education reform, funding allocation, school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, student achievement, tax exemption, water conservation, graywater systems, rainwater harvesting, ad valorem taxation, county commissioners, HB 1587, Texas sales tax holiday, back-to-school tax holiday, clothing tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Kelsey, I do have a question on that fiscal note.
• Kelsey, I do have a question on that fiscal note.
• Madam Chair, Representative Concheris, we disagree with the fiscal note.
• One, it's the same fiscal note as last year. Yes, we disagree with the fiscal note.
• in last year’s fiscal note from GLBC.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote. House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would, in question period, note that you made a comment about the fiscal note.
• > was I see the the the first fiscal note was I see the the the first fiscal note was pretty<00
• I don't know if we've received a fiscal note yet.
• But I ask really not to focus on the fiscal note.
• There is a fiscal note we prepared, and the fiscal note was prepared by the actuary who assisted in the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee amendment to have them go in front of fiscal for the funds. Further comments?
• <00:59:16.480> for<00:59:17.280> the go in front of fiscal for the go in front of fiscal
• Um it's important to note poverty limit.
• And with a qualifier of moving it to the end of fiscal year 26. Yes. Okay.
• end of fiscal year 26. Yes. end of fiscal year 26. Yes. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in the fiscal note.
• c><00:16:58.319> additionally noted in the fiscal note additionally noted in the fiscal note additionally
• <01:05:52.200> note you're seeing that larger fiscal note you're seeing that larger fiscal
• <01:05:56.520> note here to whittle down that fiscal note here to whittle down that fiscal
• concept but that fiscal note is if I concept but that fiscal note is if I were<01:06:11.440> to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a 107% increase from fiscal year 2020.
• This is a 33% reduction from fiscal year 2020.
• This is a 107% increase from fiscal year 2020.
• This is a 33% reduction from fiscal year 2020.
• As noted, as I noted above, the exemption is,... As noted above, the exemption is being used.

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Oh, it's a fiscal note.
• That's not an >> that's a fiscal note.
• So the Nethercott at the fiscal note.
• <01:24:36.400> provided fiscal note wasn't um properly provided fiscal note wasn't um properly
• The bill draft is what is fiscal note.

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Normally I would ask this question in Finance, but the fiscal note says this bill has no fiscal impact
• So I can't speak to why there is or is not a fiscal note, but what I can say is if these contracts resulted
• <01:10:45.679> note To why there is or is not a fiscal note.
• <02:42:13.640> note loss for the state in the fiscal note loss for the state in the fiscal
• I'm looking at the fiscal note, and it's an indeterminable... so I bet you it's not going to come to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a box at the top left to note the page in the biannual budget book for your reference.
• A fiscal note just came in on this bill, so I believe we are going to lay it over instead.
• Yes, so it sounds like there's been a fiscal note requested on all the related child support bills, and
• I will note and I appreciate the update on the fiscal note.
• note or a significant financial cost to counties.

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll make a note for that later.
• components of this bill. us a little overview on the fiscal Parts us a little overview on the fiscal
• I should note that in fiscal year 2026, you see $4.58 million.
• services it is also important to note services it is also important to note that<00:10:22.560>
• <00:13:26.199> year fiscal year fiscal year 2025<00:13:28.160> was<00:13:28.399> that

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Minnesota House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee met on January 22, 2025, for its first meeting and took up House File 5, introduced by Representative Jim Joy and moved to the Tax Committee. Joy said the bill would make Minnesota more affordable by eliminating the Social Security tax, repealing the motor fuels tax inflator, removing the retail delivery fee, and changing vehicle-related taxes and metro-area sales tax allocations. Committee fiscal staff reviewed the bill’s fiscal effects, including impacts on the general fund, the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, the Transportation Advancement Account, and the split between Metropolitan Council and metropolitan counties. Testimony was largely divided along stakeholder lines. The Minnesota Grocers Association and Minnesota Propane Association supported repealing the retail delivery fee, arguing it creates administrative burdens, requires costly software changes, and raises costs that are passed on to consumers; propane representatives said the fee is especially burdensome because most of their deliveries are exempt but still require tracking and reporting. In contrast, the League of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Association of Small Cities, Metro Cities, and Minnesota Association of Townships emphasized the need for stable, predictable transportation funding for local roads and said they support the Transportation Advancement Account and related revenue streams, though some were neutral on the exact source of funding. The League and small cities groups said local governments need reliable annual revenue and that past funding has been inconsistent. Committee members asked about who pays the delivery fee, its exemptions, and how much revenue it has generated versus earlier forecasts. Fiscal staff said current estimates for delivery fee revenue are below original projections, and explained the fee’s exemptions and $100 transaction threshold. Representative Joy said his intent was to keep small cities and townships whole as the bill moves forward. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was heard and referred as noted at the outset.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:34:04.080> year<00:34:04.279> 24<00:34:05.039> the fiscal year 27 in fiscal
• year 24 the fiscal year 27 in fiscal year 24 the board<00:34:05.519> received<00:34:05.679>
• appropriation is set to reduce in fiscal appropriation is set to reduce in fiscal year<00:34:46.119
• license issues in fiscal year 14,500 license issues in fiscal year 2024<01:04:39.480> there<01
• that members um please please take notes that members um please please take notes on<01:35:55.679

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on January 28, 2025, to review Governor’s budget proposals for several health-related licensing boards. The chair said no formal action would be taken and noted that final budget language was not yet available. The committee began with an overview from Bridget Anderson of the health-related licensing boards, who explained that the boards are fee-funded, operate as independent executive agencies, and handle licensing, complaints, rulemaking, and disciplinary matters. She also noted that the Board of Dentistry’s budget includes the Administrative Services Unit and criminal background check program, which can make the budget graphs appear larger than the dentistry board’s own operations. The Board of Dentistry requested funding for a new administrative staff position, estimating about $100,000 in salary, insurance, and fringe costs, to replace support lost when an administrative position was reclassified. Anderson said the board handled more than 300 complaints last year, with cases becoming more complex, especially involving surgical and implant procedures and imaging. Members asked about dental Medicaid access, but Anderson said that issue would be better directed to DHS’s Medicaid oral health division. The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy requested a full-time position due to rapid growth in the number of regulated professionals, from about 4,000 in 2014 to nearly 10,000 now, and also sought authority to set a fee for out-of-state applicants under the Counseling Compact, with a cap of up to $100 though the board expects to charge much less. The Board of Podiatric Medicine asked to raise its fee ceiling, saying fees had not been increased since 1999 and that the board now faces a structural deficit of about $40,000 per year and declining reserves. Several senators expressed concern about “not-to-exceed” fee authority, calling it too open-ended and suggesting the legislature should scrutinize specific fee needs rather than approve broad ceilings. Similar concerns were raised during the Board of Chiropractic Examiners presentation, where the board sought $100,000 in additional spending authority and a fee increase after 32 years without an adjustment; members questioned the proposed ceiling approach and asked for more historical information before deciding. The Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice also discussed fee-setting authority, with the executive director explaining that the board had previously lowered fees without clear authority and later faced audit questions; she requested funding for a vacant administrative position, saying applications and revenues have increased sharply and no fee increase would be needed. The final presentation began with the Board of Pharmacy, which said it serves more than 26,000 licensees and oversees the Prescription Monitoring Program and opioid product registration. The board requested an extension of previously appropriated general fund dollars through fiscal year 2027 to continue paying legal costs tied to the insulin safety net lawsuit, emphasizing that this was not a new funding request but an extension of existing authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:29.120> Good<00:12:29.279> afternoon The fiscal note presumes that every single
• > The<00:12:51.200> fiscal<00:12:51.680> note<00:12:52.639> presumes<00:12
• The fiscal note presumes that cost.
• The fiscal note presumes that every<00:12:53.920> st<00:12:54.399> single<00:12:54.800>
• The fiscal note is woefully The fiscal note is woefully inadequate,<01:57:59.280> unrealistic

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session on a bill concerning school meal access and reimbursement. The bill would address local school districts’ responsibility to provide meals during school hours, reimburse schools for meals served at no cost, and make an appropriation. The committee first moved to retain the bill, with supporters saying it was complex, had uncertain fiscal impacts, and should be considered alongside other related meals bills. Opponents argued the committee already had enough information, that the bill served a small number of students at relatively low cost, and that delaying action would harm children who need food to learn. The committee also heard from Tim Roar, a Keene school business administrator and co-designer of the bill, who explained that the proposal was intended to be an opt-in program for districts, with rulemaking to set participation requirements. He said the bill was meant to target aid to students between 175% and 200% of poverty, reduce bad meal debt, and avoid spending taxpayer money on families who could afford to pay. He estimated the state cost at about $250,000 in year one, with local taxpayer costs around $8,500 for Keene, and said some districts already have systems for online applications while others do not. Committee members questioned him about meal debt, online application software costs, and how districts handle students who reach debt limits. Roar said districts still feed students who are hungry, but use other resources and family outreach when meal debt is capped, and he argued that parents should be responsible for providing lunch when they can afford it. Other members pushed back, saying they had seen students go hungry and that teachers sometimes pay for lunches themselves. One member noted the bill would increase eligibility, make it easier to apply, strengthen personal responsibility, and was not a mandate. The discussion ended without a recorded final vote in the excerpt, though the retain motion remained the central action under debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we see is, starting in fiscal year 2019—fiscal year 2019 is the year HBH was decided, late 2018—
• So claims filed in fiscal year 23 are not often paid in fiscal year 23.
• Some of the claims that were made in fiscal year 24 have potentially been resolved in fiscal year 25.
• fiscal year 25. of the claims from fiscal year 24 have potentially been resolved in fiscal year 25 but
• because of the leg many of the claims in fiscal year that were that were made in fiscal year 24 have

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just a change in the fiscal agent. It's just a change in the fiscal agent.
• So that resolves the<00:55:55.440> fiscal<00:55:55.839> issue the fiscal issue the fiscal
• Senator Limmer, to that point, I will note that the fiscal note for this portion of the bill provides
• that the fiscal note point, I will note that the fiscal note for<01:53:43.599> this<01:53:43.760
• When we received the fiscal note, I worked with the Attorney General's Office and with the proposal to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all