Transcript Highlights:

• These are not abstract policy debates.
• </c> these are not abstract policy debates. these are not abstract policy debates.
• School policies typically speech.
• So, the bill does not cover speech that is not already covered by the First Amendment.
• </c><01:35:55.199><c> issues</c> I've worked uh on labor policy issues I've worked uh on labor policy

Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• And among other things, this countywide planning policy has to address urban growth areas.
• Countywide planning policies are required to address policies for joint city and county planning within
• forward because this is definitely a real issue, and ...and something that is right for additional policy
• I think it's been covered.
• We can annex land, and we want to participate in the policy to preserve those large tracts of areas so

Bills: HB2201, HB2154

Keywords: urban growth, city planning, county regulations, development standards, land use, land ownership, conservation districts, property rights, regulatory authority, environmental policy, 904, all

Summary: The Local Government Committee first held a work session on the Washington Zoning Atlas. Commerce staff explained that the atlas is a statewide, web-based zoning map built from local zoning codes with help from university planning students. It lets users compare zoning across jurisdictions, query where uses like residential, industrial, commercial, multifamily, or agriculture are allowed, and link back to local development codes. Members asked about using the atlas as a “single source of truth,” layering it with other state data such as transportation or public works projects, update frequency, and whether environmental sensitivity data could be added in the future. Commerce said the atlas is not a parcel-specific buildability tool, is being updated on an ongoing basis, and needs additional funding because the planned update source is not in the governor’s budget. The committee then heard House Bill 2201, which would require counties to align planning and development regulations within urban growth areas with the city’s regulations unless the city agrees otherwise or another law requires a different standard. The sponsor and several city representatives said mismatched county and city rules can undermine annexation planning, infrastructure investment, and long-term development coordination. Cities from Vancouver, Pasco, Ferndale, and Lynnwood described “donut holes,” infrastructure misalignment, and the need for better annexation pathways. The Association of Washington Cities and planning groups said the issue is real and merits more policy work, but the bill needs refinement. Counties, the Washington State Association of Counties, and other opponents said the bill is too broad, does not account for existing interlocal agreements, would add workload without funding, and fails to require timely annexation by cities. The sponsor said the bill needs more work and invited continued discussion. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2154, which would prohibit conservation districts from buying or acquiring interests in agricultural land 20 acres or larger that is actively used for farming and would require districts to inventory certain land holdings. The sponsor argued that taxpayer-funded district purchases can drive up farmland prices and reduce opportunities for private farmers to expand. Conservation district representatives, the Washington Association of Conservation Districts, the Puget Sound Partnership, and several local districts opposed the bill, saying conservation districts use voluntary tools such as purchases, easements, leases, and donations to keep land in agricultural production, support beginning farmers, and preserve farmland from development. They said many district-owned parcels are donated rather than purchased, often leased back to farmers, and used for education, demonstration, and conservation. Testifiers emphasized that farmland conversion to development is the larger threat and that the bill would remove an important preservation tool. The hearing closed without action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said his expectation is also to keep it to transportation policy and the merits of the policy that's
• </c> policy and the merits of the policy policy and the merits of the policy that's<00:03:59.280><c>
• as really covering primarily our operations, which are extensive as we expand the system.
• I stand for any questions. extend and then these are policy extend and then these are policy recommendations
• It would be to cover those grants where that authority does not exist.

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, for the first time in years, the town bridge account was not sufficient to cover projects
• In addition, for the first time in years, the town bridge account was not sufficient to cover projects
• In addition, for the first time in years, the town bridge account was not sufficient to cover projects
• I mean, part of the threshold was to make a public policy decision on opting some people out of that,
• decision on on opting some public policy decision on on opting some people<00:59:24.839><c> out</c><

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:33.360><c> holders</c> in these cases by law policy holders in these cases by law policy holders
• </c><00:18:08.880><c> any</c> payments to health plans to cover any payments to health plans to cover
• How many of those mandates were already covered in insurance policies, but the level of coverage has
• How many of those mandates were already covered in insurance policies, but the level of coverage has
• How many of those mandates were already covered in insurance policies, but the level of coverage has

Bills: HF747, HF1014, HF320, HF400

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association, MIGA, insurance guaranty fund, insurer insolvency, covered claim, net worth threshold, high-net-worth insured, financial information request, insurance claims, self-insured retention, deductible, commercial insurance, insurance regulation, Minnesota Statutes 60C.09, guaranty association

Transcript Highlights:

• More importantly, many of these fees ensure that industries cover the regulatory costs, and as Arizona
• When agencies cannot adjust fees to cover the cost of regulated industries and programs, those costs
• Additionally, the system has been rigged in favor of the rich through corporate welfare policies and
• And there have been times when things are policy or things are changed, and we hear... ...been times
• when things are policy or things are changed, and we hear from the people and we adjust.

Bills: SB1142, SCR1028

Keywords: scholarships, tax credit, education funding, nonprofit organizations, Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional amendment, state revenue, tax policy, legislative approval, two-thirds vote, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The funding we receive for school choice supports K-8 education, but does not come close to covering
• not about taking opportunities away from families; it's about fairness and about recognizing that a policy
• I've seen firsthand how inconsistent policies...
• I've seen firsthand how inconsistent policies or administrative barriers related to in-school access
• James, my son, doesn't know about meetings, policies, or paperwork. He doesn't know what an IEP is.

Bills: H4867, H4927

Keywords: school choice, education policy, educational funding, public schools, student enrollment, applied behavior analysis, autism, education, special needs, school access, therapeutic interventions, 1212, all

Bills: HB332, HB166, SB336, HB447, HB244

Keywords: education policy, wireless communication devices, internet safety, social media, mental health, gender identity, sexual orientation, public schools, classroom instruction, Alabama, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I call this committee meeting of State Government Finance and Policy to order on April 9th, 2026.
• </c> Unfortunately, yet our voices remain underrepresented in the state policy making.
• </c> ordinances or labor standards policies ordinances or labor standards policies like<00:15:23.839>
• </c> shortage, um we actually just covered shortage, um we actually just covered some<00:49:13.240><c
• The bill also requires that rounding policies be posted at locations where the cash transactions occur

Bills: HF4364, HF4821, HF4543, HF3945

Keywords: Central and Eastern European Affairs, ethnic council, advisory council, Minnesota state government, immigrant communities, refugees, humanitarian parolees, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Czech Republic, Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Russia

Transcript Highlights:

• under the health coverage plan for anti-cancer medications as part of high-deductible health plan policies
• is so important, and thank y'all for getting in the weeds on this, digging into the laws and the policies
• I'm digging into the laws and the policies and making sure we have in place.

Bills: HB591, HB766

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, cancer treatment, anti-cancer medications, health insurance, copayment, cost-sharing, health policy, 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh pool that has enough money to cover uh pool that has enough money to cover the<00:03:28.159><
• </c> year-long policy disagreements. year-long policy disagreements.
• Bush has covered<01:33:08.800><c> everything.</c> covered everything. covered everything.
• best to comply with that policy.
• </c> comply with that policy. comply with that policy.

Bills: SJ0001, SF0017

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, forestry management, good neighbor authority, state lands, employee funding, donations, revolving account, 916, all

Bills: SJ0001, SF0017

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, forestry management, good neighbor authority, state lands, employee funding, donations, revolving account, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• education, homeownership<00:09:31.400><c> advising,</c><00:09:31.880><c> and</c><00:09:32.000><c> policy
• </c> homeownership advising, and policy work. homeownership advising, and policy work.
• The new bill, they said, will also cover things like having a United States flag in your front yard or
• </c><00:42:36.440><c> like</c><00:42:36.880><c> um</c><00:42:37.560><c> if</c> obviously, will cover
• things like um if obviously, will cover things like um if you<00:42:37.800><c> want</c><00:42:37.960>

Bills: HF2614, HF3587, HF3589, HF3588

Keywords: homeowners associations, local government, building permits, housing policy, residential development, voter access, polling place, elections, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, transparency, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Patrol with the authority to set the fee for firearm background checks to an amount calculated to cover
• The nexus between the goals of much of what is outlined in this policy doesn't really give direct benefit
• I think it's really important that we use the funding wisely, and I would urge a no vote on this policy
• And if I might read from the bill, the fee must be set at an amount reasonably calculated to cover the
• And a lot of the times, the fees that we were raising weren't in order to cover for a budget deficit.

Bills: HB2159, HB2251, HB2521

Keywords: preK, education funding, childcare, youth development, state budget, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation, 904, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met in executive session on three bills. For House Bill 2159, which creates the pre-K Promise account for ECEAP, the committee adopted Amendment Clark 333 to clarify that account funds may support any children enrolled in ECEAP, not just the entitlement population. Members then voted 29-0 with two excused to report the bill out of committee with a due pass recommendation, with supporters emphasizing expanded early learning access and the role of philanthropic funding. For House Bill 2251, dealing with Climate Commitment Act accounts and revenue distribution, staff briefed a proposed substitute and two Dye amendments. The committee rejected both amendments: one would have expanded allowable uses to include items such as buoys, trails, small forest landowner grants, drought and water quality projects, outdoor recreation, and marina support; the other would have restored annual rather than biennial reporting. After debate over revenue priorities, transparency, and the structure of CCA spending, the substitute bill passed 18-12 with one excused. For House Bill 2521, which would allow the Washington State Patrol to set firearm background check fees to cover program costs, the committee considered seven amendments. All were rejected, including proposals to remove indirect costs from the fee calculation, exempt low-income residents, people near less restrictive home placements, veterans and active military, domestic violence victims, counties with fewer officers per capita, and to delay the effective date until Washington no longer has the fewest officers per capita. Supporters argued the bill would make the program cost-based and reduce general fund subsidy; opponents argued it would create barriers to firearm access and lacked oversight. The bill passed 18-12 with one excused and was reported out with a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• the over-the-counter medicines do not. require of a standing order, but the prescription medicines covered
• Outlines a policy for schools to administer OTC meds if a parent right gives written permission and provides
• And I will cover this with the... a committee substitute in it.
• I'm the director of public policy for the Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission
• This policy helps destigmatize mental health care reinforcing that seeking help is both normal and okay

Bills: SB207, SB611, SB920, SB1174, SB1207, SB1325, SB1396, SB1551, SB1619

Keywords: SB 207, Texas Education Code, public school attendance, excused absence, mental health appointment, mental health care, behavioral health, school district, student absenteeism, same-day return, health care professionals, physician certification, religious holy days, court appearance, DFPS, foster care, education policy, student wellness, school mental health, attendance policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Public Policy K-12 Policy Analyst.
• I serve as Vice President of Policy with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• I'm a K-12 policy analyst at the Texas public policy foundation, and I'm here to speak in favor of SB
• We call them shadow policy.
• is the grievance policy.

Bills: SB12, SB1565, SB13, SJR12, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB112, SB400, SB813, SB 12, SB 13

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, school district, grievance procedure, public education, diversity and inclusion, funding penalties, school libraries, library advisory councils, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, constitutional amendment, school choice

Transcript Highlights:

• Singleton, South, Sadie Becknell, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Liz Mangum, Policy Institute
• Singleton, South, Sadie Becknell, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Liz Mangum, Policy Institute
• That's a different policy.
• Will Hall with the Louisiana Baptist Public Policy.
• It does not ensure these policies are effective.

Bills: HCR47, HB628, HB737, HB1008, HB1062, HB1079, HB1112

Keywords: mandatory reporter, child abuse training, online training, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Education, educator requirements, early childhood education, microcenter, school board, cooperative endeavor, economic disadvantage, vaccination, meningococcal disease, school entry, immunization requirements, public health, academic freedom, free speech, retaliation, faculty rights

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the policy director. State Shield, Black State Armor, is working at the state level.
• I guess, advise more policy in the legislature.
• Hi, Madeline Batson, Director of Policy Research. Years, three years?
• Hi, Madeline Batson, Director of Policy Research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children.
• Hi again, I'm Madeline Batson, Director of Policy and Research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for

Bills: HB113, HB342, HB632, HB690, HB1003, HB1078, HB1132, HB1146

Keywords: grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, special education, due process, local education agency, burden of proof, IEP, education law, data sharing, student information, privacy, education, LA FIRST, foreign adversaries, terrorism, contracting, school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• bill itself, the bill would require the State Board of Education to adopt a model sick leave day policy
• Uh, the other the bill would require the sick leave policy to allow employees to donate sick leave directly
• </c> model sick leave day policy. model sick leave day policy.
• </c><00:04:47.919><c> to</c><00:04:48.560><c> allow</c> require the sick leave policy to allow require
• </c> implement a sick leave uh a bank policy implement a sick leave uh a bank policy and<00:05:03.840

Bills: SB211, SB305, SB300, SB211, SB305, SB300

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact

Transcript Highlights:

• to encourage and... ...especially people who have children, to encourage lack of sweets, lack of covering
• sponsored by Senator Warnick, and this is about having the Washington State Institute for Public Policy
• Chapin Hall is an independent, nonpartisan policy research center with decades of experience in child
• Maybe it's Halloween and someone says, 'Sorry, ma'am, but that candy isn't covered.'
• My expertise is in the economic evaluation of health and nutrition policies.

Bills: SB6007, SB6186, SB6212

Keywords: assessment practices, public policy, children, youth, families, evaluation, outcomes, SNAP, nutrition, public health, food access, unhealthy foods, benefit program, assistance, pilot program, state support, public welfare, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard three bills on February 2. Senate Bill 6212, sponsored by Sen. Nobles, would create a Department of Commerce pilot program called the Families with Children Benefit Pilot, providing $300 per child per month to up to 1,000 eligible households for 24 months, with a control group receiving $20 per month. Committee staff said the pilot would begin in 2027 and require a report to the Legislature on whether a statewide program should be adopted. Sen. Nobles and several supporters argued the bill would reduce child poverty, improve family stability, and provide data on cash assistance; no vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6186, sponsored by Sen. Warnick, which would direct DSHS to seek a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy and sweetened beverages. Staff noted a preliminary fiscal note of about $781,000 in the first biennium and $320,000 in the next, with costs tied to applying for and implementing the waiver. Sen. Warnick said she was open to possible carve-outs or a narrower approach. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with anti-hunger advocates, public health experts, grocers, and current or former SNAP users arguing the bill would be stigmatizing, hard to administer, costly for retailers and the state, and unlikely to improve diets; one witness supported the measure as a nutrition policy. Senate Bill 6707, also sponsored by Sen. Warnick, would have WSIPP study DCYF’s screening tools and risk assessment processes for child welfare referrals and their effects on outcomes such as services, placements, re-referrals, and fatalities. DCYF said it supports evaluating its risk assessment work but is already doing similar work with Chapin Hall, including piloting the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale, and asked how the bill would avoid duplication. The committee heard testimony on all three bills and then adjourned; members were reminded that amendments for Wednesday’s executive session are due by noon the next day.