Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Hunt, Slatter, Ranking Member Banking, members of the committee.
• Vice Chair Hunt, Slatter, Ranking Member Banking, members of the committee.
• Good morning, Vice Chair Slatter and Hunt, Ranking Member Banke, Leah Missick with Climate Solutions
• Good morning, Madam Chair and Ranking Member Banke.
• Good morning, Vice Chair Hunt, Ranking Member Banke, members of the committee.

Bills: HB2426 , HB2606

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Banke, for your patience. And this will be great to brief us on the bill.
• Seeing none, welcome Senator Banke. Thank you, Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Banke. Any questions for the prime sponsor?
• Seeing none, welcome Senator Banke. Thank you, Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Banking. Any questions for the prime sponsor?

Bills: SB6081 , SB5902 , SB6034 , SB6035 , SB5892 , SB5973

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: SB 6081, Washington privacy, sex designation, gender marker, nonbinary, transgender, vital records, birth certificate, death certificate, fetal death, stillbirth, driver license, ID card, Department of Licensing, public records exemption, confidential records, record sealing, data sharing, government records, privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Banke, for your patience. And this will be great to brief us on the bill.
• Seeing none, welcome Senator Banke. Thank you, Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Banke. Any questions for the prime sponsor?
• Seeing none, welcome Senator Banke. Thank you, Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Banking. Any questions for the prime sponsor?

Summary: The committee held public hearings on six bills. SB 6081 would protect sex designation information and related records from public disclosure, limit sharing of such information by the Department of Licensing and Department of Health, and allow denial of records requests when disclosure could cause harm or disenfranchisement. The sponsor and many supporters, including transgender Washingtonians, privacy advocates, and allied organizations, said the bill would close a privacy gap and reduce doxing, harassment, and targeting; one witness opposed it on grounds of record accuracy, law enforcement, and concerns about sports and public safety. No vote was taken. SB 5902 would update voter notification and address-change procedures by allowing more flexible forms of voter registration updates, reducing mailed notices in some automatic registration situations, and expanding electronic communication options. The sponsor and county auditors said it would improve efficiency, reduce confusion, and save counties money; testimony was generally supportive. The hearing then moved to SB 6034, which would codify the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency and require ongoing training and reporting on government-to-government relations with tribes. The sponsor and tribal representatives supported the bill as a technical fix and a commitment to tribal sovereignty, and no action was taken. SB 6035 would require regular county and state meetings with tribes on election access and authorize an electronic ballot return portal for certain voters, including military, overseas, disabled, and some tribal voters. Supporters said it would improve access and collaboration, while the Secretary of State, Verified Voting, and others raised cybersecurity and secret-ballot concerns about the electronic portal; several witnesses also opposed that portion while supporting tribal outreach and drop boxes. SB 5892 would centralize requests for voter registration database records through the Secretary of State and make unauthorized disclosure of protected voter data a felony; supporters framed it as protecting voter privacy and resisting federal overreach, while opponents argued it would hinder voter-roll maintenance and transparency. Finally, SB 5973 would ban pay-per-signature compensation for initiative and referendum signature gathering and require 1,000 supporting signatures before a ballot title is issued; supporters said it would reduce fraud, misleading tactics, and ballot-title shopping, while opponents called it an added barrier to direct democracy. The committee heard extensive testimony on all bills, but the transcript does not show any votes or executive action taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• FRDU came to be after a failed prior rural industrial land bank that had previously been authorized by
• That land bank concept is nearly identical to what the freight rail-dependent use overlay zone would
• FRDU came to be after a failed prior rural industrial land bank that had previously been authorized by
• That land bank concept is nearly identical to what the freight rail dependent use overlay zone would
• Though the rural industrial land bank process stalled in 2014, our bipartisan 2017 law recognized the

Bills: SB5820 , SB6064 , SB6077 , SB6101 , SB6013 , SB6066

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: freight rail, rail corridor, short-line railroad, rail-dependent uses, industrial land use, growth management act, GMA, comprehensive plan, transportation element, land use planning, local government, county planning, city planning, critical areas, agricultural lands, forest lands, mineral resource lands, urban growth area, development regulations, notice on permits

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Senator Banke. Thanks for the presentation.
• And they are allowed to bank, sell, trade, or use those allowances for compliance.
• Are they able to bank allowances into the next compliance period? Yes. Okay.
• Senator Banke. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Banke. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on PFAS, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy. Department of Ecology staff outlined Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS program, including completed restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaners, and automotive washes, with reporting required for some remaining products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also reviewed a 2024 biosolids PFAS sampling study showing PFOS and PFOA levels in Washington biosolids were comparable to other states, and the Department of Health reported that PFAS monitoring of Group A public water systems is nearly complete, with 317 sources and 188 systems expected to exceed contaminant levels under the new federal-aligned state standards. Members asked about consumer sales, compliance, private wells, health impacts, and the cost of treatment, which DOH estimated at roughly $970 million for public water system treatment alone, with a remaining funding gap after state and federal support. Ecology then presented its analysis of no-cost allowance allocation to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act. Staff explained that EITEs receive allowances to reduce emissions leakage and protect competitiveness, with allocations based on 2015–2019 production and emissions data and phased reductions from 100% in the first compliance period to 94% in 2031–2034. Ecology said it is preparing a report due by the end of 2025 on policy options for 2035–2050, after extensive engagement with industry, labor, environmental, utility, port, and tribal stakeholders. Senators asked about leakage, comparisons with California and Quebec, whether specific industries such as Boeing or semiconductor manufacturers are included, and whether EITEs are banking or selling allowances; Ecology said the report will address benchmarking, leakage mitigation, decarbonization barriers, and economic and environmental justice impacts. E3 then presented a regional resource adequacy study for the Pacific Northwest, warning that electricity demand is rising faster than in years past, retirements are outpacing replacements, and the region could face supply shortfalls beginning in 2026, especially during extended winter cold events. The study found that wind, solar, and batteries provide limited reliability value in the Northwest’s winter-peaking, hydro-dependent system, while firm gas and emerging technologies such as geothermal, nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage may play larger roles. E3 estimated a near-term gap of about 9,000 megawatts by 2030, with roughly 3,000 megawatts of advanced-development resources and a remaining gap of about 6,000 megawatts if planned projects do not materialize. Members asked about Energy Northwest, hydro, data centers, battery storage, transmission, and whether neighboring states’ coal use affects Washington; E3 emphasized the need to accelerate permitting, interconnection, and project development. Finally, EPRI briefed the committee on its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can operate more flexibly to reduce strain on the grid and protect ratepayers. The presentation described work streams on flexible data center design, utility programs and tariffs, operational forecasting and interconnection, and on-site energy supply options, along with demonstrations in the U.S. and abroad. The speaker said the goal is to make data centers more responsive to grid conditions without compromising uptime, and noted that the initiative has a public forum and website for broader participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Banke. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thanks for the presentation.
• Anyway, good morning, Chair, Vice Chair Slatter, Ranking Member Banke. Great to see you all.
• And they are allowed to bank, sell, trade, or use those allowances for compliance.
• Are they able to bank allowances into the next compliance period? Yes. Okay.
• Senator Banke. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The committee held a work session covering PFAS regulation and impacts, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy and data center load growth. Senator Victoria Hunt was welcomed as a new member. The Department of Ecology reviewed Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS work, including completed restrictions on PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaning products, and automotive washes, with reporting requirements for some other products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also described Cycle 2 PFAS reviews now underway, including artificial turf and paints, and answered questions about compliance, online sales, sell-through periods, and how Washington’s approach differs from broader bans in states like Maine and Minnesota. The Department of Ecology also presented on PFAS in biosolids, describing a 2024 sampling study, limitations in testing methods, and a 2025 statutory amendment requiring additional sampling between 2027 and 2028 and a report to the legislature in 2029. The Department of Health then updated the committee on PFAS in drinking water, reporting that most Group A public water systems have completed sampling, that 317 sources and 188 systems are expected to exceed new contaminant levels, and that treatment costs for public systems are estimated at about $970 million, leaving a large funding gap; members also asked about private wells, health effects, bathing exposure, and home filters. The Board of Health’s new state action levels are being aligned with federal MCLs, and the department said it expects to continue monitoring and notification under state rules. Ecology also briefed the committee on no-cost allowance allocations to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act, explaining the leakage-mitigation rationale, the current allocation schedule through 2034, and a forthcoming report on policy options for 2035-2050; members asked about industry barriers, competitiveness, and whether facilities might leave the state. Finally, E3 presented a regional resource adequacy study showing rising load, retirements outpacing additions, limited winter reliability value from wind, solar, and batteries, and a projected shortfall beginning in 2026 that could grow to about 9,000 MW by 2030 if planned projects are not built. The presentation emphasized winter cold-weather events, hydro variability, the importance of permitting and transmission, and longer-term options including nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage. EPRI then introduced its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can provide flexible load through workload shifting, cooling optimization, and on-site backup or bridging resources to reduce grid stress and protect ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Banke is online. Oh, is he here? I’m sorry. He’s absent. No, Senator Banky is online.
• Senator Banke. Aye. Director Chapman C. Aye. Senator Conway? Aye. Representative Cochure? Aye.
• And specifically, it's the banking provision of the COLA.
• And specifically, it's the banking provision of the COLA.
• Maximum increase of 3 per year, including that banking provision.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

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

Transcript Highlights:

• It was agreed to by the banks and everybody.
• They're frequently requiring the acquisition and review of out-of-state banking and credit card records
• They're frequently requiring the acquisition and review of out-of-state banking and credit During this
• You have to go subpoena bank records, and then once you get those bank records, go through them. and
• then get additional bank records under subpoena to try to uncover and investigate these claims. then

Bills: SB330 , SB663 , SB1020 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1896 , SB2111 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2797 , SB2798 , SB2371

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:27.159><c> CEOs</c> because I was competing with bank CEOs because I was competing with bank
• </c> don't have bank don't have bank accounts<03:50:40.120><c> well</c><03:50:41.000><c> what</c><03:
• </c> don't have um bank don't have um bank accounts<03:50:52.279><c> um</c><03:50:53.120><c> they</c>
• <03:56:12.120><c> account</c> bank account bank account and<03:56:15.159><c> I</c><03:56:15.279><c> guess
• bank.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee is now called to order.
• Assembly Banking and Finance Committee is now called to order.
• The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee is adjourned. is adjourned. Everyone is here.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so they don't come under any banking regulatory laws or things like that?
• Yeah, so as I mentioned, the tribe does, I'm sure, follow the federal regulations in terms of the Bank
• Well, Tina mentioned that, as far as tribal casinos complying with the Bank Secrecy Act, our casino currently

Summary: The Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Washington State tribal gaming compact involving the Lummi Nation. Tina Griffin of the Washington State Gambling Commission explained the compact amendment process under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and said the state and tribe had reached tentative agreement. She noted the commission’s role, the legislature’s 30-day hearing window, and that the proposal would next go to a commission hearing and then potentially to the governor for review. Lummi Nation representatives, including Vice Chair Terence Adams and tribal gaming officials, said the amendments would update their compact to add higher gaming limits, allow extension of credit to customers, and authorize electronic table games, along with conforming definition changes. They described tribal gaming as an important source of revenue for governmental services, infrastructure, and jobs, and said the proposed changes would be regulated through internal controls and the Lummi Tribal Gaming Commission to protect game integrity and customer welfare. Senator Hasegawa asked several questions about how customer credit would work, what limits would apply, and what oversight would exist. Commission staff said the detailed framework and limits would be set by the tribe after approval, with responsible gaming safeguards such as know-your-customer procedures and self-exclusion checks. Staff also said similar compact provisions had already been approved for other tribes, and that the tribe would follow applicable federal requirements such as the Bank Secrecy Act. No public comment was offered, and the committee closed the hearing without taking a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• the county will have funding set aside in a budget, um, or they will have received federal funds, a bank
• they will have received federal<00:20:41.400><c> funds,</c><00:20:41.720><c> a</c><00:20:41.760><c> bank
• ><00:20:42.080><c> loan,</c><00:20:42.680><c> um</c><00:20:42.800><c> there's</c> federal funds, a bank
• This will be a negotiated transaction with Bank of America as senior manager.
• This will be a negotiated transaction This will be a negotiated transaction with<00:26:45.920><c> Bank

Summary: The committee first discussed and approved a new airport-related project involving two 60-by-80 corporate hangars. Members asked about how the project would generate revenue, and staff explained that hangar rent and fuel sales would help repay the costs, with more than half of the funding coming from the FAA. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved two large capital pool projects: a $1,715,120 roof replacement and skylight project for the Libraries and Archives building in Frankfort, and a $2,105,400 exterior renovation project for several state buildings, including Health and Family Services, the Kentucky History Center, and the State Office Building. After that, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented one loan increase and five grant reallocations. The loan increase was for Springfield’s wastewater treatment plant project, rising by $262,300 to just over $2.88 million because bids came in higher than estimated. Members asked about the delay between approval and bidding, and staff explained the design, environmental review, and state approval process can take one to two years. The committee approved the six action items, and then received informational updates on additional water projects that required no action. The Cabinet for Economic Development next presented one forgivable loan and 11 KPDI/KPDI EDF grant projects. The loan was a $1 million forgivable loan for the Perry County Economic Development Board to acquire the Coalfields Industrial Building, with repayment forgivable if a project creates at least 75 jobs. The grant projects included site-readiness and industrial development work in Pendleton, Elizabethtown/Hardin, McCreary, Floyd, Marion, Fleming, Graves, Eddyville/Lyon, Caldwell, Mercer, and Johnson counties. Members asked how local match percentages are set and were told they are based on county population and updated every two years; staff also explained that beneficiaries usually provide the match and are reimbursed after submitting costs. The committee approved the action items. Finally, the Office of Financial Management presented two new debt issues and three SFCC debt issues. The new debt items were a Kentucky Housing Corporation bond authorization of up to $600 million for single-family mortgage revenue bonds, including a $100 million initial transaction, and a $5.5 million multifamily conduit bond for 98 apartments in Lexington. Informational items covered University of Kentucky refunding bonds and Turnpike Authority refunding bonds, both of which produced savings. The three SFCC debt issues for Campbell, Edmonson, and Perry counties were then approved by roll call vote. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the upcoming calendar and scheduling before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you've ever been to one of these places, like a bank, you know, kind of a dirty bank, but, and you
• If you've ever been one of these places, like a bank, you know, kind of a dirty bank, but, and you can
• Representative Banderman, this witness is talking about banks.
• You have any reference with Jesse James and banks? Like gold, not copper.

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Committee on Utilities first took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2762, 2816, and 2402, a solar-energy measure. The committee substitute combined the bills’ titles and focused on three main areas: a taxation framework for solar projects, setback requirements from occupied dwellings and property lines, and a decommissioning/bonding framework for project cleanup. Supporters said the bill would create baseline rules for a growing industry, protect neighboring landowners, and ensure land is restored after projects end. Members asked about Chapter 100 agreements, the setback distances, county rulemaking authority, and how reclamation and bonding would work. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and then voted the substitute do pass by 18 ayes and 2 noes. The committee then heard House Bill 2248, which would change Missouri’s economic development electric rate structure and close a loophole that could allow data centers under 75 megawatts to receive reduced rates. The sponsor and utility witnesses said the bill would make incentives more predictable by replacing a variable formula with a fixed discount for qualifying new industrial projects, while still requiring customers to pay full cost to serve and meet load-factor and other requirements. Witnesses from Evergy, Ameren Missouri, the Missouri Chamber, and Ford discussed the value of incentives for manufacturing, the difference between new load and retention of existing large users, and whether the bill should also address retention discounts. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. Finally, the committee heard Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 903, which would expand critical infrastructure protections. The bill adds wireline and broadband facilities to the definition of critical infrastructure, increases penalties for damaging or tampering with such facilities, and creates an offense for unauthorized possession of certain stolen materials such as copper and related telecom materials. The sponsor and witnesses from AT&T, Verizon, cable, railroad, electric cooperative, recycling, municipal utility, and chamber groups said the measure responds to rising theft and vandalism, including copper theft and fiber cuts that disrupt 911 and other services. Members asked about scrap dealers, fiber versus copper, trespassing concerns, and whether harsher penalties would deter theft. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chancellor of Community Relations at UC Davis serves on the advisory board for the Yolo County Food Bank
• Chancellor of Community Relations at UC Davis serves on the advisory board for the Yolo County Food Bank
• , I think... ...that UC Davis serves on the advisory board for the Yolo County Food Bank, which is a
• a basic needs center on campus that they want to operate in conjunction with the Yolo County Food Bank
• They absolutely should be contracting with the Yolo County Food Bank, notwithstanding that advisory board

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if we want to have ready on deck for the second panel in person, Brad Banks.
• For example, if the FBI arrests a bank robber, kidnapper, or something... ...case.
• And last but not least, Brad Banks... Thanks for your testimony.
• And last but not least, Brad Banks, you may begin.
• Brad Banks here on behalf of the Association of Counties, here in support of Senate Bill 6080.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5917, which would change how the Department of Corrections and Department of Health distribute abortion medications from state stockpiles. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure would remove pricing restrictions, allow the medications to be donated or sold more flexibly to health care providers, and help avoid expiration of existing supplies. Supporters, including the Washington State Women’s Commission, the governor’s health policy advisor, DOH, physicians, and Pro-Choice Washington, said the bill would improve access to medication abortion and miscarriage care, especially for people facing barriers. Opponents argued it would expand state involvement in abortion, shift costs to taxpayers, and raise safety concerns. No vote was taken on the bill in the hearing portion shown. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6080, which would require written contracts before local jails accept people in federal custody and would prohibit some out-of-state transfers absent a valid judicial warrant. Senator Cleveland said the bill was prompted by a situation in Clark County and was intended to provide clarity, reimbursement, and accountability for local governments. Supporters from the Latino Community Fund, the Association of Counties, and the City of Vancouver said it would protect taxpayers and local discretion. The sheriffs’ association supported some of the bill’s goals but raised concerns about unintended consequences for routine federal arrests and wanted more clarification. The hearing on SB 6080 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6085, which would revise the Institutional Welfare Account, formerly the incarcerated individual betterment fund, to require more input from incarcerated people and their families on how the funds are spent and to change some allowable uses. The sponsor said the bill would ensure the account reflects current needs and supports family contact, reentry, and institutional safety. Testimony was mixed: the Washington State Reentry Council supported the concept but objected to requiring legislative appropriations and to using the funds for reentry services; a Department of Corrections representative supported the intent but raised concerns about removing law library funding without replacement. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and considered several bills and amendments, including SB 5940, SB 5945, SB 5957, and SB 5966. Multiple amendments were offered and mostly failed on SB 5940 and SB 5945, while one amendment on SB 5945 passed. The committee advanced SB 5940, SB 5957, and SB 5966 with due-pass recommendations, and the transcript ends with the committee adjourning after the final action on SB 5966.

Transcript Highlights:

• can say we have a surplus right now and pay our bills is simply because we're stealing out of the bank
• can say we have a surplus right now and pay our bills is simply because we're stealing out of the bank
• can say we have a surplus right now and pay our bills is simply because we're stealing out of the bank
• simply because we're stealing out<00:16:02.639><c> of</c><00:16:02.759><c> the</c><00:16:02.880><c> bank
• > account</c><00:16:03.800><c> out</c><00:16:03.959><c> of</c><00:16:04.079><c> the</c> out of the bank

Transcript Highlights:

• Monday, June 15: Senate Bill 1378 referred to Banking, Insurance.
• Monday, June 15: House Bill 2391 referred to Banking, Insurance.
• House Bill 2427 referred to Banking, Insurance.
• House Bill 2443 referred to Banking, Insurance.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received gubernatorial communications and a long list of newly referred Senate and House bills and resolutions. The chamber approved the April 22, 2026 journal by a 49-0 vote. Senators also introduced guests, including a high school senior advisory council visiting with Senator Malone and a young guest welcomed by Senator Costa. On the floor, several bills were taken up and either set aside or advanced. Senate Bill 1377 and Senate Bill 482 were re-referred to Appropriations, Senate Bill 906 was re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations, and Senate Bills 1133, 1334, and 1368 were also sent to Appropriations. Senator Dush requested a conflict-of-interest ruling on an amendment to Senate Bill 469; the chair ruled no conflict existed and required him to vote, and the amendment was adopted. The Senate also took Senate Bill 127 from the table and placed it on the calendar. The Senate then considered Supplemental Calendar Number One. Senate Bill 362 received a technical amendment and was advanced; Senate Bill 1183 passed 50-0; Senate Bill 1352, which would allow qualifying substance use disorder treatment providers to receive two-year licenses, passed 45-5 after supportive remarks from Senators Brooks, Tartaglione, and Street; and House Bill 1877, codifying the Pennsylvania seal of biliteracy, passed 50-0 after Senator Lindsey Williams described its student-led origins. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and Senator Tartaglione’s petition urging a floor vote on the House-passed minimum wage bill, House Bill 2189.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm not banking on that. I'm here.
• But I'm not banking on that. I'm here.
• and stay, they'd have to anchor not on an oyster lease, somewhere between the oyster lease and the bank
• I think you hit the two points that... ...somewhere between the oyster lease and the bank, and I think

Bills: SB480 , HB621 , HB637 , HB804 , HB841 , HB1056

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met on May 14 and approved the April 29 minutes. The committee first heard HB 1056, which authorizes transfer of certain state property in Natchitoches Parish tied to a former school building now considered dilapidated and a nuisance; it was reported favorably. HB 841, described as a landman code of conduct bill and expropriation-related measure, was voluntarily deferred so the sponsor could work on additional changes over the interim. The committee then took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which would bar future lawsuits seeking climate-change damages against fossil fuel companies and other entities. Supporters said it would prevent speculative climate litigation while preserving legitimate claims for permit violations and other existing statutory causes of action. Opponents from coastal litigation and the Sierra Club argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could affect legacy cases, property rights, and regulatory enforcement; the committee adopted Amendment 3875 to grandfather existing filed cases and make the bill effective upon gubernatorial signature, then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure and updating the state’s waste framework for modern energy components, was reported favorably. HB 637, which revises oil field site restoration fees and lowers rates for marginal, stripper, low-pressure, and incapable wells, was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 480, as amended, allowed boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they are not within an oyster lease and someone remains on board; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm not banking on that. I'm here.
• But I'm not banking on that. I'm here.
• and stay, they'd have to anchor not on an oyster lease, somewhere between the oyster lease and the bank
• I think you hit the two points that Somewhere between the oyster lease and the bank, and I think that

Bills: SB480 , HB621 , HB637 , HB804 , HB841 , HB1056

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today, all the way from Los Angeles County, we have Stephanie Banke
• Nakahata for appointment as executive director to the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank
• , also known as the I-Bank.
• He joined the I-Bank last year to serve as a chief deputy director after nearly 30 years of a career

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then recognized several guest groups, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber also marked Senator Allen’s birthday and later took up a memorial adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener. On the floor, the Senate confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Andy Nakahata as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, Richard Stein to the California Arts Council, and Nick Hardiman to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. Each confirmation passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief supportive remarks about the appointees’ experience and qualifications. The Senate also adopted several resolutions. SCR 127 designated December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, SCR 110 recognized Women’s Military History Week, SCR 137 proclaimed March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, and SR 85 marked Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Members spoke in support of each measure, emphasizing interfaith understanding, women’s military service, Ginsburg’s legacy on equality, and the need for MS awareness and research. All of the resolutions passed by unanimous roll call, and the special consent calendar items were also approved 33-0. The session concluded with committee announcements for upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and a select committee meeting on California’s wine industry, followed by recess and notice of the next Senate session.