Transcript Highlights:

• but in December the Plumbing Industry Council merged with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern

Committees: House Local Government , House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Transcript Highlights:

• say on one hand we're not going to recognize or honor federal law and then criticize sheriffs in eastern

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on the second day of the 60-day legislative session, reacting to Governor Ferguson’s State of the State address and outlining their priorities. They said the top issue is affordability, and argued the governor and Democratic majority are responding with more taxes, regulation, and government spending rather than restraint. They criticized the prospect of a state income tax, calling it unconstitutional, politically unpopular, and likely to expand beyond high earners over time. They also said the state should avoid raiding the rainy day fund and instead look for savings through tighter budget management, reduced middle management, and a focus on core services. The leaders also discussed public safety, immigration enforcement, child care oversight, transportation, housing, and the Climate Commitment Act. On immigration, they said law enforcement coordination is essential and criticized mixed messages from state leaders about federal enforcement and sheriffs. On child care, they said allegations of fraud in subsidy programs should be investigated through audits and oversight, and rejected the idea that looking for fraud is offensive to honest providers. They said there is some bipartisan agreement on using Climate Commitment Act revenue for the Working Families Tax Credit, transportation, and wildfire prevention, but argued the tax itself is regressive and should be redirected to better uses. On the budget, Republicans said the current deficit will not be solved by a future income tax and that the state will likely need spending cuts or savings. They said there is some limited agreement with moderate Democrats against further tax increases and against using the rainy day fund as a first step. On housing and transportation, they said the real solutions are permitting reform, changes to the Growth Management Act and energy code, and more stable transportation funding, rather than more state spending on affordable housing or piecemeal fees. No votes were taken, and the event ended as a press availability with questions from reporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• We met with the Eastern Land Agency at one time because they were thinking that we were selling our land

Transcript Highlights:

• Jamie Miner on behalf of Santa Margarita Water District and Eastern Municipal Water District, pleased

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee met on June 18, 2025, and began with housekeeping rules emphasizing in-person testimony, written submissions through the portal, and a prohibition on disruptive conduct. The chair noted the committee was initially operating without a quorum, so several bills were heard in subcommittee format before the quorum was later established and formal votes were taken. The committee heard several local government and infrastructure measures. SB 333 (Laird) would let San Luis Obispo County voters consider raising the combined local sales tax limit above 2% for transportation funding; it had support from the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and no opposition, but was later approved 7-2 and sent to Revenue and Taxation. SB 390 (Becker) would close a Mello-Roos-related loophole affecting certain South San Francisco properties with conservation easements so they can contribute to infrastructure financing; it drew support from the city and was approved 9-0. SB 394 (Allen) would increase penalties for water theft, especially unauthorized use of fire hydrants, and allow recovery of damages; it had broad support from water agencies and was approved 9-0 to Judiciary. The committee also heard housing and code enforcement bills. SB 611 (Richardson) would restore protections for housing projects tied to adopted community plans while CEQA litigation is pending, with support from Los Angeles and San Francisco representatives and no opposition; it was approved 10-0 to Judiciary. SB 757 (Richardson) would let cities and counties collect nuisance abatement costs through liens or special assessments for certain public health and safety violations, with supporters arguing it would help cities address chronic blight and opponents warning about due process, displacement, and racialized wealth extraction; after quorum was established, the bill passed 7-0. SB 489 (Arrigine) would require agencies involved in housing approvals to post application requirements online and make related Permit Streamlining Act changes; it was supported by builders and housing groups, received one question about LAFCO-related concerns, and passed 10-0 to Housing and Community Development. The committee then approved the consent calendar, which included SB 74, SB 225, SB 272, SB 409, SB 558, SB 735, SB 736, and SB 737, all by unanimous vote. After disposing of the remaining items, the chair adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, uh, Representative, uh, Tania Mirabal Moya, District 7, Blen and eastern part of Valencia

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• During the fall time frame, we're flying out on the eastern side of that. barrier on the western side

Bills: HB448 , HB448

Committee: House Agriculture and Forestry

Keywords: wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, good samaritan, injured animals, orphaned animals, debilitated wildlife, wild birds, wild animals, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, permit exemption, animal rescue, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, veterinary licensing, animal cruelty, wildlife care, rehabilitation act, non-federally protected species, endangered species

Transcript Highlights:

• On the area of the state that's covered by the eastern portion of this bill, from, I think it's San Patricio

Bills: HB3129 , HB3251 , HB3556 , HB3724 , HB3887

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, HB 3887, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Parks and Wildlife Code, performance bond, payment bond, contractor bonding, public works, construction contracts, public building, procurement, bid security, subcontractors, suppliers, contractor payment protection, project completion

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Mack Bernard: EVEN THOUGH MY DISTRICT IS THE EASTERN PART OF PALM BEACH COUNTY BUT IN PALM

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing that we have in Eastern Carver County district, we have a second bus, which is really
• that</c><00:53:38.559><c> we</c><00:53:38.720><c> have</c><00:53:38.880><c> in</c><00:53:39.119><c> Eastern
• </c> other thing that we have in Eastern other thing that we have in Eastern Carver<00:53:39.839><c>

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• That equates to anybody who calls 911 inside of about 2,200 square miles in eastern Wyoming."
• 2200<00:36:35.839><c> square</c><00:36:36.079><c> miles</c><00:36:36.320><c> in</c><00:36:36.560><c> eastern
• </c> 2200 square miles in eastern Wyoming. 2200 square miles in eastern Wyoming.

Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Starting on the western side of the county and going through the eastern end of the county, they have
• <01:27:02.320><c> the</c> county here all the way through the county here all the way through the eastern
• 03.440><c> county,</c><01:27:03.840><c> we've</c><01:27:04.480><c> gone</c><01:27:04.800><c> to</c> eastern
• end of the county, we've gone to eastern end of the county, we've gone to minimum<01:27:05.360><c> acre

Bills: SF0050 , SF0084 , HB0133 , HB0116 , HB0011 , HB0044

Committee: Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• He added that the west half of the state is looking much better than the eastern half of the state.
• ><01:29:40.719><c> better</c><01:29:40.960><c> than</c><01:29:41.120><c> the</c><01:29:41.280><c> eastern
• </c> looking much better than the eastern looking much better than the eastern half<01:29:41.840><c>

Bills: HB0130 , HB0095 , HB0096 , HB0097 , SF0101 , SF0106 , SF0067 , SF0123

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• This tax shift is particularly impactful to small eastern Washington communities and school districts
• Selwyn, representing the Family Impact Network, the Child Welfare Network Administrator in central and eastern
• would be ensuring these shelter care referrals receive a swift match for services in central and eastern
• budget, achieving the policy goal outlined in this legislation would be challenging in central and eastern

Summary: The committee first heard Substitute House Bill 1128, which would create a Child Care Workforce Standards Board within the Department of Labor and Industries to study child care workforce conditions and make recommendations on employment standards. Staff explained that the proposed second substitute narrows the board’s role from setting enforceable standards to making recommendations, with estimated ongoing costs for L&I staffing and smaller costs for board member stipends and possible DCYF support. Supporters, including child care providers, SEIU 925, and labor representatives, said the bill would help address understaffing, low wages, and retention problems; opponents, including child care industry groups and private schools, argued it duplicates existing work, adds bureaucracy, and creates unfunded costs. No vote was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would direct OSPI and ESDs to develop a technical assistance and training framework to help schools coordinate student behavioral health supports. Staff said the bill aligns with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan and could largely be implemented with existing work and limited additional costs, though DOH would need some support. Testifiers from behavioral health and school counseling fields described severe youth mental health needs and urged passage, and OSPI said the work is doable with current resources. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2636, which would create a public education review advisory council to recommend K-12 policies and funding provisions for JLARC review; staff described JLARC, OSPI, and State Board costs, and no public testimony was offered. The committee next heard House Bill 1316, which would expand the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program so additional university campuses can access funding. The sponsor said the program has strong retention outcomes, and student advocates testified that campuses such as UW Bothell need access to already appropriated funds for emergency aid, food pantries, and case management. Staff then briefed Substitute House Bill 2474, which would allow the Student Achievement Council Tuition Recovery Trust Fund to be used for refunds tied to broader consumer protection violations, with no expected fiscal impact; there was no testimony. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2365 on digital equity, which would expand the Broadband Office’s role, revise the digital equity forum, and rename the grant program; supporters emphasized rural access, affordability, and the loss of federal digital equity funding, while staff estimated significant Commerce staffing costs and some additional agency impacts. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2401, creating a Washington State Boys and Men Commission contingent on non-state funding, with staff outlining OFM startup and fundraising costs and an estimated operating budget if fully funded. Supporters said boys and men face mental health, education, and mentorship gaps and that the commission would improve coordination; the bill drew testimony from rural school leaders, nonprofit advocates, and community members. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language access, which would require the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines and a report on interpreter and translator shortages; staff said the office could absorb the work but other agency and local government impacts were uncertain. Substitute House Bill 2517, on permitting for high-capacity transit, would let regional transit authorities apply for permits earlier and streamline land-use processes; Sound Transit and the sponsor said it would speed delivery of major projects, while staff estimated Commerce technical-assistance costs and possible local government impacts. The last bill heard was Substitute House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug pricing program, which would bar manufacturers from restricting contract-pharmacy access and require reporting to DOH; supporters said it protects safety-net providers and patient services, while opponents warned of higher costs for employers, state health plans, and litigation burdens. No final committee action or votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, Miss Grace Haynes, who's a student at EKU, Eastern Kentucky University.
• a<00:04:16.000><c> student</c><00:04:16.239><c> at</c><00:04:16.479><c> EKU,</c><00:04:17.280><c> Eastern
• </c><00:04:17.680><c> Kentucky</c> a student at EKU, Eastern Kentucky a student at EKU, Eastern Kentucky

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to House Bill 6, Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University reported asset
• </c><00:01:58.799><c> Bill</c><00:01:59.040><c> 6</c><00:01:59.200><c> and1,</c><00:01:59.680><c> Eastern
• </c> Pursuant to House Bill 6 and1, Eastern Pursuant to House Bill 6 and1, Eastern Kentucky<00:02:00.799

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it may be some IGAs in Eastern Kentucky. it is primarily farmers markets where it is primarily
• some</c><00:28:03.120><c> IGAs</c><00:28:03.760><c> in</c><00:28:03.960><c> in</c><00:28:04.120><c> Eastern
• </c> I think it maybe some IGAs in in Eastern I think it maybe some IGAs in in Eastern Kentucky Thank

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lockett. The resolution, as amended by committee substitute, would create a legislative task force tied to the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) framework to study Kentucky health policy, including Medicaid drug approvals, preventive and alternative therapies, holistic health education, oversight and transparency in health care, and research into integrative approaches. Supporters said the goal was to address chronic disease and reduce over-medication, while emphasizing the effort was not intended as an attack on agriculture or the pharmaceutical industry. The resolution received favorable expression and passed the committee 9-0. The committee then heard Senate Resolution 18 from Senator Neal, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. Testimony from Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Secretary Eric Friedlander explained that SNAP E&T provides job training, education, and support services for SNAP participants, and that the program is federally matched and does not require additional General Assembly funding in the normal course. Members discussed how the program works, whether it could create new state costs, and how it fits with efforts to connect food assistance, workforce development, and local agriculture. Questions also focused on whether SNAP spending can be steered toward healthier foods and farmers markets, including Kentucky’s Double Dollars program, which was described as helping participants buy produce, meat, and dairy at participating markets and some retailers. Several members expressed support for the workforce goals but asked for more information on fiscal impacts and purchasing data. Secretary Friedlander said the SNAP E&T funds are separate from nutrition benefits, and that the state match generally comes from employer, university, or workforce partner contributions rather than new state appropriations. Senator Herron explained her vote in favor by saying the program could help people gain education and employment and reduce reliance on SNAP over time. Senate Resolution 18 was then adopted by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Expanding that search regionally to include the eastern borders of North and South Dakota, the northern
• regionally to years expanding that surch regionally to include<00:36:33.280><c> the</c><00:36:33.400><c> Eastern
• borders</c><00:36:34.240><c> of</c><00:36:34.440><c> North</c><00:36:34.720><c> and</c> include the Eastern
• borders of North and include the Eastern borders of North and South<00:36:35.200><c> Dakota</c><00:36

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you know what a small farmer is, but in eastern Washington, a small dryland farmer is
• I live in eastern Washington, and I...
• Speaker, I live in eastern Washington, and I see not as many people come out to Olympia to visit me as
• I live in eastern Washington, and I... Mr.
• Speaker, I live in eastern Washington, and I see not as many people come out to Olympia to visit me as

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Transcript Highlights:

• My footprint is that I cover our eastern states for our energy policy work, which includes Texas, as
• So there is generation on the eastern side of the state. New generation that's going on?
• To date, they have not filed for the eastern part of the...
• part of the state... ...coastal region, there's now a demand that we will need in the eastern part of
• I am also continuing to work with landowners on the eastern backbone.

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee held its third interim hearing on Texas electric grid reliability and 765 kV transmission lines/private property rights. Chair Schwertner opened by noting record ERCOT summer demand of 91,089 MW and emphasized the committee’s focus on managing rapid load growth, ensuring adequate generation, and protecting homeowners, businesses, landowners, and ratepayers. The committee also adopted strict two-minute limits for public testimony and planned to hear invited witnesses first, then public testimony. PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, and OPUC Chief Counsel Benjamin Barclay testified on Senate Bill 6 implementation, large-load interconnection, transmission cost allocation, and market design. Gleeson said the PUC has adopted or is finalizing rules on net metering/co-location, large load interconnection standards, and a transmission cost recovery rule that would move from 4CP to 12CP, lengthen the interval to 30 minutes, and add a minimum demand charge to better allocate costs to large loads. Vegas explained ERCOT’s new batch process for large loads, saying it provides year-by-year capacity allocations, clearer financial obligations, and a transmission plan; he reported 205 GW eligible for Batch Zero, with 65 GW classified as baseload, 25 GW in an intermediate category, and 114 GW as allocated load. Barclay supported the changes as better protection for residential and small commercial customers, while warning that the minimum demand charge may need an exit-fee concept to address stranded costs if large loads leave. Members pressed witnesses on whether additional market changes are needed to attract dispatchable thermal generation and whether DRS/DRRS Plus could become a capacity-market substitute. Gleeson and Vegas said the current market still favors solar, batteries, and other low-variable-cost resources, and that more incentives may be needed for gas and other thermal generation; Gleeson said the commission’s reliability standard assessment will begin this year and conclude next year with a 2029 outlook. They described DRS as an ancillary service for intraday reliability and DRS Plus as a proposed real-time revenue mechanism for thermal resources during scarcity, not a forward capacity market. Senators also questioned whether 12CP could still be gamed, whether curtailment authority under SB 6 should be expanded from EEA 2 to earlier stages, and whether the batch process should be bifurcated so traditional industrial loads are handled differently from data centers. Witnesses said the batch process is intended to prevent speculative projects from driving transmission costs, that most large-load projects are data centers, and that future rules may need to better distinguish among types of large loads.

Transcript Highlights:

• community, civic, and church leader whose service and leadership have had a lasting impact across Eastern
• shining star from Greene County, and it's an honor to recognize such an extraordinary daughter of Eastern
• </c><02:19:55.840><c> North</c> extraordinary daughter of Eastern North extraordinary daughter of Eastern
• They don't want what they get too often at 9:00 Eastern.
• </c> what they get too often at 9:00 Eastern. what they get too often at 9:00 Eastern.

Bills: HR1299 , HB5317 , HB4544 , HB3234 , HB1993 , HB3726 , HB2954 , SB2393 , HB3482 , HR1352 , HB4684 , HB2252 , HB6506 , HB7432 , SB4530

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, homeownership, rental assistance, HUD, Department of Housing and Urban Development, zoning reform, land use, building codes, single-stair buildings, point-access block, infill development, housing supply, housing affordability, HOME Investment Partnerships, CDBG, Community Development Block Grant, FHA, Federal Housing Administration, small-dollar mortgage