Transcript Highlights:

• We do have executive session scheduled for two bills: House Bill 1662 and House Bill 1683.
• Counselors and support staff must help with placement and schedule adjustments.
• I received a draft evaluation by email at 8:30 a.m. that day for a meeting scheduled after school.
• I received a draft evaluation by email at 8.30 a.m. that day for a meeting scheduled after school.
• So we've rescheduled that, and if I— that is, five school days before the scheduled eligibility meeting

Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1662, which would require the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Washington State Charter School Commission to make separate administrative arrangements and operate independently. Staff explained a proposed third substitute that delays implementation to July 1, 2027, clarifies independent agency status, and directs OFM and OSPI to support the transition. The prime sponsor and another member spoke in favor, emphasizing agency independence and better use of funds. The committee approved the bill 19-0 and reported the proposed third substitute out with a due pass recommendation. The committee then acted on House Bill 1683, which sets minimum numbers of school directors elected by director district for certain school districts. The substitute changed the enrollment thresholds, clarified the effective date, and removed intent language. Supporters argued it would improve parent and student representation; opponents said it would create an unfunded mandate and micromanage local districts. The committee passed the substitute 11-8 and reported it out with a due pass recommendation. In public hearing, House Bill 2534 was heard first. The bill would expand enrollment flexibility and record-transfer protections for military-connected students, including allowing enrollment before arrival, extending proof-of-residence timelines, and adding protections for students with IEPs or 504 plans. District, military, and advocacy witnesses generally supported the bill as promoting stability, though some asked for changes to a proposed 30-day reevaluation timeline and noted possible compact-related issues. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2557, which would require school districts to provide special education evaluation reports to parents at least five school days before eligibility meetings. Supporters said this would help families prepare and participate meaningfully; district and special education staff warned it could shorten already tight evaluation timelines and create implementation challenges. The committee suspended and later closed the hearing on that bill after time ran out, with the chair noting it could be eligible for executive action the following week. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections into state law, assign related duties to OSPI and school districts, and require periodic state reporting. The sponsor and numerous advocates, school district staff, PTA representatives, and individuals with lived experience testified in support, saying it would improve stability, accountability, and access to education for homeless students. One witness asked that grant funding explicitly include community-based organizations. The hearing closed after a large number of pro and some con sign-ins, and the chair also closed the hearing on House Bill 2557, noting amendment deadlines and that the bills could be eligible for executive action the next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of the vaccines on the vaccine schedule... ...provide... Mr.
• Two minutes. scene schedule. Thank you. Any other questions, members? No? Dr.
• So... ...family has, simply for choosing not to follow the full childhood vaccine schedule.
• That's what's going on with the CDC today, reorganizing the childhood vaccination schedule.
• The CDC has just recently eliminated a number of vaccines from the childhood vaccination schedule, so

Bills: HB2086, HB2248, HB2688

Keywords: vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, government regulation, vacant positions, state budget, government efficiency, employment, full-time equivalent positions, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the new schedule rollout with the experiences that we're rolling out we'll be able to entice folks
• We have five scheduling staff and court clerks who open the files, process the pleadings, schedule matters
• adopted new practices to work with hearing participants That has led to improved flexibility in scheduling
• In addition to That our scheduling unit, that's our paralegal team, our schedulers, they've been working
• And that helps us maintain that scheduling flexibility that led to that progress I showed you in an earlier

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill is Senate Bill 5840, relating to making adjustments to the schedule for reporting campaign
• I agree with the goal of simplifying and standardizing reporting schedules.
• If you are thinking right now, these bills are scheduled for exec.
• If you are thinking right now, these bills are scheduled for exec.
• Now these bills are scheduled for exec, they're on the calendar for exec on Friday, so please work with

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of the 2006 session with member and staff introductions, then took up five bills. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 would reestablish and expand the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health through the start of the 2029 session. Lieutenant Governor Heck, Senator Lovick, and Senator Muzzall testified in support, emphasizing respectful civic discourse and bipartisan cooperation. The bill drew 20 pro and 53 con sign-ins, but no questions or vote were taken at the hearing. Senate Bill 5825 would authorize the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments. Senator Claire Wilson and board representatives said the change would help sustain youth leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement programs, with an initial fundraising goal of under $50,000 and policies to be developed with OFM and legal counsel to manage donor expectations. Testimony from board members and volunteers was strongly supportive, and the sign-in sheet showed four in favor and one opposed. Senate Bill 5842 would exempt display of previous campaign memorabilia in legislative offices from the prohibition on using public resources for campaigns. Senator Wagoner said the bill was meant to clarify ethics rules and allow harmless historical or decorative items, but members and staff raised concerns about what counts as “previous” campaign material and suggested tightening the language. The hearing on Senate Bill 5863 focused on preserving Lakeland Village historical records until at least fiscal year 2030 and allowing archival access after 75 years; Senator Kauffman and disability advocates described the bill as an act of respect and historical accountability, and testimony from family members and advocates was unanimously supportive. Finally, Senate Bill 5840 would change campaign finance reporting schedules to fixed monthly dates and require more regular C-4 filings; the PDC said the goal was greater transparency and easier compliance, while several treasurers supported simplification but warned about burdens from zero-activity filings and some timing provisions. The committee noted the bills were scheduled for executive action on Friday and adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The PTET is currently scheduled to sunset after 2025, along with the federal SALT cap.
• While the PTET is scheduled to end after tax year 2025, along with the federal SALT cap, negotiations
• moving pieces, we are within scope, schedule, and the revised costs of the SBR2.
• Lastly, the renovation is on schedule.
• They have consistent meetings, so as far as we know right now, it is on schedule.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling the Ways and Means Committee to order on Monday, March 9th, 2026, our last scheduled public hearing
• bill authorizes a penalties and interest waiver allowing taxpayers to set up a three-year repayment schedule
• Before we go to public testimony, I just want to let all members know that our executive session is scheduled
• Income eligibility is scheduled to expand to 75% of the SMI in July 2029 and to 85% of the SMI in July
• First, the bill eliminates the income eligibility expansion scheduled to occur in July 2029 and July

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held its last scheduled public hearing of the year on March 9, 2026, taking testimony on House Bill 2487, Substitute House Bill 2689, and Engrossed House Bill 2681. For HB 2487, staff and the Department of Revenue explained that the bill would narrow a B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses after a 2024 Supreme Court decision, make several related changes including annuity and assigned risk plan exemptions, adjust the advanced computing surcharge threshold for certain affiliated groups, and allow a penalties-and-interest waiver with a repayment plan. DOR supported the bill as clarifying the original intent and preventing double taxation, while insurers and health plan groups opposed it, arguing it would create higher costs, retroactive tax liability, and uncertainty; consumer and policy groups testified in support, saying it closes a loophole and restores the intended tax structure. Committee members questioned the retroactivity, the number of affected businesses, and the fiscal estimates, and the chair reminded members that amendment requests were due by noon for the next day’s executive session. For Substitute HB 2689, staff described changes to the Working Connections Child Care program that would keep income eligibility at 60% of state median income, reduce future rate-setting from the 85th to the 75th percentile, block enhanced rates for certain cross-region providers, cancel the planned move to enrollment-based prospective payments, revise attendance-based reimbursement to a full month for absences of 10 days or fewer and half-month for longer absences, and require a 65% market survey response rate for validity. The fiscal note projected substantial savings, offset by implementation and staffing costs. SEIU 925 and Head Start representatives supported the simpler House approach to attendance billing but raised concerns about the new survey threshold and the risk of increased audits and provider burden; they also noted an amendment under discussion to address the 2026 survey issue. Committee questions focused on how a full month is defined under the attendance rules. For HB 2681, staff said the bill would raise annual issuance and renewal fees for cannabis producer, processor, and retail licenses by $400, generating about $866,000 per year for the dedicated cannabis account with minimal administrative cost. No one signed up to testify, and the chair closed the hearing without a vote on any of the bills. The chair also thanked committee staff for their work and reiterated that amendments for the heard bills were due by noon that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, we will schedule it with one of our regularly scheduled meetings.
• If not, we will schedule it with one of our regularly scheduled meetings.
• If not, we will schedule it with one of our regularly scheduled meetings.

Bills: SB1195, SB1245, SB1379, SB1420, SB1473, SB1534, SB1743, SB1769, SB1945

Keywords: nuisance, racing facility, racetrack, qualified defense, local property rights, noise regulation, legal claims, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, drug offenses, DUI penalties, residential treatment, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, public comment

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and advanced a series of bills covering charitable organizations, mental health guardianship, human trafficking funding, CareerTech legal counsel, short-term rentals, racetrack protections, DUI penalties, public comment procedures, and eminent domain rights. SB 1534 clarified charity registration and fundraising rules and passed 7-0. SB 1473, the Courtney Smith Act, was amended to require a guardian’s presence at a ward’s intake assessment at an inpatient mental health center, but members raised concerns that the language could delay treatment; the sponsor agreed to keep working on it, and the bill advanced 6-2. SB 1379 would create a two-year AG pilot program to directly fund certified human trafficking agencies; despite budget concerns and questions about the $10 million cost, it advanced 8-0. SB 1743 would let CareerTech hire outside counsel with education-law experience and passed 7-1. The committee also approved SB 1769, which would allow short-term rental owners or their designated managers to require identification from renters and cancel bookings for discrepancies without penalty; members questioned discrimination concerns and platform penalties, but the bill advanced 8-0. SB 1195, protecting racetracks that were established before nearby development, passed 8-0. SB 1245, removing the 10-year look-back for repeat DUI-related offenses, advanced 5-3 after questions about lifetime felony exposure for a second offense. SB 1420, requiring public comment periods to occur before a public body votes or transacts business when public comment is offered, advanced 5-3 after discussion about whether public comment should be mandatory. Finally, SB 1945, as amended, would require agencies seeking eminent domain to provide the landowner’s bill of rights at the first offer, give the owner the appraisal or damage assessment used, remove a transfer-to-another-agency provision that could bypass the owner’s right of first refusal, and require the Attorney General to update the landowners’ bill of rights every two years. It advanced 6-2 after questions about impacts on transportation and other agencies. The committee then adjourned after noting possible future meetings, including a statutory review of child support standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• establishes and outlines coordination meeting requirements for large projects to determine a plan and schedule
• bill also outlines coordination meeting requirements for large projects to determine a plan and schedule
• one-call center no later than 15 business days or 21 calendar days before the proposed start date to schedule
• coordination meetings and including which parties are required to participate when meetings are scheduled
• they have the opportunity to identify what resources are necessary and coordinate those marking schedules

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency met and approved the January 21, 2020 minutes. It heard Senate Bill 1137, which would require excavators to white-line proposed dig areas before submitting 811 notices, create coordination requirements for large projects, establish an interactive positive response system, and direct the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt rules. Supporters from the construction industry said the bill would reduce delays and improve communication on complex projects, while the League of Arizona Cities and Towns raised concerns about the bill’s scope, staffing burdens, meeting requirements, and liability issues. The bill sponsor said the measure was a consensus effort to improve efficiency, and SB 1137 received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote, with several members noting they wanted continued work with stakeholders before floor action. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1145, which would shift final authority over behavior analyst licensing and regulation from the Board of Psychologists to the Committee of Behavior Analysts, reduce the board size, and remove the requirement for two behavior analysts on the board. Testimony from the Arizona Association for Behavioral Analysis and an individual speaker supported the bill, saying the current structure creates delays and that the change would allow each group to focus on its own profession. SB 1145 was approved unanimously, 7-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1128, which creates a temporary study committee on scrap metal theft to review current laws, industry compliance costs, penalties, and crime deterrence, and to report recommendations by December 1, 2026. The scrap recyclers’ representative supported the study as a way to evaluate whether further changes are needed, while some members questioned the committee’s partisan appointment structure and whether a study committee was necessary; the bill still passed 7-0. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1238, adopting the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact to allow licensed physician assistants to obtain compact privileges in participating states and to support interstate practice, military families, telehealth, and rural access to care. The Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants testified in support, and members asked about physician supervision, federal rural health funding implications, and which states have joined the compact. SB 1238 also received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The sponsor of SB 1235 requested that bill be held, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to be talking to you daily, scheduling what your day looks like...
• Scheduling what your day looks like, helping you through research, developing a communications plan,
• The reception scheduled for 10:30, so we're really early. Um, but not a problem.
• </c><00:13:08.480><c> The</c><00:13:08.720><c> reception</c><00:13:09.279><c> scheduled</c> uh it's 10
• The reception scheduled uh it's 10:23.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Scheduler, overseeing the Board of Security and Veteran Affairs committees, is my lead staffer.
• Farrah, thank you for always, always keeping me on schedule, which is no easy thing, and staffing me
• Groups of commissioned peace officers, fraud unit investigators, salary schedule C, and the State Fire
• Marshal's Office, salary schedule B, both conduct criminal investigations in accordance with state law
• With salary schedule C classification, by adjusting the salary schedule of State Fire Marshal officer

Bills: HB2, HB6, HB18, HB43, HB138, HB180, HB300, HB581, HB647, HB748, HB762, HB1240, HB1393, HB1397, HB1584, HB1734, HB2011, HB2254, HB2286, HB2434, HB2467, HB2468, HB2495, HB2516, HB2518, HB2529, HB2564, HB2712, HB2713, HB2715, HB2765, HB2898, HB3146, HB3161, HB3348, HB3800, HB4044, HB4341, HB4370, HB4384, HB4386, HB4396, HB4490, HB4809, HB5057, HB5323, HB5534, HB5668, SB203, SB317, SB719, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB1071, SB1232, SB1798, SB2082, SB2363, SB2603, SB2607, SB2717, SB2797, SB2841, SB2919, SB3038, SJR5, SB4, SB9, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB34, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB458, SB482, SB493, SB647, SB648, SB840, SB841, SB843, SB912, SB1241, SB1253, SB1350, SB1388, SB1423, SB1535, SB1559, SB1709, SB1789, SB1951, SB2037, SB2143, SB2155, SB2544, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2308, HB2525, HJR133, HB1393, HB26, HB388, HB2712, HB1633, HB685, HB2286, HB1606, HB1458, HB1240, HB2791, HB3146, HB1397, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB581, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB1734, HB5180, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB5652, HB2025, HB3395, HB2495, HB18, HB2516, HB2713, HB24, HB519, HB609, HB1592, HB3348, HB120, HB6, HB1533, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB2011, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HB3424, HB2715, HB2564, HB2765, HB2898, HB3800, HB4396, HB4341, HB43, HB5686, HB2467, HB2468, HB2518, HB4310, HB4386, HB4490, HB180, HB5323, HB2, HB149, HB4945, HB2434, HB2529, HB3161, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB4996, HB2697, HB2492, HB2355, HB2282, HB2001, HB1902, HB1866, HB1445, HB1443, HB1306, HB1024, HB908, HB305, HB285, HB449, HB171, HB47, HB3464, HB2637, HB4263, HB5436, HB4429, HB3986, HB3966, HB3510, HB2560, HB2026, HB2688, HB4076, HB5246, HB3487, HB3486, HB4226, HB216, HB742, HB2402, HB143, HB5033, HB4413, HB4042, HB2440, HB4426, HB49, HB4112, HB3233, HB2310, HB5515, HB3627, HB2674, HB322, HB1481, HB126, HB3062, HB3421, HB3180, HB2530, HB2524, HB1916, HB3153, HB5650, HB4894, HB3120, HB1629, HB103, HB3234, HB3680, HB5698, HB3171, HB5693, HB2694, HB5664, HB3732, HB2508, HB2293, HB1991, HB2014, HB5331, HB5247, HB4751, HB4690, HB4668, HB4464, HB4395, HB4063, HB3833, HB3623, HB3214, HB3512, HB3250, HB3016, HB2520, HB2221, HB2213, HB3824, HB2067, HB1732, HB1562, HB700, HB1545, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB1851, HB3619, HB3071, HB3556, HB851, HB4230, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5699, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HCR141, HCR118, HCR127, HCR40, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB3071, SB3065, SB823, SB3062, SB3074, SB1380, HB6, HB581, HB1393, HB1734, HB2286, HB2467, HB2468, HB2495, HB2529, HB2564, HB2765, HB2898, HB3146, HB3348, HB3800, HB4341, HB4386, HB4490, HB5057, HB5323, HB5534, HB5668, HB2, HB2715, SR530, SR552, SB482, SB493, SB841, SB912, SB1241, SB1350, SB1388, SB1559, SB1951, SB2143, SB2155, HB205, HB220, HB561, HB2078, HB2300, HB2652, HB3335, HB3441, HB4212, HB4879, HB5228, HB5616, HB205, HB220, HB561, HB2078, HB2300, HB2652, HB3335, HB3441, HB4212, HB4879, HB5228, HB5616

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• That is all the testifiers we have scheduled.
• That is all the testifiers we have scheduled.
• That is all the testifiers we have scheduled.
• you that's all the testifiers<00:11:18.639><c> we</c><00:11:18.760><c> have</c><00:11:18.880><c> scheduled
• we have scheduled are there any<00:11:19.639><c> other</c><00:11:19.800><c> presidents</c><00:11:20.120

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requested a delay due to a scheduling requested a delay due to a scheduling conflict. conflict.
• </c><00:12:47.720><c> for</c> until the court case was scheduled for until the court case was scheduled
• And there's a scheduled in June '25.
• </c><00:58:45.120><c> in</c> believe the trial is now scheduled in believe the trial is now scheduled
• But I think it has a lot to do with other people's schedules. Well, so, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not change the fee schedule. It doesn't touch it.
• It does not change the fee schedule. It doesn't touch it.
• </c> um it does not change the fee schedule um it does not change the fee schedule it<00:14:55.680><c
• Buprenorphine is still going to be a Schedule III drug.
• </c> that will govern all scheduled that will govern all scheduled drugs<00:46:29.800><c> it's</c> drugs

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785 00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785 00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61 00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61 00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788 00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14 01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685 01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got our Interstate 57 projects, widening projects, wrapping up soon ahead of schedule.
• there's an individual data sheet for each specific project, and you can see if the project is ahead of schedule
• , on schedule, and how much funding.
• Project, pardon me, and you can see if the project is ahead of schedule, on schedule, and how much funding

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from ARDOT Director Jared Wiley, who introduced Highway Commission members and reported that the agency has completed the final five recommendations from its long-running efficiency review. He highlighted new public-facing maintenance and construction dashboards on the agency website, and noted quarterly reports on land conveyances, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, annual revenue expenditures, and major projects were provided with no major questions or objections. Members asked about ARDOT’s budget priorities, project delivery, and specific corridors. Wiley said roughly 75% of construction dollars go to maintaining the existing system, with additional maintenance and operations funding also directed to upkeep; he said Arkansas has about 16,300 centerline miles, nearly 40,000 lane miles, and about 73,700 bridges. He gave updates on Interstate 57 and Highway 5 work in Lonoke County, Interstate 49 public meetings in northwest Arkansas, passing-lane projects on Highway 412/62 in north central Arkansas, widening plans for Interstate 40, the Toad Suck Bridge flood mitigation project, and Highway 82 improvements in south Arkansas. The director also discussed ARDOT’s litter control efforts, saying the agency spends about $8 million annually on litter pickup and is exploring future legislation. He said work-zone safety tools such as cameras and mobile work-zone enforcement are helping reduce dangerous driving, though distracted driving remains a problem. Wiley also announced new agency initiatives on human trafficking awareness training for staff, a “Street Smart” traffic-safety education program for students, and a spring cleanup effort in which ARDOT crews and some office staff will collect litter statewide. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rules to refer IL-26-638 and IL-26-001 to the Education Committee, with instructions to promptly schedule
• suspended to refer IL-26-638 and IL-26-001 to the Education Committee, with instructions to promptly schedule
• It has already been publicly announced, however, that no public hearing will be scheduled in the House
• to suspend regular House rules for the purpose of instructing the Education Committee to promptly schedule
• refer IL-26-Tax-38 and IL-26-Tact 001 to the Education Committee, with instructions to promptly schedule

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• rules to refer IL-26-638 and IL-26-001 to the Education Committee with instructions to promptly schedule
• refer IL-26-Tax-6-38 and IL-26-Tact 001 to the Education Committee with instructions to promptly schedule
• It has already been publicly announced, however, that no public hearing will be scheduled in the House
• to suspend regular House rules for the purpose of instructing the Education Committee to promptly schedule
• refer IL-26-Tax-38 and IL-26-Tact 001 to the Education Committee, with instructions to promptly schedule

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance, and a prayer offered by Washington Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Cole. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in emergencies, search and rescue, disaster response, and military readiness. Members spoke in support, highlighting the Guard’s history, its role in recent flood and landslide responses, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. The resolution passed by voice vote, and Guard leadership and members present in the galleries were recognized. The House also recognized Congressman Dan Newhouse in a point of personal privilege, with remarks praising his service in state and federal office and his ties to agriculture. The chamber then moved to the Fourth Order of Business and debated a motion to suspend House rules to send two initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings. Supporters argued the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives and that the House should hear them promptly; opponents argued the Constitution allows the Legislature to take no action and that the motion was unnecessary. The motion to suspend the rules failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused. Next, members debated the routine motion to refer the bills, memorials, measures, and resolutions on the introduction sheet to committee. Some members again argued the two initiatives should be given priority and public hearings before other business, while others supported normal referral of the day’s measures. The motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted and referred as designated, and the House adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• is referenced by Medicare fee schedule is referenced by citation<00:36:24.920><c> in</c><00:36:25.119
• went into effect that would be schedule went into effect that would be January<00:36:39.240><c> 1st<
• and to further provide in a schedule and to further provide in a disincentive<00:48:00.599><c> for</
• We thank you for scheduling it today.
• , I mean the referral of that bill, we couldn't schedule it at the same time.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Health Committee held its first hearing of 2025, with Chair Greg Takayama and Vice Chair Representative Leoy opening the meeting and outlining housekeeping rules, including a two-minute limit for testifiers and Zoom etiquette. The committee first heard HB 303 on health care preceptors. The Department of Health, Department of Taxation, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and several health care organizations supported the bill, saying the existing preceptor tax credit program has been successful and that expanding eligibility to additional professions and students would help address workforce shortages. In response to questions, the Department of Health said the annual tax credit cap is $1.5 million, about 650 to 670 credits are currently used each year, and the bill applies only to unpaid preceptors. The committee then moved on to HB 441, which would raise cigarette taxes. The Attorney General, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and others supported the measure as a way to reduce smoking, especially among youth, and to support tobacco control and cancer-related programs. Opponents, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance and the Cigar Association of Hawaii, argued the tax is regressive and unreliable as a revenue source. The Department of Health noted the last cigarette tax increase was in 2011, and one witness urged a larger increase than proposed. No vote was taken on either bill in the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard HB 557 on telehealth. The Department of Health supported the bill so long as it did not displace executive budget priorities, and the Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency and Hawaii Primary Care Association supported it. HPCA said the bill would conform state insurance law to recent Medicare changes expanding audio-only telehealth coverage beyond mental health services, and it emphasized access for rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities. HMSA opposed the bill as written, saying it strayed from the intent of Act 107 and that audio-only telehealth should remain limited because of quality-of-care concerns, though it supported continued access and asked for a different amendment approach. A telehealth provider also testified that payment disparities limit provider expansion and that audio-only access remains important for patients with serious illness. The hearing ended in the excerpt before any committee action or vote on HB 557.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending that the following bills be scheduled
• Report of the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling under the last sentence of House Rule 7A that
• the following matters be scheduled for consideration by the House: House Bill 3914, relative to the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Wellesley High School girls tennis team, which was recognized for winning its second consecutive Division I state championship. The chamber then adopted several resolutions, including one commending the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance for recognizing October 15, 2025 as Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day and another congratulating Topsfield on its 375th anniversary. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals related to law enforcement masks, a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee, Agent Orange Awareness Day, and an orange star license plate for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The House next took up scheduling and advanced several local and private bills. House Bill 667 on school absences, House Bill 4381 regarding the Norwood town moderator term, and House Bill 4565 establishing a sick leave bank for Marie Latendry were ordered to a third reading. House Bills 3914 and 3963, concerning disability retirement for a Randolph police officer and retirement for a former Westfield firefighter, were also advanced to third reading. The chamber then passed House Bill 360, which further regulates on-premises alcohol licenses in Holyoke, to be enacted. After a moment of silent tribute to Clara Fallon of Fall River, the House continued with third-reading action on several bills, passing Senate Bill 2566 on fisheries commission matters, House Bills 3899, 42010, 4348, and 4514 to be engrossed, and House Bill 4243 on Ipswich’s town manager residency requirement. On House Bill 4243, Representative Walsh offered and the House adopted an amendment striking Section 2 before passing the bill as amended. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and then adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending that the following matters be scheduled
• The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending that the following matters be scheduled

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up a series of Rules Committee reports extending committee reporting deadlines on current House documents for the Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Municipalities and Regional Government, and Public Health committees. In each case, the rules were suspended and the orders were adopted. The House also concurred with a Senate referral involving a Milton easement bill and suspended Joint Rule 12 on a petition concerning benefit payments by the New Bedford Police Association. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee recommended several matters for House consideration, including a Senate bill allowing Brookfield to continue employing Herbert Schaff II, a bill on enhancing child safety, and local bills concerning Athol special revolving funds, Carlisle’s town administrator, and the Nantucket charter. The House suspended the rules, ordered these bills to a third reading, and then advanced them accordingly. On final or engrossment votes, the House passed to enactment a bill allowing Wellesley to increase residency limits for police and fire members. It also passed to engrossment bills exempting Freddie Castellanda from the Haverhill police age limit, amending the Hopkinton charter to give appointment powers to the Board of Library Trustees, establishing an economic development special revenue account for Hopkinton, and creating a sick leave bank for a Department of Transitional Assistance employee. The House then adopted an order to adjourn to Wednesday at 11 a.m. in formal session, and a Democratic caucus was announced for noon in Room A1.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Steering Policy and Schedule, the ayes have it. Order is adopted.
• The Committee on Steering Policy and Schedule, The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports
• recommending that the following bills be scheduled for consideration by the House: Senate Bill 2596,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Rules Committee reports. Members adopted resolutions congratulating Auburn on the 100th anniversary of the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket launch and welcoming Boston’s new National Women’s Soccer League team, the Boston Legacy, to Massachusetts. The House also adopted orders extending the reporting deadlines for the Committee on Revenue on two House documents into 2026. The chamber suspended joint rules to allow several petitions to proceed, including proposals on social media regulation for minors, a sick leave bank for a Department of Children and Families employee, retirement credit for a probation employee, taxation of certain foreign government pension benefits, and naming the American lobster the official crustacean of the Commonwealth. The Steering, Policy and Schedule Committee then listed bills for consideration, including measures on private road maintenance in Gloucester, property valuation and assessment fairness, municipal tax collectors, preservation of historic resource information in community preservation funds, and Salem liquor license changes. The House advanced those bills through second and third readings, then passed to be enacted local bills involving compensation for a Revere widow, a Wellesley senior tax deferment change, and a Hopkinton library trustees charter amendment. It also engrossed a bill directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific applicant, Edney Joseph. The session ended with a moment of silent tribute to Adrian Dolan of South Boston and an order to adjourn until the next Thursday morning in informal session.