Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, and then lastly, are forest and ag waste potential feedstocks for this?
• Second, healthy soils and the manure management program—I think healthy soils farming practices will
• we will ensure that we're using best available science and then also, I believe it also says best practices
• Paul Mason with Pacific Forest Trust here on Item 6.
• League, Climate and Wildfire Institute, Mountain Counties Water Resources Association, Regenerative Forest

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs. A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66. Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with the Texas A&M Forest Service, which we, there is a representative from the Texas Commission
• That's usually done through the Texas Forest Service.
• We are partnered with the Texas Forest Service other that we provide the person at the EOC to track the
• Uh, some of that is based upon changes in pretrial release practices and bonding practices that we are
• So while we don't send a letter, which was practice and policy up until 2007 saying congratulations,

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is things like forestry, improved forest management.
• So this is things like forestry, improved forest management.
• What was missing was practical access. And when practical access exists, participation follows.
• We are asking for practical treatment.
• We are asking for practical treatment.

Summary: The committee held an interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), then on hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility (EPR). On the CCUS topic, industry and nonprofit presenters described point-source capture, direct air capture, mineralization, and geologic sequestration, emphasizing Washington’s basalt formations and state trust lands as strong candidates for storage. They argued that CCUS can help hard-to-abate industrial sectors, support jobs and investment, and provide a pathway for compliance, while also noting the need for clearer permitting, subsurface rights, pipeline authority, and storage infrastructure. Ecology and Commerce staff explained current state policy touchpoints, including Cap-and-Invest offsets and exemptions for permanently stored CO2, the public comment process underway to define “thousand-year” permanence, and how CCUS might fit within the Clean Energy Transformation Act without counting emitting generation as non-emitting. Some presenters supported more state action and primacy over federal permitting, while others warned about costs, energy use, uncertain capture performance, and the need to ensure real net greenhouse gas reductions and long-term liability protections. Members asked about public meetings, whether mineralized carbon would qualify as exempt under the Climate Commitment Act, the timeline for Ecology guidance, aquifer and water-quality concerns, energy intensity of capture systems, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Responses said Ecology’s guidance process is already underway, public meetings will be virtual, mineralized carbon would likely qualify if it meets the permanence standard, and EPA rules require storage in deep saline formations below drinking water aquifers. Industry speakers said capture energy use varies by source and concentration, and one presenter noted that some states use trust funds funded by injectors to address long-term liability. The second half of the session shifted to hazardous waste and EPR. Ecology staff reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste management in Washington. They highlighted that E-Cycle and PaintCare are producer-funded, that the battery stewardship program will begin in 2027, and that the mercury lamp program is in transition after its prior stewardship organization exited, prompting enforcement notices and a pending replacement plan. Ecology recommended best practices for future EPR programs, including clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong agency enforcement and plan approval authority. Local government speakers from King County and Douglas County described rising collection costs, equity and access barriers, rural travel distances, and the need for stable funding and flexible local implementation. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and supports EPR as a way to shift costs from ratepayers to producers, while Douglas County emphasized that rural residents will participate when services are accessible and that future systems should account for geography and local infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also our foresters.
• Uh and uh and also our foresters. So I Uh and uh and also our foresters.
• </c> in order to uh in include the forester in order to uh in include the forester forestry<00:08:02.160
• </c> it's the been pretty much the practice it's the been pretty much the practice and<00:58:48.799><
• </c><04:11:49.199><c> is</c> high heat pyro um smelting practices is high heat pyro um smelting practices

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> supports</c> practices, the program supports practices, the program supports long-term<00:03:24.720
• As some practices. This is not immunity.
• </c> the best practices in salt management. the best practices in salt management.
• </c><00:07:18.080><c> in</c> salt and brine and best practices in salt and brine and best practices in
• </c> in drought conditions and the US Forest in drought conditions and the US Forest Service<00:39:36.880

Bills: HF3793, HF3699, HF793, HF3322, HF3426

Keywords: groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Keeping pace with inflation is essential to continue park operations, forest management, conservation
• is essential to continue park inflation is essential to continue park operations,<00:07:50.560><c> forest
• </c><00:07:51.240><c> management,</c> operations, forest management, operations, forest management, conservation
• Forest Service, tribal governments, counties, and local municipalities.
• </c> coordination with the DNR, US Forest coordination with the DNR, US Forest Service,<00:19:17.760>

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1873 is a targeted, practical fix.
• And it made me think of that old saying, you know, if a tree falls in the forest and no one's around
• And it made me think of that old saying: if a tree falls in the forest and no one's around to hear it

Bills: HB1873, HB2600, SB5957

Keywords: child care, Working Connections Child Care, WCCC, graduate students, professional students, higher education, full-time student, affordable child care, subsidized child care, child care subsidy, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, income eligibility, state median income, copayment, copay waiver, family support, workforce participation, working families, special needs child care

Transcript Highlights:

• Mangrove forests, like those found in the 19 acres Barreto sought to develop, naturally filter these
• Mangrove forests... Mangrove forests are also found on the land that he wanted to develop.
• Mangrove forests are also found on the land that he wanted to develop.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists. Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those include replacement of buoys, access to local trails, grants to small forest landowners, grants
• So those include replacement of buoys, access to local trails, grants to small forest landowners, grants
• know, if we're going to talk about climate mitigation, we should do climate mitigation, really do forest
• And then the other piece of it is that we should allow our small landowners, forest landowners, the opportunity
• And then the other piece of it is that we should allow our small landowners, forest landowners, the opportunity

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of us were introduced to the outdoors, to our state parks, and to our national forests by a previous
• Most of those come from a national forest district office, especially if you're going into the U.S.
• Forest Service properties. However, I think it's a good point you bring up.
• In fact, what we're doing is I have lawyers who are licensed to practice law in the state of New Mexico
• Some want to keep it at Se Bonito, some want it at Shiprock because it's practical, and some are even

Transcript Highlights:

• the Beautiful, Mount Blue Sky, elevation 14,268 feet, which straddles the Arapaho and Pike National Forest
• You start to hit the Black Forest, you go through Kiowa, if you're coming from the east, then you go
• /c><00:44:47.560><c> hit</c><00:44:47.760><c> the</c><00:44:47.840><c> Black</c><00:44:48.200><c> Forest
• ,</c><00:44:48.720><c> you</c><00:44:48.800><c> go</c> start to hit the Black Forest, you go start to
• hit the Black Forest, you go through<00:44:49.960><c> Kiowa,</c><00:44:50.840><c> if</c><00:44:51.000

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, suspended Rule 1B to allow a non-senator to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a special guest introduction before approving the March 2, 2026 journal. The chamber then received committee reports and messages from the House and revisor, including action on several bills and appointments, and briefly moved out of order for personal privileges recognizing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the challenges facing that community amid budget pressures. The Senate adopted House Joint Resolution 1018, designating State Highway 86 through Elbert County as the Plains to Pines Scenic Corridor, after lengthy remarks describing the route, local communities, and scenic and historic features. The resolution passed 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate also passed the consent-calendar bills on third reading: SB 59, SB 50, SB 51, SB 110, SB 61, and SB 26, with several senators recording no votes on SB 59, SB 50, and SB 51. SB 21, concerning the clean fleet enterprise and replacement of high-emitting trucks and fleets, also passed 33-2. The Senate confirmed governor’s appointments to the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors on the consent calendar, including Lisa Augustin, Carolyn Glover, Megan Letham, George Keriannac, and Lisa Boyer, all by a 35-0 vote. It also laid over general orders, second reading of bills, until March 4, 2026. The meeting ended with announcements about committee meetings, Read Across America Week, and a Colorado Optometrist Association reception, followed by a motion to recess until 11:00 a.m., which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• McGregor, while you were at the Department of Interior, the number of forest acres treated for wildfire
• Reduction Act, you created funding streams to be able to deal with forest resilience and prepare to make
• moving in to Arizona because Arizona, for a lot of its problems that we do have when it comes to forest
• McGregor, in Montana, we're facing serious hurdles to implementing forest management projects due to
• Our forests no longer... going to have loggers in them, they're crawling with lawyers.

Keywords: nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development

Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> closure of two of the busiest forest closure of two of the busiest forest service<00:07:50.800><
• Practice what you preach. faith? Practice what you preach.
• </c> as we want, but SOP practice and etc. as we want, but SOP practice and etc. has<01:28:09.520><c>
• It's practical for the county recorders and stuff.
• It's practical for the county recorders and stuff.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a responsibility that is immediate and practical.
• We have a responsibility is immediate and practical.
• But we have to be practical and logical with the resources that we have.
• You couldn't go to a state forest. You couldn't go to a national forest. They didn't explain that.
• You couldn't go to a state forest. You couldn't go to a national forest. They didn't explain that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1004 protects buyers of dogs and cats from predatory financing practices and from deceptive
• Further, if a pet dealer violates this law, it commits an unfair, deceptive trade practice.
• Further, if a pet dealer violates this law, it commits an unfair, deceptive trade practice.
• The bill allows... ...violates this law, it commits an unfair, deceptive trade practice.
• The bill allows voluntary participation in best breeding practices, and finally, a person convicted of

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and environmental/agricultural programs. Major items discussed included school funding increases, workforce and university investments, Medicaid and child welfare funding, corrections operating deficits, housing and hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and state employee compensation. Members asked detailed questions about several budget items. In education, senators discussed teacher salaries, declining enrollment supplements, scholarship funding growth, and charter school capital outlay. In higher education, they asked about Bright Futures, New College funding, and the EASE grant program. In health and human services, senators focused on the iBudget waiver, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, the ADAP HIV drug program, and the use of opioid settlement funds. In criminal justice, questions centered on DOC deficits, inmate health care and food service costs, public defender and state attorney funding, and whether the budget would prevent the need for National Guard support. In environmental and state agency budgets, senators discussed Florida Forever land acquisition, conservation easements, cultural grants, the Emergency Management Trust Fund, and election security funding. After the budget presentations and questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments to place Senate language onto the House vehicles for conference. The chamber passed HB 5001, the appropriations bill, by a 36-0 vote and agreed to conference. It also passed the implementing bill, collective bargaining and state employee bills, retirement legislation, fuel tax and SLERS bills, the court trust fund bill, judicial certification bill, K-12 and higher education conforming bills, and other related measures, generally by unanimous votes. Several motions were adopted to request the House to pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• Larry Forester. And Larry, would you want to say anything? Introduce yourself?
• Larry Forester. And Larry, would you want to say anything? Introduce yourself?
• Larry Forester. And Larry, would you want to say anything? Introduce yourself?
• Larry Forester. And Larry, would you want to say anything? Introduce yourself?
• </c> vehicles. um a lot of the practical vehicles. um a lot of the practical things<01:19:33.440><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our people can practice our faith freely.
• It was our beaches and our forest in Walton County.
• It was our beaches and our forest in Walton County.
• It was our beaches and our forest in Walton County.
• It was our beaches and our forest in Walton County.

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then took up a motion to reconsider the prior day’s failed vote on CS for SB 1080 (local government land regulation), which was adopted without objection, and moved into the special order calendar. A series of bills were debated and mostly passed, often after substituting House companions. Measures approved included funding for expedited DNA testing grants, additional aggravating factors in capital cases, fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, commuter rail indemnification, migrant vessel disposition, specialty license plates, an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign, relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter school changes, sexual offender registration updates, utility worker assault/battery penalties, juvenile justice revisions, student mental health outcome reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School changes, school readiness resources for children with disabilities, sexual images/child exploitation penalties, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county tax collector/property appraiser employees. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and brownfields. Debate centered on public safety, health care access, education, recovery housing, and government administration. Some of the most substantive discussion came on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered and defeated after extended debate over election-related communications and the proper scope of existing ethics laws. The certified recovery residences bill also drew extensive support and testimony about addiction recovery and housing stability. Most bills passed on strong bipartisan votes, with a few receiving notable opposition, including the charter schools bill, the aggravating factors bill, and the Office of Faith and Community bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jim Spratt, Florida's Forest Association, in support. Members, we are in debate. Any debate?
• How would OIR ensure assets and liabilities are truly segregated in practice?
• matter, Ranking Member Rayner: does your bill contemplate or include they must have some type of practice
• We heard from the Florida Bar President about AI and how it's impacting the practice of law.

Transcript Highlights:

• the following: 'including an incentive subtractor, to be applied per acre of previously undisturbed forest
• corporations to come into our districts, particularly those west of 495, and clear-cut large swaths of forest
• Cut large swaths of forest to put up a solar array. What that does is pollute our environment.
• My amendment simply seeks to add an incentive subtractor per acre of undisturbed forest that is cleared
• so that it is no longer profitable for large corporations to come into our districts to clear the forests

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters, including adopting a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a number of petitions. The chamber also scheduled several bills for later consideration, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating work schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection namings, handicapped parking fines, public-way safety, excavation restoration, motor vehicle safety, and a Newton police age requirement. Two engrossed local bills were passed to be enacted: one authorizing retired police officers as special police in Plainville and another allowing Orange to increase its Board of Selectmen membership. The main policy debate centered on House No. 5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness. Supporters described it as a broad affordability and clean-energy package that would cut costs for ratepayers, reform Mass Save, speed clean-energy procurement and interconnection, return a portion of alternative compliance payments to customers, and address biomass and other energy issues. Opponents argued the bill relied too heavily on long-term programs and new administrative structures while offering little immediate relief, and raised concerns about costs being shifted to consumers, impacts on natural gas, and the pace of implementation. Several amendments were debated and rejected, including proposals to shift public benefit charges away from peak hours, pause public benefit charges for a year, require greater utility disclosure before rate increases, and add a forest-clearing penalty for solar development. One amendment to the energy bill was adopted: a consolidated amendment that included budget-billing consumer protections for gas customers, requiring notice and conservation recommendations when usage rises significantly. The House also adopted an amendment to a separate conservation-restriction bill for Hanson, changing a figure in the underlying law, and passed that bill to be engrossed as amended. The energy bill’s consolidated amendment passed by roll call, while several other amendments failed by roll call votes. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring Jaden Booker, Thomas Skip Karam, former Freetown Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former Representative and Senator William Q. “Biff” McLean, Jr.

Transcript Highlights:

• clearly distinguishing elements undermines the framework and may result in inconsistent charging practices
• Cloudfelter, did I hear unfair trade practices? And that gets my antenna up.
• There are some practices that are prohibited, but it doesn't use the per se language, as the committee
• You might be in a dense forest, be surrounded by national park lands.
• I worked at the Illinois Attorney General's Office and I was in private practice as a trial attorney

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several insurance and consumer protection bills. On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5928, staff and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner described wildfire risk score and model disclosure requirements for homeowners, including notices when policies are nonrenewed, canceled, or premiums are adversely affected, plus insurer website disclosures about mitigation discounts and rate filing transparency. Supporters, including the OIC, AARP, the mayor of Medical Lake, and a fire chief, said the bill would improve transparency, help homeowners understand and reduce wildfire risk, and protect consumers facing cancellations and rising premiums. Industry witnesses said they supported the goal but warned the bill could add regulatory cost and complexity, and some urged narrower, simpler disclosure language and a delayed implementation date. On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6031, which would expand the insurance fraud program and create a standalone Class B felony for insurance fraud, the OIC and AARP supported the bill as a tool against organized fraud and restitution for victims. A criminal defense representative raised concerns that the new felony language overlaps with existing misdemeanor insurance fraud law and could create conflicting statutes and harsher penalties for the same conduct. The committee also heard testimony that the bill had already incorporated amendments limiting criminal investigators’ role in regulatory investigations and focusing them on complex schemes. The committee then heard substitute Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, described as largely mirroring a House bill already passed by the committee. Testimony from the travel insurance industry said agreed-upon amendments had been incorporated, including changes addressing conflict-of-interest concerns, and urged the bill’s advancement. Finally, the committee heard substitute Senate Bill 6079, which would create the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program to fund wildfire home-hardening and prohibit insurers from using wildfire risk as a disqualifying factor for homes meeting IBHS wildfire-prepared standards. The OIC, fire commissioners, AARP, and the prime sponsor supported the bill as a way to reduce nonrenewals and improve insurability, while insurers opposed Section 7, arguing it could interfere with underwriting and should be removed if the bill is to remain a grant program. The committee also began hearing engrossed Senate Bill 5280 on virtual currency kiosks, with staff and the Department of Financial Institutions describing daily transaction caps, fee limits, disclosures, and receipts to curb fraud; consumer protection and law enforcement witnesses supported the bill, while industry witnesses raised concerns about burdens on compliant businesses and passive retail hosts.