Transcript Highlights:

• Borrowing money creates inflation.
• Borrowing money creates inflation.
• Borrowing money creates inflation.
• </c> uh impact on this current budget year. uh impact on this current budget year.
• </c> Arguably, it impacts our crime. It impacts our education. It impacts our healthcare.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what this auxiliary does is it has a more immediate and direct impact upon the students and children
• is it has a more um immediate and does is it has a more um immediate and direct<00:15:49.839><c> impact
• So, just inflation, just a few dollars more.
• with inflation it can continue<00:37:00.640><c> to</c><00:37:00.800><c> tick</c><00:37:01.119><c> up
• </c> committee that are um would be impacted committee that are um would be impacted or<00:37:34.079>

Bills: SB62 , HB361 , HB244 , HB377 , HB411 , HB422 , HB423 , HB425 , SB16 , HB452 , HB354 , SB62 , HB361 , HB244 , HB377 , HB411 , HB422 , HB423 , HB425 , SB16 , HB452 , HB354

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: SB62, Alabama, conservation and natural resources, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife heritage license, license identification, government-issued ID, residency determination, in-state residency, student residency, tuition classification, public higher education, domicile, resident status, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, Section 9-11-32, Section 9-11-33, Section 16-64-3

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a quick little anecdote about inflation: during the Biden years, you know, we went up to 8% inflation
• </c><00:42:42.000><c> which</c> know we went up to 8% inflation which know we went up to 8% inflation
• This inflation is alarming.”
• This inflation is alarming.”
• </c><02:19:37.880><c> our</c> this bill would negatively impact our this bill would negatively impact

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 437, which would change New Hampshire law on undischarged mortgages by creating a shorter period after which certain old mortgages would be treated as unenforceable. Prime sponsor Representative Bill Boyd said the bill was developed with input from bankers, lawyers, realtors, the Attorney General’s office, and the Banking Department, and he noted a drafting correction needed on line 18. He explained that the proposal would replace current law with a new framework modeled partly on Massachusetts, including a five-year expiration after a stated maturity date and a 35-year period for mortgages without an expiration date. Supporters said the bill would help clear obsolete title defects, reduce costly quiet-title litigation, and make real estate transactions easier for consumers, attorneys, and conveyancers. Representative Mary Hakken-Phillips, Susan Cole of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, and Michelle Coffin all testified in support, describing the bill as a consumer protection measure. They said undischarged or improperly discharged mortgages often surface during title searches, causing delays, legal expenses, and failed or delayed closings. Coffin and Hakken-Phillips emphasized that many of these cases involve old, effectively obsolete mortgages and that the current process often requires expensive court action even when no one contests the title. Cole described a recent transaction in which a title defect caused a buyer to walk away and later restart the financing process, creating costs for both buyer and seller. A committee member asked about notice to mortgage holders; the response was that the lender bears responsibility for recording and extending the mortgage, and that due process rights would remain if a lender later contested the discharge. Ryan Hill of the New Hampshire Bankers Association said the banking industry had reviewed the bill and was generally comfortable with it, while requesting a delayed effective date so members would have time to adjust their recording practices. He said the bill’s January 1, 2028 effective date reflected that request. After closing the hearing on HB 437, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 721, the Gold and Silver Legal Tender Act. Representative Juliet Harvey-Bolia introduced it as a bipartisan economic justice bill intended to recognize gold and silver as legal tender, protect against inflation, and address concerns about trust, taxes, and government taking. She argued that gold is a stable store of value and discussed tax treatment in neighboring states, federal history, and digital gold platforms. The hearing on HB 721 was still in progress when the transcript ended, with the chair limiting questions because of time.

Transcript Highlights:

• K-12 education is actually cut, in my opinion, because it is not keeping up with inflation.
• We've spent less than inflation and population.
• million revenue... ...wanted to find a better place for that, I think it was $40 million revenue impact
• But much more importantly, the per-student funding is only increased by 2%, even though actual inflation
• between Arizona's economic goals and the investment required to achieve them, and this has a direct impact

Summary: The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations. The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• K-12 education is actually cut, in my opinion, because it is not keeping up with inflation.
• We've spent less than inflation and population.
• was that the Republicans wanted to find a better place for that, I think it was $40 million revenue impact
• But much more importantly, per-student funding is only increased by 2% even though actual inflation is
• between Arizona's economic goals and the investment required to achieve them, and this has a direct impact

Transcript Highlights:

• As a former mayor of the city of Westminster, I understand the profound impact of the case on our community
• here today just to talk a little briefly about AB 2663 and extending to-go beverages, and also the impact
• We are a very small independent restaurant. ...and extending to-go beverages, and also the impact that
• seeking to pour spirits must therefore purchase an existing license on the secondary market, where inflated
• costs create significant... ...purchase an existing license on the secondary market, where inflated

Summary: The Senate Governmental Organization Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2294, which would designate April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day in honor of the Mendez v. Westminster civil rights case. Assembly Member Ta and supporters from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and HACU described the case’s role in ending school segregation in California and influencing Brown v. Board of Education. Committee members from both parties spoke in strong support, and the bill was later approved 13-0. The committee also heard AB 2412, which would require state agencies to disclose when generative AI is used in public announcements and provide a way to reach a human employee. The author and California Civil Liberties Advocacy said the measure is about transparency and public trust, not banning AI. The bill was moved forward and ultimately passed 12-1. AB 2663, a sunset extension for the law allowing cocktails-to-go, drew support from the California Restaurant Association, a restaurant owner, and industry groups, who said it has helped small businesses and should continue; it passed 13-0. AB 2731 would expand the number of Type 47 liquor licenses available in Santa Cruz County, with licenses reserved for Watsonville and other communities to support small businesses and reduce inflated secondary-market costs. Supporters included Santa Cruz County and the city of Watsonville, and the bill passed 13-0. AB 2751 would standardize the personal importation limit for alcohol brought into California from outside the United States, addressing a disparity at land borders; it also passed 13-0. Several items were initially held on call because the committee lacked a quorum, but after members returned, the committee completed roll calls and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So bills with a fiscal impact plus or minus $150,000 will not be eligible for a vote immediately after
• We were very careful to make sure that this bill had minimal impact when we look at taxation by only
• We were very careful to make sure that this bill had minimal impact when we look at taxation by only
• The renter tax credit has not been adjusted for inflation and has not considered the dramatic increases
• The current tax credits for renters have not kept pace with inflation, and AB 838 addresses this by increasing

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that becomes difficult in the inflatable that becomes difficult in the inflatable business<00:07
• inflatable inflatable company,<00:08:36.080><c> the</c><00:08:36.320><c> people</c><00:08:36.399><c>
• </c> so what those who operate the inflatable so what those who operate the inflatable business,<00:09
• </c> understand was um with the inflatables understand was um with the inflatables is<00:11:00.000><c
• They regulate the business that owns the inflatable companies, and then inspect those inflatables once

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:28:58.480><c> and</c> bill has zero financial impact and bill has zero financial impact and therefore
• Then you've inflation would call for.
• </c><06:02:21.440><c> has</c> past decade 58% when inflation has past decade 58% when inflation has spending
• </c> spending per pupil when when inflation spending per pupil when when inflation has<06:02:24.400><
• </c> um uh this would give them an inflation um uh this would give them an inflation adjustment<06:03

Transcript Highlights:

• Donate Life Florida represents the organizations that aim to educate families about the life-saving impact
• day dedicated to the selfless decision to register as an organ, eye, or tissue donor and have an impact
• At inflated costs, inflated costs, we've spent hundreds of millions of dollars from this emergency response
• , meaningful impact on Miami-Dade County Days and on generations ...has left a lasting and impactful,
• meaningful impact on Miami-Dade County Days and on generations of young artists.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is really important to do justice by people like her, by the folks that were impacted in
• And so this is really important to do justice by people like her, by the folks that were impacted in
• And unfortunately, there are some unintended consequences that impact LECs moving forward.
• I also must note that the exemption would have no fiscal impact.
• a negative impact on our already overworked system.

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2445, requested by the Attorney General, would curb “probate for profit” schemes by extending the waiting period before a “suitable person” can be appointed, limiting non-intervention powers and repeat appointments, tightening venue rules, and restricting self-dealing by estate administrators. The sponsor and Attorney General’s Office described cases in which strangers used probate loopholes to control estates, sell property, and profit from heirs; the Northwest Justice Project and other witnesses strongly supported the bill. Members raised questions about whether the bill would complicate probate for laypeople and about the timeline changes, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2386, which would replace a statutory garnishment answer form with a form developed by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee or a substantially similar form. The sponsor and a district court judge said the current form causes calculation errors, especially for fluctuating wages, and that the change would make garnishments more accurate and transparent. A collectors’ association supported updating the form but asked for a longer implementation period and flexibility for employers to use their own forms; the judge said a rollout period would not be a problem. The bill was heard but not voted on. House Bill 2585 would create a Washington State False Claims Act modeled on the federal act, allowing the Attorney General and private relators to pursue fraud against state programs, with treble damages, civil penalties, and whistleblower protections. Supporters said it would recover stolen public dollars and deter fraud in areas such as wages, housing, education, and environmental programs. Contractors warned that the bill could sweep in good-faith construction change orders, and a wireless industry group asked for a tax exemption; the Attorney General’s Office said it supported the concept but would provide technical and substantive feedback. The bill was heard without action. Finally, House Bill 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, while keeping the tax exemption framework for those cooperatives. The sponsor and housing advocates said WUCIOA imposes requirements that do not fit cooperative ownership and can hinder permanently affordable housing, while lenders already impose appropriate reserve and governance standards. Witnesses from cooperative development organizations and community land trusts supported the bill, and committee members asked about resale limits, reserve obligations, and who benefits from appreciation. The hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2453, which would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to participate in certain involuntary treatment proceedings and provide concurring medical opinions for involuntary medication under less restrictive alternative orders. Supporters said it would improve workforce capacity and continuity of care; opponents argued it could weaken civil-liberty protections and that pharmacists lack authority for diagnosis and treatment. The hearing ended with no final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• and third, to require ...a joint study from the Department of Insurance and the PUC on the UM/UIM impacts
• They also found that claims were often inflated 10 to 12 times.
• The study found that claims were often inflated 10 to 12 times.
• Can you talk a little bit about what the impact would be for a driver who is seriously injured, who is
• How will this impact that worker if this bill were to pass?

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1. The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is estimated to be a loss of funding that significantly impacts our ability to compensate crime
• My understanding is that many of the landowners who were impacted were unaware that this program was
• My understanding is that many of the landowners who were impacted were unaware that this program was
• My understanding is that many of the landowners who were impacted were unaware that this program was
• I mean, inflation has impacted everything, and adjusting those limits is something we should absolutely

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> My colleague just said that the impact My colleague just said that the impact that<00:41:01.599>
• Representative Papovichi-Muller: The tendency is to look for the maximum possible impact.
• In some cases there is no fiscal impact or the budget impact is very small.
• </c> the dollar amounts and the budget impact the dollar amounts and the budget impact is<01:03:10.880
• </c><01:03:21.039><c> is</c><01:03:21.280><c> very</c> impact or the budget impact is very impact or

Summary: The Finance Committee first took up Senate Bill 63, which Representative Maguire described as a straightforward bill setting funding for the Division of Travel and Tourism. He said it was not controversial. The committee voted to retain the bill by roll call, with one no vote and one member absent, and the motion passed 23-1-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 74, dealing with annual reporting requirements for state departments that issue permits. Representative Maguire explained Amendment 2282 would shorten the reporting burden by requiring summary data on delayed permits rather than listing every permit, and would delay the first report until 2027 so agencies would not have to reconstruct old data. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill was then approved as amended by a 24-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 241 on construction of a public pier at Hampton Beach. Representative Sweeney moved inexpedient to legislate, saying the project was ambitious and lacked public support. The motion passed unanimously 25-0, sending the bill to consent. Division Two then took up Senate Bill 145, a replace-all amendment to the education freedom account bill. Supporters said the amendment clarified the bill, kept the policy intact, removed a reimbursement program and an open-ended appropriation, and established a cap of 10,000 students with priority for current students and certain other groups. Opponents argued the measure was still a major expansion, would increase spending after crossover, and that the cap was not meaningful. After discussion, Amendment 2301H was adopted and the bill was approved as amended by a 25-0 vote, with members noting it could go on consent because no money remained in it.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the impact... And to see what kind of impact it would have.
• I'm very thankful for this bill, as it absolutely has a positive impact for veteran families.
• I do have some questions in regards to the fiscal impact.
• But I believe that the number that they put in there is inflated.
• president to provide me what the fiscal impact would be on that campus.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations. AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary. AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas Coach O'Connell's impact. the Minnesota Vikings was not only reflected in their record, but in
• Approach here to safety, and the cities I named that impact several of our districts are looking for
• It does add inflation indexing to that so it matches the gas tax perspective, so fairness.
• Wetlands mitigation right now, if a road is going to impact wetlands, that impact must be offset.
• The gas tax happened with an inflator for inflation, and I think we were forced to really look at the

Transcript Highlights:

• Now let's focus on the impact of the Medicaid cuts.
• So if you see SNAP go away, it's a huge impact.
• Also, it's impactful across the state.
• The coming impact... The coming impacts of H.R. 1 are only going to cause more harm.
• That definitely has impact.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the effects of H.R. 1 on Washington’s Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care, and food assistance systems, followed by a separate discussion of juvenile rehabilitation caseloads and placement capacity. DSHS officials said HR1 could affect home equity rules, immigration-related eligibility, work requirements for some expansion-population enrollees, and provider taxes, while also creating a future opportunity for a new 1915(c) waiver. Advocates and providers warned that any state response that cuts home and community-based services would worsen already thin provider networks, increase waiting lists, push more people into hospitals or out-of-state placements, and strain families and workers. A pediatric behavioral health expert and a supported living provider said Medicaid reimbursement is already too low and further reductions would threaten outpatient, residential, and inpatient services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and severe behavioral needs. The committee then turned to SNAP and the state food assistance program. DSHS said HR1 would tighten work requirements and exemptions, end some immigrant eligibility for the federal program, eliminate the SNAP education program, raise state administrative costs, and eventually require Washington to share in benefit costs based on its error rate. Officials estimated large numbers of residents could lose or see reduced benefits, with significant added state costs. Anti-hunger advocates, a food bank director, and a SNAP recipient described the program as essential for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and said the changes would increase paperwork, reduce benefits, and worsen food insecurity while also harming local food economies. Testimony emphasized that food banks cannot replace SNAP and that work requirements may be difficult to meet for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those facing child care or transportation barriers. In the juvenile justice portion, the Caseload Forecast Council presented the JR forecast, which is currently mostly flat through the end of the biennium but expected to grow modestly over the longer term. Members discussed how policy choices, including the 2019 JR-25 law, have increased lengths of stay for adult-sentenced youth in JR, while diversion and other reforms have affected regular JR trends. A court researcher explained the data available to help forecast admissions and noted ongoing efforts to improve data sharing with JR, AOC, and county systems, though staffing and system-lag issues limit how quickly data can be produced. Juvenile court administrators and DCYF officials described the community-based juvenile justice continuum, rising complexity in the JR population, overcrowding at Green Hill and placement constraints at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, and the need for more flexible community transition and mental health capacity. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:35.920><c> If</c> inflation plus new growth, right? If inflation plus new growth, right?
• </c> capacity to general consumer inflation capacity to general consumer inflation rather<01:01:26.079
• Um, and so that's just one inflation.
• The impact on have large class sizes.
• </c> positive impacts on voter participation. positive impacts on voter participation.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• The impact of the Guardian ad Litem program extends far beyond the courtroom by advocating for children
• meet the increased<00:10:01.680><c> transportation</c><00:10:02.519><c> and</c><00:10:02.720><c> inflation
• </c> increased transportation and inflation increased transportation and inflation costs<00:10:03.800
• objective child focused<00:10:26.680><c> recommendations</c><00:10:27.680><c> the</c><00:10:27.839><c> impact
• </c><00:10:28.200><c> of</c> focused recommendations the impact of focused recommendations the impact

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:51.680><c> by</c> across uh those that were impacted by across uh those that were impacted
• </c><00:46:21.040><c> of</c> other people assess the the impact of other people assess the the impact
• Uh, that it was not of an impact that really impacted the budget at all.
• Uh, that it was not of an impact that really impacted the budget at all.
• Uh, that it was not of an impact that really impacted the budget at all.

Bills: HF2431 , HF2438 , HF2783 , HF1943

Committee: House Ways and Means