Transcript Highlights:

• Those programs are the Tribal Food Sovereignty Program.
• across all four tracks of the program and $3 million for Climate Smart Agricultural Technical Assistance
• the technical assistance provided in the farm-to-school track of the grant program.
• We had one round of funding for this climate-smart agriculture technical assistance program, and so based
• So there's technical assistance within the farm-to-school grant program that helps producers that want

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> providers in high-risisk programs. providers in high-risisk programs.
• </c> more program integrity actions coming. more program integrity actions coming.
• After a program is licensed, licensors provide technical assistance to license holders and conduct unannounced
• </c> program integrity. program integrity. &gt;&gt; Good<00:43:03.119><c> morning.
• </c> licensed Medicaid programs in the state. licensed Medicaid programs in the state.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities, much like our CNA, or certified nursing assistant, program operates today.
• </c><00:32:08.679><c> program</c> certified nursing assistant program certified nursing assistant program
• Volunteers of America, our volunteer program called AmeriCorps Seniors, to recruit volunteers to assist
• First, this bill incorporates and evenly applies the specificity of residential programs to assisted
• First, this bill incorporates and evenly applies the specificity of residential programs to assisted

Bills: HF1937 , HF2407 , HF1678 , HF1477 , HF2040 , HF1840 , HF257

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• It establishes a statewide low-income energy assistance program within the Department of Commerce to
• The effect is to add that the statewide low-income energy assistance program is supplemental to low-income
• It prohibits participating utilities from being required to provide assistance under the statewide program
• It prohibits participating utilities from being required to provide assistance under the statewide program

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• and CalAIM Assisted Living Facility Transitions Community Support Program.
• Recently some facilities and all assisted living program participants to keep a personal needs allowance
• Including those addressed in this bill who participate in Medi-Cal programs such as the assisted living
• It's just for participants of the Assisted Living Waiver Program.
• What are the components of the ALW program and also the assisted living transitions program and they

Committee: House Aging and Long-Term Care

Transcript Highlights:

• So we kicked in with our state individual assistance program.
• assistance.
• assistance.
• That's your public assistance and your individual assistance.
• At the state level, public and individual assistance programs, because if the federal help retreats,

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on the effects of tariffs on Washington’s economy and agriculture. An OFM economist said tariffs are raising prices, reducing output and jobs, and lowering state revenue, with the most affected sectors including aerospace, food and beverage manufacturing, and agriculture. Members asked about newer trade deals, crop-specific impacts, inflation versus some deflationary effects in fuel, and whether the net employment effect was negative; the witness said retaliation by other countries largely eliminates any tariff benefits and that updated analysis would be needed as tariff rates change. Washington Department of Agriculture staff then described how import tariffs raise costs for farm inputs such as equipment, parts, packaging, and fertilizer, while export retaliation has hurt key markets, especially China and, in some sectors, Canada. They said Washington agriculture is highly export-dependent, with major exports including wheat, potatoes, apples, cherries, dairy, and wine, and noted that some growers support tariffs on competing imports because they see them as leveling the playing field. Commerce officials followed with an overview of small business export assistance, financing, business recruitment, and industry-sector support, emphasizing the importance of federal STEP funding, foreign consulting networks, and state efforts to attract investment and help businesses adapt to tariff pressures. The committee then heard a series of emergency management updates. The Military Department described 2025 disaster response, including the denied bomb cyclone disaster declaration, wildfire activity, and concerns that FEMA is shifting more responsibility and cost to states and locals, with possible reductions or restructuring of preparedness, mitigation, and disaster grants. Members discussed the need for a funded state disaster assistance framework, mitigation priorities such as unreinforced masonry and tsunami shelters, and language-access support. A cybersecurity briefing followed, outlining the state’s advisory committee, grant program, and plans for a volunteer cyber incident response team, with concerns about the loss of MS-ISAC funding and the need to preserve state matching funds. Finally, emergency management staff reviewed disaster resilience and tsunami preparedness, saying federal support is becoming less reliable while state programs face budget pressure. They highlighted mitigation grants, outreach, and planning work, including tsunami vertical evacuation structures and coastal evacuation mapping, and said Washington’s tsunami program depends heavily on NOAA and FEMA funding. The session concluded with a detailed update on World Cup and counter-drone planning, including federal security grants, fan zones, base camps, and the need for authority to mitigate unmanned aerial systems; members asked how local jurisdictions would participate and what mitigation tools might be used. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our BFH program provided a full house of furniture and ongoing rental assistance while we work through
• requirements that must be met anytime the Adoption Assistance Program payment is funding either the
• Program benefits.
• There's a program called the My Two Aunties program.
• And child support is not just an enforcement program, but a poverty prevention program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure grant programs.
• It's a great program, no doubt.
• , funding for these programs.
• , funding for these programs.
• The McKinney-Vento program...

Transcript Highlights:

• My last 13 years was the manager of the assisted living program with the Agency for Health Care Administration
• My last 13 years was the manager of the assisted living program with the Agency for Health Care Administration
• Models in there, it's going to just demolish what assisted living is, and maybe that program as a whole
• It clarifies for programs for programs.
• It clarifies for programs for programs. Adverse actions.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require hospital emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, staff training, child-sized equipment and medications, a pediatric care coordinator, and participation in a national pediatric readiness assessment. The bill was reported favorably after no public opposition. CS/SB 1224, aligning Florida law with federal requirements for paramedics to administer controlled substances under physician or nurse practitioner direction, also drew supportive testimony from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring coverage of continuous glucose monitors under both pharmacy and durable medical equipment benefits, was likewise reported favorably after brief support from AARP. The committee then considered CS/SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by defining certain conditions as chronic diseases, creating a statewide registry, and requiring screening and training in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Family members and blood clot advocates strongly supported the bill, but assisted living representatives objected to being included, arguing the bill would impose unrealistic medical expectations and liability on residential care facilities. Senators also raised concerns about the assisted living provisions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said more changes were likely later. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with recovery residences and treatment centers, was amended to reduce the number of active patients from 500 to 300 and then reported favorably after extensive debate over zoning, clustering, neighborhood impacts, and access to recovery housing. CS/SB 1050, which expands the developmental disabilities pilot program and creates an adult pathways waiver option, generated the most extensive testimony. Supporters said it would help reduce the long APD waitlist and expand services, while many families and advocates warned against managed care, citing provider shortages, weak oversight, and the importance of consumer-directed care. Committee members emphasized that participation is voluntary and that people can disenroll, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening and level-two screening requirements, and CS/SB 1578, expanding breast cancer screening coverage, were both reported favorably with little opposition. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations; after an amendment expanding the committee from three to five members, it was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1240, updating DCF substance abuse and mental health procedures including 988, methadone assessment, forensic evaluators, and Baker Act transfer timing, was amended and reported favorably after debate over transfer deadlines and facility responsibilities. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at improving Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates by tightening program standards, requiring exit exams and remediation, mandating reporting and inspections, and limiting accreditation extensions. A strike-all amendment was introduced that would also require certain low-performing programs to offer a three-month graduate preceptorship. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full debate and final action are completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this goes back to why we have a state individual assistance program.
• And this goes back to why we have a state individual assistance program in state law, and why after the
• And this goes back to why we have a state individual assistance program.
• And this goes back to why we have a state individual assistance program in state law and why after the
• You also heard about the State Conservation Commission's Disaster Recovery Assistance Program.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• My last 13 years was the manager of the assisted living program with the Agency for Health Care Administration
• My last 13 years was the manager of the assisted living program with the Agency for Healthcare Administration
• Striking any mention of assisted living facilities out of this bill because that's not what assisted
• Having worked with you on the original pilot program, I appreciate the expansion of the pilot program
• Imagine when our program directors walks up to some students and say, because our program was...

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, training, appropriate child-sized equipment and medications, a designated care coordinator, and participation in a pediatric readiness assessment. It was reported favorably. CS/SB 1224 followed, aligning Florida law with federal requirements so paramedics may administer controlled substances in the field under physician or nurse practitioner protocols; it also passed favorably after supportive testimony from fire chiefs. The committee then adopted a strike-all for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by creating a statewide registry, requiring screening and training in hospitals and long-term care settings, and adding assisted living facility response requirements. Assisted living representatives objected to the ALF provisions as unrealistic and potentially harmful, while supporters argued the bill would save lives; the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring continuous glucose monitors to be covered as both durable medical equipment and a pharmacy benefit, also passed favorably with support from AARP. The committee next considered CS/SB 12, a claim bill for a child severely injured after a DCF home visit allegedly failed to meet standards, and it was reported favorably without opposition. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with substance abuse treatment centers and recovery residences, drew substantial debate. The bill would limit local zoning restrictions on treatment facilities and allow larger recovery residences if staffing ratios are increased; a late-filed amendment reduced the maximum active patients from 500 to 300. Municipal and county representatives warned that the bill could override local reasonable-accommodation efforts and create institutional-scale facilities, while supporters said housing is essential to recovery and that clustering concerns are overstated. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. CS/SB 1050, expanding the developmental disabilities pilot program statewide and creating a statewide family care council, also passed after extensive testimony from families and advocates. Supporters emphasized the long waitlist and the need for more services, while some speakers opposed managed care and warned about provider shortages and loss of individualized supports. Later, CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening clearinghouse and level two screening requirements, was reported favorably. CS/SB 1578, which would require coverage for mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screening in certain circumstances, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee to review Medicaid operations and financing; members discussed the need for stronger oversight of large midyear spending adjustments, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1240, a Department of Children and Families substance abuse and mental health bill, was amended to clarify Baker Act transfer timing and notification requirements after debate over whether facilities could hold patients too long; it was then reported favorably. Finally, Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates. The bill would require nursing programs to use exit exams, remediation, reporting, and stricter oversight, and the strike-all would add graduate preceptorships for low-performing programs and temporary provisional licenses for graduates pending NCLEX passage. The transcript ended while that bill was still being explained, before final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
• </c> the 45 years since the energy assistance the 45 years since the energy assistance program<01:17:
• </c><01:20:52.480><c> program</c><01:20:52.880><c> to</c> home energy assistance program to home energy
• This is an important and targeted program for households who really need the assistance.
• This is an important and targeted program for households who really need the assistance.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll also just note in food assistance, the state has the program called the California Food Assistance
• And that program provides food assistance to immigrants who otherwise are not eligible, certain immigrants
• I'm the assistant program budget manager for the department's Federal Funds Accountability and Cost Tracking
• Program.
• Permanently increases the pre-tax cap on the dependent. care assistance program from $5,000 to $7,500

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states have similar programs. Connecticut has a program that has been in place since 2007.
• So I assist with the training of the many exceptional NPs that come through our NP residency program.
• So I assist with the training of the many exceptional NPs that come through our NP residency program.
• And that's a two-year program? It's one year in the residency and one-year payback program.
• Ours is a two-year program.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket focused on primary care, workforce development, and medical debt. Chairs Cindy Friedman and John Lawn outlined hearing procedures and noted that testimony would be taken on 17 matters. The committee first heard testimony on bills to establish a community health center nurse practitioner residency program and to strengthen mental health centers. Senator Keenan, Rep. Keefe, and health center leaders described the Worcester nurse practitioner residency as a successful pipeline and retention strategy, citing workforce shortages, training needs in community health centers, and the cost of the program. Rep. O’Day also supported the mental health centers bill, saying it would raise payment rates, improve reimbursement for behavioral health services, and help clinics retain staff and expand access. The committee then took testimony on bills to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform. The Attorney General’s Office, Health Care for All, Health Law Advocates, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and individual patients supported the measure, arguing that hospital financial assistance policies are inconsistent, hard to find, and difficult to navigate. Witnesses said the bill would standardize eligibility criteria, create a uniform application, improve notice requirements, and expand access to discounted care up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Several personal stories described medical bills being sent to collections, confusion over insurance billing, and the burden of debt on low-income and chronically ill patients. Committee members asked about hospital concerns, the role of the health safety net, and whether the bill addressed root causes of medical debt; testimony emphasized that the proposal was meant to improve transparency and access rather than replace broader insurance reforms. The hearing also focused heavily on “Primary Care for You” legislation, H. 1370 and S. 867, which would increase primary care investment and create a new payment model. Rep. Haggerty, physicians, a patient, community health center leaders, and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers described a primary care crisis marked by low reimbursement, staffing shortages, long waits, burnout, and difficulty recruiting clinicians. Supporters said the bills would shift spending toward preventive, team-based care, improve access and equity, and reduce long-term costs. The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans said it was directionally supportive of increased primary care investment but warned that any new spending must stay within the cost growth benchmark and preserve existing contracting structures. The hearing ended with additional testimony on a community health center workforce and loan repayment grant bill from Rep. Stanley, and with further discussion from Dr. Alan Garo about the need for payment reform in primary care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Account and Affordable Housing Program to provide loans or grants to eligible organizations to assist
• state-funded programs, or for multiple down payment assistance loans or grants under one state-funded
• This includes receiving state-funded down payment assistance loans or grants from any program created
• programs for home buyers to assist in providing cash down payments or closing costs associated with
• If we reduce these down payment assistance programs... Excuse me.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard several housing-related bills and gubernatorial appointments. SB 6201 would create property tax and REET exemptions for property used as affordable housing by social housing agencies, with testimony from the sponsor and supporters from Seattle Social Housing and House Our Neighbors emphasizing lower development costs and deeper affordability. Senator Gildon questioned how the 50% occupancy requirement would work at purchase, and staff explained the covenant and compliance requirements. The committee also heard SB 6205, which would add conflict-of-interest restrictions and reporting requirements for the Community Reinvestment Account, Affordable Housing Program, and Covenant Homeownership Program; Senator Braun said the bill responds to reports of misuse and is intended to improve transparency and trust. The committee heard gubernatorial appointments Pedro Espinoza and Diana H. Perez to the Housing Finance Commission, both of whom described their construction, local government, and housing experience and were supported by committee members. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 6001 on scissors stairs, SB 6026 on allowing residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, and SB 6054 on fire-hardened building materials. SB 6026 drew the most debate, with amendments added and others rejected; supporters said it would expand housing supply, while opponents and local governments raised concerns about historic districts, main street areas, and limits on local planning authority. SB 6054 was amended to remove the 10% cap on fire-hardened materials, with members saying it would help homeowners protect against wildfire risk. The committee then moved to public hearings on SB 6069, which would require cities and counties to allow emergency shelters, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing in more zones and limit local restrictions to objective standards and administrative review. Supporters, including housing providers, the Attorney General’s Office, King County, and Disability Rights Washington, said local barriers are delaying needed housing, while cities and the Association of Washington Cities argued the bill is too broad and would limit operational agreements and local flexibility. The committee also heard SB 6167, which would bar homebuyers from receiving multiple state-funded down payment assistance loans or grants. The sponsor said the bill is meant to maximize limited assistance dollars for more households, but opponents from housing nonprofits, advocates, and a homeless veteran said it would reduce access to homeownership, especially for Black households and families needing layered assistance in high-cost markets. Finally, the committee returned to SB 6205 testimony, where supporters said the bill would prevent self-dealing and misuse of grant funds, while one testifier urged more investigation and oversight resources. No final action was taken on the public hearing bills during the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
• Second, the food assistance program for legal immigrants, known as FAP, is a state-only program.
• Second, the food assistance program for legal immigrants, known as FAP, is a state-only program that
• I'm going to talk through the impacts of H.R. 1 on SNAP programs and food assistance programs.
• And then there is what I call a mirrored program, which is the food assistance program.

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Summary: The committee held a work session to review how H.R. 1 would affect Washington’s Medicaid, long-term care, developmental disabilities, and food assistance programs, with a focus on state budget impacts and implementation challenges. Staff and agency officials explained Washington’s Medicaid financing, eligibility categories, caseload trends, and the role of managed care, then outlined H.R. 1 provisions affecting the expansion population, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, changes to immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, cost sharing, provider tax and state-directed payment limits, and penalties tied to eligibility error rates. Officials also described the need for major IT and systems changes across agencies, including the state’s existing CMS corrective action plan for automated renewals and the difficulty of implementing new federal requirements before guidance is finalized. Health Care Authority and DSHS witnesses said the expansion population would be most affected, with potential coverage losses for about 620,000 Apple Health expansion enrollees and additional impacts for some lawfully present immigrants and a smaller number of long-term care and developmental disability clients. They said many current enrollees already work, but the new requirements would create administrative barriers and could increase uninsured rates, emergency room use, and uncompensated care. Agency leaders also discussed the immediate prohibition on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood services, with the state planning to backfill about $11 million so clients can continue care. Members asked about FMAP comparisons, work requirement experiences in other states, waiver possibilities, definitions of exemptions, and whether the changes would affect COFA communities, rural areas, and behavioral health services. The committee then heard a separate presentation on H.R. 1’s food assistance provisions. DSHS said the bill would broaden SNAP work requirements, end certain immigrant eligibility for federal SNAP, eliminate SNAP-Ed, increase the state administrative match from 50% to 75%, and create a future state cost share for SNAP benefits based on payment error rates. Officials estimated a four-year fiscal impact of about $750 million, with significant costs tied to the immigrant eligibility shift, administrative match changes, and possible benefit cost sharing. DSHS also described the state’s integrated eligibility system and the large amount of work needed to update it across multiple quarterly releases while coordinating with other agencies. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND MY LAST 13 YEARS WAS THE MANAGER OF THE ASSISTED LIVING PROGRAM WITH THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
• WHEN THEY REMOVED C IT WAS ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES BUT THE PROGRAM WAS EMBEDDED IN THE NURSING HOME
• PROGRAM AS A WHOLE.
• THIS IS AN OPT IN PROGRAM.
• TO BE IN THIS PROGRAM.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of that is maintenance level as well, particularly the food assistance program shift.
• Some of that is maintenance level as well, particularly the food assistance program shift.
• in the state's sheep program and the state home energy assistance program.
• in the state's sheep program and the state home energy assistance program.
• the reentry legal assistance program, and $819,000 for the Children's Representation Program. ...and

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Utility payments rental assistance and Utility payments this<00:09:23.000><c> program</c><00:09:
• </c><00:15:22.680><c> program</c><00:15:23.680><c> and</c> emergency rental assistance program and emergency
• rental assistance program and would<00:15:24.519><c> note</c><00:15:25.120><c> that</c><00:15:25.959
• ><c> there</c> assistant demonstration program is there assistant demonstration program is there CU<00
• program that we down payment assistance program that we implemented<01:00:07.960><c> back</c><01:00:

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And we know that that's been the case with a lot of our programs because our programs are complex.
• And we know that that's been the case with a lot of our programs because our programs are complex.
• We have 29 grant programs, 34 subcategories to those grant programs.
• That's all within that program.
• The final presentation today is on this cool construction assistance program.

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee heard presentations from the Department of Commerce, the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and a consultant on the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) study. Commerce officials described their agency’s role in housing, energy, local government, broadband, and other capital programs, and reported on a $5 million pilot under Senate Bill 5200 that used trusted community messengers and technical assistance to help historically excluded organizations prepare for capital funding. They said 18 organizations received direct support and 79 smaller projects were also funded, but emphasized that statutory match rules, reimbursement-based payments, site-control requirements, insurance and audit costs, and extensive contracting rules remain major barriers. Commerce outlined efforts to expand outreach, digital modernization, internal contracting improvements, tribal MOUs, and innovation centers, and members asked about small business support, housing program placement, and outreach to Eastern Washington and communities of color. RCO described its grant programs for recreation, conservation, education, and salmon/orca recovery, and reviewed equity work done before and after a 2021-23 proviso. The agency had already created a small-communities carve-out in youth athletic facilities, piloted stipends for advisory committee members, and reduced match requirements where allowed. Under the proviso, RCO completed an equity review and a planning program that funded 54 projects across 34 counties, with many applicants being new or long-absent grantees. Staff said the review led to changes in scoring criteria, clearer application guidance, more objective data measures, expanded technical assistance, and targeted community engagement. Members asked about application burden, project sizes, outreach, and how the agency is broadening participation and representation on advisory committees. The final presentation summarized a planning study on SCAP, which examined rising construction costs, fragmented grant programs, local funding barriers, and uneven district capacity. The report recommended nine major changes, including stronger planning support, a new minor-modernization category, a mechanism to use unused funds more quickly, an education-specification prototype, a SCAP enhancement program for low-capacity districts, acceptance of non-SCAP funds, phased modernization, streamlined D-form and reimbursement processes, and revisions to the SCAP formula to better account for grade-band differences, enrollment projections, and regional cost factors. Additional recommendations included ongoing monitoring and evaluation, facilities-impact reviews, matching SCAP increases to construction-cost inflation, earlier locking of funding estimates, flexible program spaces, and updated statewide building-condition assessments. No votes were taken during the meeting.