Transcript Highlights:

• I have signed up Fred Nathan, Alex Flores, Marco Gonzalez, Troy Clark. And Dr.
• Please get ready to come up in this order: Fred Nathan, Alex Flores, Marco Gonzalez, and then we'll take
• Fred Nathan. Okay, we stand. My name is Fred Nathan, and I'm with Think New Mexico.
• Fred mentioned boosted telemedicine, addressing physician shortages, and also hopefully shorter wait

Bills: SB1 , SB3 , SB1 , SB3

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• I have signed up: Fred Nathan, Alex Flores, Marco Gonzalez, Troy Clark. And Dr.
• Please get ready to come up in this order: Fred Nathan, Alex Flores, Marco Gonzalez, and then we'll take
• Fred Nathan, please proceed. My name is Fred Nathan, and I'm with Think New Mexico.
• Fred mentioned boosted telemedicine, addressing physician shortages, and also hopefully shorter wait

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• said, I'm going to call them up in the order in which they signed up, starting with Kristen Edmark, Fred
• Next up, we'll be Fred Yancey. Please state your name for the record and begin when you're ready.
• This is Fred Yancey. here. This is Fred Yancey.
• Thank you, Fred. Next up, Michael Dushman. Good morning. Can you hear me? Good morning.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, I wanted to introduce a constituent of mine, Fred Butler, from Canyon County.
• A constituent of mine, Fred Butler, from Canyon County.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other council members include Annette Brian, James Rydow, Anna Bean, Monica Miller, and Fred Dillon
• The other council members include Annette Brian, James Rydow, Anna Bean, Monica Miller, and Fred Dillon
• The other council members include Annette Brian, James Rydow, Anna Bean, Monica Miller, and Fred Dillon

Summary: A joint hearing of the Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee was held on an amendment to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Gaming Compact. The Washington State Gambling Commission and Puyallup Tribal representatives described the compact as a restatement of the tribe’s 1996 agreement, updated to reflect prior amendments and current gaming operations. Commission staff outlined several changes, including authorization for electronic table games, extension of credit with customer-protection safeguards, removal of per-facility limits, changes to wager limits, a stepped increase in the tribe’s player-terminal allocation, and new licensing/eligibility/registration and definitions appendices. They also noted added provisions on responsible gaming, non-smoking areas if smoking is offered, emergency-services access, and community commitments. Puyallup Tribal leaders gave extensive testimony on how gaming revenue has supported tribal self-governance, cultural preservation, education, housing, health care, elder services, youth programs, environmental protection, and charitable giving. They said gaming revenue has funded tribal facilities, a school, a longhouse, housing projects, a funeral home, health and behavioral health services, substance-use treatment, and donations to nonprofits and local public health efforts. Tribal economic development staff also described diversification efforts funded by gaming, including businesses in hospitality, fuel, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and a planned terminal partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The casino CEO emphasized responsible gaming, compliance, self-exclusion tools, staff training, and a problem-gambling campaign. Committee members asked about the compact negotiation process and the state’s interests. Gambling Commission staff explained that compact changes are negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, with the governor’s office, commissioners, and ex officio members providing policy input, and that the current hearing was required within 30 days of completion of the state process. Staff said the commission would hold a public meeting on Thursday to take comment and then vote whether to forward the restated compact to the governor or return it for further negotiation. No public testimony was signed up at the hearing, and no vote was taken by the legislative committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kayla Hensley, pharmacist and division health leader for Fred Meyer.
• Testifying on behalf of Fred Meyer, I want to express our strong support for Senate Bill 5924, which
• Fred Meyer operates grocery stores and pharmacies throughout Washington and neighboring states.
• For all these reasons, Fred Meyer is in strong support and urges passage of this important legislation

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee first met in executive session and advanced five bills out of committee. SB 5999, as amended by a substitute, would let rural counties under 100,000 population appoint an APRN or physician assistant as an acting local health officer; SB 5185 would create a pathway for international medical graduates to physician licensure through a Washington Medical Commission pilot; SB 5845 would revise timely payment rules for health carriers, including longer acknowledgment and payment timelines and clarifications on scope; SB 6071 would standardize overpayment recovery timelines for carriers; and SB 6258 would create a non-disciplinary pathway for relinquishing Washington Medical Commission licenses. Each bill received a due pass recommendation and was sent to Rules, with the bills passed subject to signatures. The committee then heard SB 6226, which would protect the clinical autonomy of audiologists and ensure hearing-instrument and communication-device rules are applied consistently across care modalities, including telehealth. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, emphasizing access for rural and mobility-limited patients and the importance of teleaudiology, though one association cautioned the bill could affect broader regulatory authority. The hearing closed with 54 pro, zero con, and two other sign-ins. Next, the committee heard SB 6305, the Truth in Mental Health Coverage Act, which would require carriers to submit standardized annual data to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner on mental health and substance use disorder coverage, access, utilization, reimbursement, and network participation, with public posting in raw and dashboard form. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability without changing benefits, while opponents argued it could duplicate recent parity reforms and add administrative burden. The hearing closed with 396 pro, two con, and zero other sign-ins. Finally, the committee heard SB 5924, a proposed substitute expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority for certain limited conditions and products, including some preventive and minor-illness treatments, and allowing limited diagnosis within defined bounds. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural and underserved areas, reduce administrative barriers from collaborative drug therapy agreements, and align with the sunrise review; opponents, including the medical association, said the bill went beyond the review and needed more time, while some testimony raised concerns about psychiatric prescribing. The hearing closed with 279 pro, six con, and four other sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after concluding its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not like, you know, I'm sure you know Fred and PJ Copy. They're big. Okay.
• Senator Fred Meyer would like to recognize some special guests.
• everything Fred did, but backwards and in heels.
• Senator Fred Meyer, please come forward. Thank you. My second time here.
• Well, thank you, Senator Fred Meyer.

Bills: LR509 , LR510 , LR511

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Fred. Next is Gloria Smith.
• And I accidentally skipped Fred Yancey, so let's hear from Fred. Sorry, Fred. Didn't mean to.
• This is Fred Yancey. Mr.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the October minutes and received an update from the State Investment Board. David Schumacher described the board’s structure, its fiduciary mission to maximize return at prudent risk, the mix of funds it manages, and the factors behind its long-term performance, including broad diversification, low fees, and a long-term investment approach. Members asked about rankings, the board’s independence, climate/ESG considerations, and whether political divestment pressures affect investment decisions; Schumacher said decisions remain grounded in fiduciary duty and financial risk. The Department of Retirement Systems annual report followed. Director Catherine Leathers reviewed membership, contributions, benefit payments, the Deferred Compensation Program, employer partners, and the economic impact of pension payments across counties and legislative districts. She also highlighted staffing and training needs, improved call wait times and benefit estimate turnaround after legislative funding, cybersecurity upgrades, and the CorePAM pension administration modernization project, which is being paid from the trust fund as an administrative cost. Members asked about inactive accounts, and Leathers said DRS works to locate missing members and return benefits, including through a new link from the Department of Revenue website. The committee then closed out its study of the Left One system. Staff presented options ranging from no recommendation to recommending either the restatement/termination bill or the merger bill, with or without policy changes. After discussion, the committee first failed to reach 11 votes for a no-recommendation motion, then adopted a revised motion to submit the report without recommending either bill but also to request future analysis that disaggregates policy choices, including COLA-related impacts. The committee next heard a briefing on an ad hoc COLA for PERS/TRS Plan 1 retirees and adopted a motion to send a letter supporting the one-time COLA policy in HB 1474 or a similar Senate bill. Finally, staff briefed the committee on the month-of-death bill, which would end proration of pension payments in the month a retiree dies; no action was taken. Public testimony largely focused on support for an ad hoc or ongoing COLA for Plan 1 retirees, with some speakers urging the committee to back SB 5085 and others emphasizing the need for a bridge policy while a permanent solution is developed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the next one we have up is Fred Burmbaum. Fred Burmbaum. Can you hear me, Mr. Chairman?
• Take it away, Fred. You got two minutes.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to introduce our nurse of the day, Fred Deouza.
• Fred is a critical care nurse and Army Nurse Corps officer with Saint Francis Hospital and the US Army
• Fred is a critical care nurse.
• Would you all please join me in welcoming Fred and grant him the privilege of the floor?

Bills: SJR47 , SB1491 , SB1579 , SB1806 , SB1552 , SB483 , SB63 , SB137 , SB346 , SB514 , SB1344 , SB1360 , SB1380 , SB1437 , SB1189 , SB1217 , SB1221 , SB1262 , SB1272 , SB1325 , SB1339 , SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• Voting aye: Senators Arch, Bostar, Brandt, Cavanaugh, Clouse, Conrad, Dorn, Dover, Dungan, Fredrickson, Fred
• This morning, I'd like to recognize Senator Fred Meyer for his service to this legislative body and the
• Meyer, Moser, Murman, Prokop, Quick, Raybould, Rountree, Sanders, Sorrentino, Storm, Wordekemper, and Fred
• Voting no: Senators DeBoer and Fred Meyer. The vote is 48 ayes, 1 nay, Mr. President.
• Hallstrom, Hansen, Hardin, Holdcroft, Hughes, Ibach, Jacobson, Juarez, Kauth, Lippincott, McKinney, Fred

Bills: LB764 , LB815A , LB839 , LB888 , LB955 , LB972A , LB1029 , LB1087 , LB1091 , LB1126A , LB1181A , LB1237A , LB1261A , LB304A , LB762 , LB889 , LB929 , LB966 , LB1022 , LB1187 , LR508

Transcript Highlights:

• Michelle Cordova, chairperson, Table Mountain Rancheria; Leo Sisku, Chairperson, Tachi Yokut Tribe; and Fred
• Chair, I want to talk to Fred Bean, who is from North Fork. I learned something yesterday.
• Heredia Cordova, Chairperson, Table Mountain Rancheria; Leo Sisku, Chairperson, Tachi Yokut Tribe; Fred
• Now we'll move to Chairman Fred Bean, North Fork Rancheria.
• Now we'll move to Chairman Fred Bean, North Fork Rancheria. There we go.

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. The opening prayer and remarks emphasized the significance of holding the first committee hearing on tribal land. Members said the hearing was intended both to hear testimony about ongoing problems in schools and to identify next steps for legislation and policy, especially as the session neared its end. The committee also referenced recent efforts supporting Native students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and broader concerns about representation in education and state institutions. The first panel centered on Native students’ experiences in public schools. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over wearing tribal regalia at graduation, including a restrictive approval form and administrators who she said denied Native identity and made her feel invisible. Morningstar Ghali connected those experiences to the legacy of boarding schools, racial profiling, suspensions, and the “boarding school to prison pipeline,” and called for culturally responsive education, Native educators, counselors, Native studies, and restorative justice. Janet K. Bill, from the Attorney General’s Office of Native American Affairs, described her own path from tribal Head Start to Stanford, law school, tribal council, and state service, and said education, justice, and sovereignty are linked. Members asked about restorative justice, representation, and how to build pipelines into leadership and education roles. The second panel focused on solutions. Chairwoman Michelle Heredia Cordova urged a reimagined education system that is more personalized, experiential, culturally grounded, and balanced with land-based learning, while also recruiting Native teachers and creating stronger tribal partnerships. Chairman Leo Sisku said schools should educate educators, stop tokenizing Native students, and create accountability and consequences for discriminatory behavior; he also supported stronger tribal-school partnerships and more positive outreach. Chairman Fred Bean emphasized consistent engagement from tribal leaders at every level of schooling, stronger transitions from elementary to college, and programs that prepare Native youth for leadership, trades, and higher education. Chairman Shaineto of Tule River argued that schools and administrators should face consequences for violating Native students’ rights, and that Native people should not have to keep educating institutions about basic cultural respect. Committee members responded by discussing possible statewide solutions, including regional tribal boards, better enforcement of existing laws, stronger pipelines into teaching and leadership, and improved representation on boards and in state agencies. Several members raised the need to implement existing laws, fill vacant Native appointments, and consider broader protections for Native regalia and cultural expression. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with a clear call for continued collaboration, accountability, and legislation driven by Native voices.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Fred DeHiri, Director of Administrative Services, who's going to present Amendment EOGB 2026-
• We have Fred Heary, Director of Administrative Services, who's going to present Amendment EO Fred DeHiri

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission considered 21 budget amendments, most of them routine authority adjustments tied to federal grants, Medicaid payment programs, and trust fund realignments. The Department of Education received $14.751 million for a Preschool Development Grant to support early learning system improvements, workforce credentialing and training, IT modernization, and related early childhood certification work. The Department of Veterans Affairs shifted $2.2 million within its trust fund to cover higher nursing home occupancy, replace contract nursing with OPS staff, and meet rising operating costs. The Department of Health moved about $9.1 million to support Disability Determinations, where roughly 140,000 cases were pending or in process, and said the change would help reduce backlog and avoid a deficit. The Agency for Health Care Administration presented multiple amendments for Medicaid-related programs, including $766 million for indirect medical education, $1.9 million for managed care network adequacy audits, $209 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program, and several large supplemental payment programs for hospitals and physicians; members asked about CMS approval delays, provider access, and how rural funds would be distributed. The commission also adopted an amendment realigning KidCare funds, placing a $32.1 million surplus into reserve, though several members objected that the state had not yet implemented the 2023 KidCare expansion and that children remained on a wait list. Another Medicaid amendment placed a $376 million surplus into reserve after updated estimating conference projections. Other agencies also received approvals. FDLE received $16.26 million to buy counter-unmanned aircraft systems equipment such as radar and RF sensors to detect and mitigate drone threats. The Department of Juvenile Justice received $1.6 million for the Florida Scholars Academy and a Social Services Block Grant realignment, with staff confirming corrective action had been taken after prior audit findings about allowable SSBG spending. The Division of Emergency Management received federal pass-through authority for FIFA World Cup security and counter-UAS funds, both controlled by the Miami host committee, and members noted the state had little direct oversight over how those local grants would be used. The Department of Commerce received $148.4 million for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery work, with questions focused on the split between housing, infrastructure, and administrative costs. The Department of State received $408,377 for arts and culture federal grant obligations. All amendments were adopted, generally without objection, after brief questioning and no public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Fred Heary, Director of Administrative Services, who's going to present Amendment EOGB 2026-0459
• We have Fred Heary, Director of Administrative Services, who's going to present Amendment EO Fred Heary

Transcript Highlights:

• Moore, Fred Costa. It looks like we have Mr. Quintero, I see Mr. Moore.
• Fred Costa, come on down, please have a seat. Roger Abshire, come on down, have a seat.

Bills: SB312 , SB945 , SB946 , SB1367 , SB1861 , SB2044 , SB2337 , SB2403 , SB2819 , SJR54

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• If Trump succeeds here, a lot of world-class research institutions like the Fred Hutch Cancer Center
• It was coordinated by the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in my home state of Washington.
• Yet, the Fred Hutch Cancer Research still has not heard from NIH directly on if that funding will actually
• The Fred Hutch Cancer Center Research in my state is the clinical coordinating center. and one of the

Committee: Senate Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair is going to call Fred Sandoval. Thank you for being here.
• We show you registered as Fred Sandoval on behalf of the City of San Benito, and you'll be testifying
• I'm the owner, Marte Mireles, Fred Sandoval. It's not present at this time?

Bills: HB407 , HB871 , HB882 , HB2011 , HB3572 , HB3578 , HB4038 , HB4866 , HB4897 , HB4978 , HB5380 , HB5555 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , SB673

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to see Fred is thriving. So, thank you very much.
• &gt;&gt; All<00:20:29.840><c> right,</c><00:20:30.880><c> Fred</c><00:20:31.280><c> is</c><00:20:31.440
• </c> All right, Fred is adjourned. Thank you, member. I just ended up one short. Oh, of course.

Bills: HB59 , SB15 , SB96 , SB104 , SB137

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: public accountancy, CPA licensing, board regulations, educational prerequisites, electronic notifications, firm registration, assignment, creditors, insolvency, liquidation, assignee, secured transaction, bankruptcy, state law, voluntary process, distribution of assets, emergency rules, governor certification, state regulations, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, Shelly Stevens from the Tri-County Economic Development District, and Fred
• Fred Felleman with the Port of Seattle. Thank you. Just working to unmute myself.
• I’m Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman, Vice President, testifying in support of Senate Bill
• I’m Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman, Vice President, testifying in support of Senate Bill

Bills: SB6061 , SB5844 , SB6079 , SB6137 , SB5831 , SB6031 , SB6178

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, storage rental, tenancy agreements, tenant rights, landlord obligations, termination notice, insurance, wildfire prevention, policy nonrenewal, cancellation, risk management, sports wagering, sports betting, sports gambling, bookmaking, gambling regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, if you'll let Fred come to the podium, we'll listen to him.
• ><c> to</c><00:33:06.960><c> the</c><00:33:07.039><c> podium,</c> you'll let Fred come to the podium,
• you'll let Fred come to the podium, we'll<00:33:07.679><c> listen</c><00:33:07.840><c> to</c><00:33:
• </c> Is there a Fred Wheeler here?
• >> So, Fred Wheeler, 8405 Sterling Drive, Mobile, Alabama, represent Dixie ABATE of Alabama.

Bills: HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114 , HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program