Transcript Highlights:

• But this isn't about transportation.
• I just want to state, statewide transportation is vital to communities across statewide transportation
• But this isn't about transportation.
• Funding statewide transportation is a low barrier that we can remove by the state-wide transportation
• Why doesn't this nonprofit just apply for a grant? They have applied for federal grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Permission<00:03:44.280><c> granted.</c> &gt;&gt; Permission granted.
• </c> we're not going to grant the project." we're not going to grant the project."
• Permission granted.
• Permission granted.
• Permission granted.

Summary: The House met in Annapolis on February 27, 2026, with 128 members present. After a prayer, the chamber adopted the previous day’s journal and recognized a resolution honoring Brunswick High School’s first Tech Challenge team, Minerva’s Mechanics, for winning the FTC Regional Championships and qualifying for the World Championship in Houston. The resolution was read and adopted with applause. The main legislative item was House Bill 355, concerning the Education, Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program and human and sex trafficking; the House adopted the favorable committee report and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The next bill, House Bill 534 on nonpublic school transcripts and prohibiting punitive measures related to student debt, also received a favorable report. Debate then centered on an amendment offered to HB 534 that would have tied school funding to student choice for students in repeatedly one-star-rated schools and allowed parents of habitually violent or disruptive students to consider military boarding school options. The sponsor argued Maryland’s public schools, especially in Baltimore City, were failing students despite heavy spending, citing low literacy, violence, and the book Failure Factory; several members echoed concerns about school performance, bureaucracy, and the need for educational freedom. Opponents and procedural speakers said the amendment was not germane to HB 534, which they described as a narrow bill about transcript access for students leaving nonpublic schools with unpaid fees, often students with disabilities. The floor leader urged the body to resist the amendment and stick to the bill’s actual subject. Despite multiple members explaining their votes in support of school choice and criticizing the Blueprint and school outcomes, the House ultimately took a roll call on the amendment after a voice vote was challenged. The transcript cuts off during the roll call and does not show the final recorded result on the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move that the House grant permission for all committees and subcommittees to meet while the
• We convene today upon a final adjournment, recess, or during bill referral if permission is granted.
• Subcommittee on Transportation Funding.
• to the Texas Department of Public Safety for the Committee on Transportation.
• on Transportation Funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• This consolidation will save our taxpayers millions in transportation, maintenance, and administrative
• </c> taxpayers millions in transportation taxpayers millions in transportation maintenance<00:21:34.480
• As you can see on the first slide, we were funded at $398 million for transportation through SEEK in
• Our actual transportation costs were right at $3.4 million. We had to make up $900,000.
• </c><00:42:38.640><c> at</c><00:42:38.960><c> $3.4</c> transportation costs were right at $3.4 transportation

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024. The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students. The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this isn't about transportation. $3.5 billion, but this isn't about transportation.
• programs, the Blue Shield grant program. various grant programs, the Blue Shield grant program that
• They have applied for federal grants, but we know that federal grants and federal funding are depleting
• This is the Community Services Block Grant.
• This is the Community Services Block Grant.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote, and suspended business for the Speaker to sign several bills and substitutes. Members then spent much of the day introducing guests, including county assessors, students, civic groups, and visitors from local schools and universities. The chamber then took up House Bill 2002, the elementary and secondary education budget. Members adopted several amendments, including technical fixes to allow board-operated schools to use personal service funds for career ladder payments, clarifications to child care subsidy language, and changes to Parents as Teachers rules so that enrollment remains voluntary and virtual visits are not reimbursable. An amendment to shift $1 million from one child care facilities line to Child Care Works passed, as did an amendment to fund a new Success-Ready Student Assessment with $2 million to help replace the MAP test. A proposal to pay child care subsidies for foster children based on enrollment rather than attendance failed 53-93, and an amendment to divert $10 million in Title I funds into a competitive grant program also failed. A later amendment to send budget reports to the ranking minority member passed, while an attempt to remove child care subsidy language from the bill failed. The House then moved to higher education and workforce development appropriations. Members approved an amendment broadening a pre-apprenticeship program statewide and supported funding for Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries through a transfer from dual credit scholarship funds. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 2003’s higher education funding model, where the chair defended an FTE-based approach as more transparent than the long-standing status quo, while opponents warned it would sharply cut funding for institutions such as Harris-Stowe, Lincoln, Truman State, and some community colleges, and would ignore factors like graduation rates, research, and workforce needs. A compromise amendment to soften the transition was withdrawn, and a separate amendment to restore the governor’s recommendation was also debated at length, with members arguing over the fairness and consequences of the proposed model.

Transcript Highlights:

• already to provide transportation to community colleges.
• to transport students.
• Transportation dollars are appropriated to transport students to a TSTC or a community college absent
• transportation funds to be able to transport students, but I'm sure some of them get there by their
• A record vote is granted. Clerk, ring the bell.

Bills: HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB 124 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB1587 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , HB39 , HB 102 , HB 126 , HB290 , HB300 , HB2143 , HJR2 , HB147 , HJR6 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB 124 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB1587 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , SB1

Keywords: career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, mental health, telehealth

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget. A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes. The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6. Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:57:50.240><c> step</c> Department of Transportation first step Department of Transportation first
• Transportation Transportation support. support. support.
• </c> essentially would normally be a grant essentially would normally be a grant and<01:01:51.760><c>
• </c> reducing potential risk and transporting reducing potential risk and transporting invasive<02:02
• </c> 54 relating to transportation 54 relating to transportation environmental<02:05:03.520><c> review

Bills: SB3253 , SB3154 , SB3254

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively. The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards. Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• State and federal grants.
• the recurring grant programs.
• We don't take it for granted; we don't take the investments for granted.
• Out of that $200,000, we granted $145,000 as grants.
• and grants.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We will call the Transportation Committee meeting to order.
• I also sit on the Met Council's Transportation Advisory Board.
• </c><01:32:08.960><c> so</c><01:32:09.199><c> this</c> officer of Transportation so this officer of Transportation
• I'm the Anoka County engineer and chief officer of transportation.
• </c> aspects and all modes of transportation aspects and all modes of transportation there<01:37:11.480

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Consider planning grants for implementation to ensure they are executed effectively.
• Retain incentives relating to RPAP. outcomes bonus, and separate planning grant and implementation grant
• No, currently this bill does not address transportation.
• And whatever transportation arrangements they have, they can continue to.
• No, this does not have any transportation funds in it, doesn't deal with the transportation funds.

Bills: HB20 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB120

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Transcript Highlights:

• The Washington State Department of Transportation is the state agency responsible for the state's transportation
• network, including constructing, maintaining, and operating the state's transportation infrastructure
• The Washington State Department of Transportation is the state agency responsible for the state's transportation
• We are always looking to expand our resources to improve transportation.
• The bill would also require the department to develop and operate a grant program to provide grants to

Summary: The House Local Government Committee held public hearings on four bills. HB 2174 would allow counties, cities, towns, or the Department of Transportation to designate accident risk zones on roads with repeated crashes, hold a public hearing, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, and use half of traffic fine revenue for safety improvements. The sponsor and local officials from Pasco and Colotis described serious crashes and fatalities on U.S. 12 and U.S. 395 and said the bill could provide a temporary safety tool while long-term fixes are pursued. Testifiers generally supported the concept but raised concerns about liability, implementation, youth penalties, and possible targeted enforcement, especially for motorcyclists; several suggested amendments and the committee discussed possible alignment with safe system practices. HB 2267 would direct the Department of Commerce to create a model urban forest management ordinance, update it every 10 years, provide guidance on tree retention and mitigation, and create a grant program for local governments that adopt or substantially adopt the model. Supporters from Washington Conservation Action, The Nature Conservancy, FutureWise, and the Puget Sound Partnership said trees are important for stormwater, heat reduction, air quality, public health, and climate resilience, and argued the bill could help balance housing growth with canopy protection. Opposition from the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Master Builders Association focused on the grant condition tied to adoption of the model ordinance, concerns that the bill would effectively mandate local policy, and worries that prioritizing tree retention could constrain housing production and increase legal risk. HB 2183 would require counties planning under the Growth Management Act to adopt extreme heat response plans by July 1, 2027, covering immediate response, long-term mitigation, protection of high-risk populations, tribal coordination, and public education. The sponsor and physicians from Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility cited the 2021 heat dome as a deadly disaster that overwhelmed emergency services and killed many people in their homes, arguing counties need coordinated planning for future heat events. Local public health officials supported the goal but asked for amendments to reduce duplication with existing emergency and mitigation plans and to clarify leadership roles; L&I requested that the bill reference existing worker-protection rules for outdoor workers. HB 1529 would let counties perform city roadway striping and paving work without counting it against city public works limits or bidding thresholds, if the county can do the work more cheaply or no bids are received. Supporters from Pasco and the Association of Counties said it would help cities use existing county equipment and crews more efficiently, while contractors and labor groups opposed it, warning about reduced competition, quality and oversight concerns, and the loss of prevailing-wage and small-business opportunities. No votes were taken on any of the bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, so we'll start with transportation.
• This element covers public transportation, roadways, and topics like active transportation with designated
• And these are federally mandated and federally funded transportation policymaking organizations.
• There's so much jargon in planning... ...of the regional transportation plans, RTPs.
• The LEAP grant was great.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 253, by Assembly Member Ward and presented by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits if a local building department would take more than 30 days. Supporters, including California YIMBY, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Action Coalition, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Abundant Housing LA, said the bill would reduce permitting delays and help housing production. League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties expressed concerns but were not formally opposed. Members voiced strong support, and the bill passed the committee 10-0 to Appropriations. The committee then held an informational hearing on California’s general plan. The first panel, led by UC Davis professor Catherine Brinkley, gave an overview of the general plan structure, required elements, update cycles, and the new PlanSearch database that makes adopted plans searchable statewide. She emphasized that general plans are long-term, locally tailored documents that integrate housing, transportation, safety, environmental justice, and other policy areas, and noted that many plans and elements are outdated. Members asked about update timelines, public participation, and whether AI tools could help with drafting and analysis. A second panel of local government representatives described the practical challenges of preparing and updating general plans, especially in rural and small jurisdictions. Speakers from Calaveras County, Sacramento, San Joaquin County, and Fountain Valley cited staffing shortages, consultant availability, funding constraints, CEQA and outreach costs, changing state mandates, and the difficulty of keeping plans aligned with local conditions and board turnover. They asked for more funding, more time, clearer prioritization, and more flexibility. A third panel from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explained its role in issuing general plan guidelines, technical advisories, and annual planning surveys, and said it is updating its guidance through 2027 to reflect recent housing, climate, safety, environmental justice, and open space laws. No public comment was offered, and the informational hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kates, an act relating to finance, authorizing the New Mexico Finance Authority to make loans or grants
• Kates, an act relating to finance, authorizing the New Mexico Finance Authority to make loans or grants
• distributions, preventing the accrual of interest when an extension of time to file a return has been granted
• distributions, preventing the accrual of interest when an extension of time to file a return has been granted
• The Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee will meet 30 minutes after we finally get off the

Summary: The Senate debated and passed Senate Bill 241, a child care assistance measure. Opponents raised concerns about the bill’s education requirements, residency definitions, sustainability if oil and gas revenues decline, fraud and misuse of funds, staffing needs for unannounced inspections, liability insurance, and whether the state would be left covering costs in a shortfall. Supporters argued the bill reflects the reality of working families, would expand access to child care, and includes guardrails and a five-year funding plan. After debate, the Senate passed the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 241, as amended, by a vote of 25-15. The chamber then received House messages announcing passage of several House bills and referred them to committees: HB 63 on water project funding to Senate Conservation, HB 64 on appropriations to Senate Finance, HB 165 on industrial revenue bond lease assessments to Senate Tax, Business and Transportation, HB 285 on disabled veteran property tax exemptions to Senate Tax, Business and Transportation, HB 184 on the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund to Senate Finance, and HB 291 on a range of tax and revenue changes to Senate Tax, Business and Transportation. Senate Memorial 30, requesting a study of safety and maintenance issues on U.S. Highway 491, was introduced and referred to Senate Rules. During announcements, members outlined upcoming committee meetings, including Rules, Tax, Business and Transportation, Education, Finance, Conservation, and others. The Senate also discussed the upcoming 100th Bill Party and related social events. The body then recessed until 11 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Riders the capital investment grant Riders the capital investment grant program<00:08:05.639><c>
• childhoods, including my own, and remains relevant as a transportation option as adults.
• We have transportation outlined.
• </c> could then go to public transportation could then go to public transportation projects<01:00:00.400
• The support of this committee is to keep transportation dollars within the transportation committee,

Summary: The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once. Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor. Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• giving us the opportunities, the resources, and the abilities to handle them properly, as your Lord, grants
• I move that House grant permission for all committees and subcommittees to meet while the House is in
• Upon final adjournment, recess or during bill referral, permission is granted or authorized to convene
• for the Committee on Transportation AB 2622 by Matt Caffer relating to the transportation of female
• on highway signs for certain cultural attractions to the Committee on Transportation HB 2722 by NCHEO

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I move that the House grant permission for all committees.
• scheduled to reconvene today upon final adjournment or recess during no referral as permission is granted
• Products for the Committee on Transportation.
• Seaton Memorial Highway, referred to the Committee on Transportation.
• HB 4249 by Reynolds, relating to the establishment of a grant program to provide training for public

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 2082 establishes the childhood cancer and rare childhood disease research commission to award grants
• Bill 282 establishes the childhood cancer and rare childhood disease research commission to award grants
• requirements of Pathway 1 through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates to be granted
• Madam Whip, members, House Bill 2103 expands the projects eligible for grant monies from a county water
• Madam Witt, members, as amended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House Bill 2573

Summary: The meeting was a rapid bill review caucus with the chair emphasizing a hard stop before 11 a.m. and asking members to keep questions brief. A large number of bills were introduced or summarized, with many placed on third-read consent or consent calendars and several receiving brief sponsor explanations. The topics ranged widely, but much of the discussion centered on artificial intelligence, education, health care, water policy, state land management, commerce, transportation, public safety, and local government finance. In the AI and education sections, members heard bills requiring disclosure when minors interact with AI, allowing AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, creating an AI education program, recognizing certain AI communications as privileged, and requiring schools to teach AI ethics and basic prompting. Other education measures addressed superintendent employment rules, school district oversight, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal and prenatal development standards, and a resolution expanding race- and ethnicity-based nondiscrimination rules in public education. Health-related bills included funding and oversight for ESA administration, childhood cancer research grants, health facility licensure and complaint timelines, a firefighter cancer registry, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and a bill criminalizing nonconsensual abortion-inducing drugs. The committee also reviewed many land, water, and natural resources bills, including measures on groundwater transportation fees, assured water supply reviews, water hauling, state land audits and oversight, solar and mining land-use mapping, and state land disposition planning. Several bills focused on wildlife and ranching, such as landowner permits for deer and wolves, expanding predatory animal definitions, and a memorial urging federal reform of the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Conservation Act. Transportation and public safety bills covered towing regulation, DUI interlock rules, motorcycle lane splitting/filtering, digital driver licenses, and a resolution on tax and fee increases for municipalities and counties. Members asked a number of questions on controversial items, especially the municipal tax/fee moratorium, water policy, and state land governance, but no roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply advanced or noted as consent-calendar measures, with one bill (HB 2913) being pulled from consent for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation
• We'll now move to the third and final section, which is transportation.
• Our final section in Part C of transportation will cover three issues, five, 22, and 53. 33.
• The first is the Wright Grant, the rehabilitation programming. The first is the Wright Grant.
• The second one is the Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program at OES.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reducing the use of combustion engine vehicles through transportation projects.
• projects— that's public transportation projects.
• They have the grant programs for energy efficiency.
• That's where the Seed Community Energy Efficiency Development Grant is housed.
• ineligible to apply for additional federal grants.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal and local cybersecurity grant program dollars have been pivotal.
• two years, Washington State has leveraged more than $11 million in federal and state cybersecurity grant
• And if I can follow up, then how nimble is your grant program? The SLCGP grant is...
• The SLCGP grant is a four-year grant. We are now in year three of that four-year program.
• For the first year, and I don't have the numbers specifically in my head, but of the grants that were

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee held a public hearing on two State Auditor’s Office cybersecurity performance audits for fiscal year 2025: one covering state agencies and one covering local governments, along with related ransomware resiliency and critical infrastructure audits. SAO staff explained that the audits are independent under Initiative 900, are kept confidential at the entity level, and assess cybersecurity safeguards against the Center for Internet Security controls plus penetration testing. For state agencies, auditors found about one-third of assessed safeguards fully implemented on all systems and identified 227 vulnerabilities, including 3 critical and 21 high. For local governments, they found nearly one-quarter of safeguards fully implemented on all systems and nearly 300 vulnerabilities, including 9 critical and 47 high. They also reported six ransomware resiliency audits and 39 critical infrastructure audits, with over 260 vulnerabilities found in the critical infrastructure work and a notable vendor-wide security improvement resulting from one test. SAO staff said governments generally show increasing attention to cybersecurity, but many still need more staffing, guidance, and resources. They highlighted cybersecurity checkups, policy guides, and other support services, and said agencies and local governments are typically responsive in fixing serious issues. Washington Technology Solutions’ state CISO praised the audits, described the rising national ransomware threat, and said the audits help identify vulnerabilities and align agencies with recognized standards. He noted that federal and state cybersecurity grant funding has supported more than 200 projects statewide and that the state is working on monitoring, incident response, training, and updated policies. In member questions, Representative Scott asked about whether agencies can quickly repurpose funds to address critical vulnerabilities and how nimble the grant program is. SAO and WOTEC said some fixes can be handled through settings changes or compensating controls, while others may require grant funding or other resources; they also said the grant process is annual and not especially nimble, though Washington has been efficient in distributing funds. Scott also asked how Washington compares nationally, and witnesses said direct comparisons are difficult because other states do not use the same audit approach, though Washington’s I-900 cybersecurity audit program was described as unusually comprehensive and unique. No public testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned without taking any formal action on the reports.