Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1 of this act and chapter 48.49 RCW. There are no amendments.
• On page 2, line 9-16, to suspected criminal mischief as defined in RCW 9A.84.010.
• Speaker, permission to read, because I am going to read from an RCW on this one. Please proceed.
• Speaker, in RCW 9A.84.010, a person commits criminal mischief if this...
• On page two, at the beginning, where the officer is in fresh pursuit, as defined in RCW 10.93.120.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Transcript Highlights:

• Last line: constitute a new chapter in Title 29A RCW.
• Substitute Senate Bill 6087, clerk will read: An act relating to donations for children and amending RCW

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill is essentially drafted to answer a question that was raised by a court that criticized the RCW
• this bill is essentially drafted to answer a question that was raised by a court that criticized the RCW
• read: An act relating to the Washington Division of Civil Law, constituting a new chapter in Title 38 RCW
• Amendment 2191, clerk will read: On page 2, line 37, after designation or sexual assault is defined in RCW
• On page 2, line 37, after designation or sexual assault is defined in RCW 70.125.030.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Summary: The House received several messages from the Senate announcing passage of engrossed or substitute versions of House Bill 2294, House Bill 2472, Senate Bill 606, Senate Bill 6335, engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6266, and engrossed substitute House Bill 3. The chamber then moved through second and third reading on a series of measures, often suspending the rules to advance bills to final passage. A major floor debate centered on Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, which would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and expand its membership. Amendment 2131, offered to keep the committee at its current size rather than expanding it, was rejected after debate over fiscal restraint, committee scope, and whether the body functioned like a “proxy legislature.” The resolution then passed 83-10. The House also passed engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6200 on portable cooling devices for renters and mobile home occupants, Senate Bill 6084 on clarifying the prohibition on voting in more than one election, second engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5105 on sexually explicit depictions involving minors, and Senate Bill 6046 authorizing the Civil Air Patrol to be used by the governor in emergencies; each drew debate over policy scope, enforcement, and state-federal authority, but all ultimately passed. The House next passed substitute Senate Bill 6054, limiting HOA and common-interest community restrictions that conflict with wildfire-hardening measures; substitute Senate Bill 6091, requiring greater transparency in real estate broker practices; Senate Bill 6291, giving more time to train and certify on-site wastewater inspectors; substitute Senate Bill 6081, creating a Public Records Act exemption for sex designation information to protect transgender people from doxxing and harassment; Senate Bill 5963, automatically enrolling certain vulnerable students in the Washington College Grant; and substitute Senate Bill 6226, addressing audiology scope-of-practice and telemedicine concerns. Most of these bills passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew dissent over added regulation, privacy, or scope-of-practice issues. The final portion of the transcript focused on Senate Bill 6106, which the Speaker ruled had an out-of-scope amendment related to agricultural seasonal workers; the bill itself passed 75-18 after debate over layoff notices and tribal sovereignty. Substitute Senate Bill 6014, dealing with pregnancy accommodations and related public records issues, saw a failed amendment to replace gender-neutral language with “pregnant woman” and then passed 68-25. The House also debated Senate Bill 5820, with multiple amendments concerning freight rail, greenhouse gas calculations, county planning, property rights, and rail safety; the excerpt ends amid that amendment debate before final action on the bill is shown.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, RCW 64.90.020. Senator Bateman. Mr.
• Section of Chapter 71A.12 RCW. Senator Benke. Thank you, Mr. President.
• RCW and creating a new section. Senator Valdez. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Under RCW 43.62.030. Senator Gaynor. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Section 1, RCW. Last line. Section to Chapter 43.21C, RCW.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate received messages from the House transmitting several signed bills, then moved through a series of second- and third-reading actions on multiple measures. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, clarifying the scope and authority of the Office of Independent Investigations, was advanced to final passage without objection and passed 44-4. Senators supporting it described it as a technical housekeeping bill aligning statute with current practice, while noting it had broad support from law enforcement groups and the ACLU; opponents raised concerns about overlapping investigations and authority. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, which dedicates a share of sales tax revenue from the stadium area to the South Downtown/Pioneer Square community preservation and development authority, was amended by a Ways and Means striking amendment declaring an emergency and then passed 47-1. Supporters said it would fund earthquake reinforcement, preservation, and community development in a historic district, with reporting and sunset provisions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500, dealing with resale certificates for common interest communities and homeowners associations, was amended to clarify disclosure and litigation provisions and passed 39-9. Substitute House Bill 1570, allowing collective bargaining for certain employees enrolled in academic programs at public institutions, failed an amendment to remove the emergency clause and then passed 29-19; supporters framed it as recognition of student workers’ organizing rights, while opponents warned it blurred student and employee roles. The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 1390, repealing the Community Protection Program and directing participants into other developmental disability services, after rejecting a series of amendments that sought to preserve sex-offender-related restrictions, add assessments, damages, or prosecutorial review. The bill passed 29-20 amid sharp debate over whether the program was coercive and outdated or necessary to protect vulnerable people and communities. Other bills passed included Substitute House Bill 2114 on defective license plates, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471 on collective bargaining if the NLRB is unavailable, House Bill 1069 on bargaining over supplemental retirement contributions for Department of Corrections employees, House Bill 2441 expanding medical premium reimbursements for surviving spouses of line-of-duty deaths, and Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710 adding preclearance requirements under the Washington Voting Rights Act; the voting rights bill drew opposition over local control and litigation concerns. The transcript ends during the roll call on final passage of Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710.

Transcript Highlights:

• child care workforce standards board, adding a new chapter, constituting a new chapter in Title 49 RCW
• Bill 2523, the Secretary will read: An act relating to the Community Reinvestment Program, amending RCW
• Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following last line: RCW and creating a new
• Amending RCW 18. Last line. New section. Section 2. This act takes effect July 1, 2026.
• An act relating to early learning program licensing requirements and amending RCW 43.216.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal. It received a House message that the House had passed second engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5010, and then took up Senate Resolution 8700 honoring Yolanda Cortinas Trout Manuel for her community service, business leadership, and public service. Senator Fortunato sponsored the resolution and spoke warmly in support, and the Senate adopted it by voice vote and recognized the guest in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9142, Maria Seguyenza to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, after supportive remarks from Senators Bateman and Wilson-Clair. The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 2248, described as a technical cleanup bill for Secretary of State corporate filings, and House Bill 2309, which removes postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs to broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2348 passed as a Department of Natural Resources efficiency measure allowing smaller land sales to be posted online and clarifying fair-market-value requirements. The Senate deferred Second Substitute House Bill 1128 at first, then later adopted a striking amendment and passed the bill as amended. The bill creates a child care workforce standards board to study workforce conditions and make recommendations; several proposed amendments by Senator King to add child-safety training language, add an expiration date, and narrow the board’s scope were rejected. Supporters said the board would professionalize child care work and improve wages and standards, while opponents argued it would add government and costs without solving affordability. The Senate also passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2523 on the Community Reinvestment Program, with supporters emphasizing accountability, periodic review, and an independent study, and passed Substitute House Bill 2428 to prevent unintentional lapses in life insurance policies by allowing third-party notices. Finally, the Senate passed House Bill 2340, expanding the CARES substance use disorder recovery program to nursing assistants, and Engrossed House Bill 2317, which streamlines licensing for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program sites in certain educational settings. Most bills passed by wide margins, though Second Substitute House Bill 1128 passed with a narrower 28-19 vote. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Bills: SB6003, HB2353, HB2431, HB1983

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Bills: HB1759, HB2417, HB2632, HB2249, HB2574, HB2309, HB2235, SGA9066, SGA9246, SGA9268, SGA9267

Keywords: designation, commemoration, December 12, local observance, cultural significance, military justice, victims' rights, militia, Washington code, legal protections, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service

Bills: HB2675, HB2681, HB2714, HB2688, HB2481, HB2116, HB1408

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2675 would eliminate a number of dedicated state accounts, transfer the remaining balances from two accounts to the general fund, and redirect future revenues from the salary insurance contribution increase revolving account to the general fund; OFM testified in support and there was no public opposition. Substitute HB 1903 would create a statewide Department of Commerce energy assistance program for low-income households, funded by the general fund and Climate Commitment Act revenues, phased in by utility and fuel type with reporting and an advisory group; supporters said it would provide more reliable monthly bill help, while utilities and rural co-ops raised concerns about cost, utility burden, reporting requirements, and conflicts with existing utility regulation. Fiscal staff estimated significant startup costs for Commerce if funded at the illustrative level discussed. Substitute HB 2384 would require actuarial reviews for certain continuing care retirement communities offering life care contracts, with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner reviewing the analyses and DSHS posting results; residents and transparency advocates supported the measure, while providers opposed it mainly over cost and the likelihood that fees would be passed on to residents. Substitute HB 1982 would expand the ability to vacate convictions tied to treaty Indian rights from fishing-only cases to fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing, remove the pre-1975 limitation, add local ordinances, and authorize OPD representation; after an amendment removed a proposed tribal liaison position, OPD said the fiscal impact would be zero and tribal and public defense witnesses supported the bill. Substitute HB 2389 would change juvenile sentencing and review procedures by expanding eligibility for suspended dispositions and behavioral health alternatives, adding midpoint review hearings, reducing some robbery ranges, and addressing juvenile rehabilitation capacity; supporters argued it would reduce disparities and favor community-based rehabilitation, while prosecutors, sheriffs, counties, judges, cities, victim advocates, and some law enforcement and tribal representatives warned it would weaken accountability, increase local costs, and create public safety risks. Substitute HB 2439 would overhaul tobacco and vapor product regulation by raising license fees and penalties, creating a responsible vendor program, adding manufacturer certification and testing requirements, restricting certain products and pricing practices, and redirecting tobacco tax revenue to public health and prevention accounts; public health groups supported the bill, while retailers and industry representatives opposed the fee increases and new mandates. The committee also heard HB 2681, which would sharply increase cannabis license fees and add CPI indexing; OFM supported it as a fee alignment measure, while cannabis businesses opposed the size of the increase and the inflation adjustment. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That amendment just makes a technical correction to the RCW referenced in the bill.
• That amendment just makes a technical correction to the RCW referenced in the bill.
• The number listed for the RCW was incorrect, and this just fixes that. Thank you so much.

Bills: HB1717, HB2133, HB2135, HB2140, HB2442, HB2559

Keywords: affordable housing, sales tax, housing programs, tax incentives, economic development, property tax, senior citizens, tax exemption, local government funding, permanent legislation, adaptive housing, disabled veterans, tax preferences, housing affordability, retail sales tax, governmental transfer, agriculture, land use, local government, tax authority

Summary: House Finance heard briefings on several tax and housing-related bills, including HB 1717 on a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing, HB 1859 on expanding affordable housing opportunities on religious organization property, HB 1960 on a renewable energy excise tax, HB 2133 on making a senior center property tax exemption permanent, HB 2135 on extending a disabled veterans housing tax preference, HB 2140 on tax treatment for land transferred to government entities, HB 2442 on a broad package of local tax and levy authorities, and HB 2559 on a local option excise tax on short-term rentals for affordable housing. Staff also described proposed substitutes and amendments for each measure, including changes to administration, eligibility, effective dates, tax credits, voter-approval requirements, and JLARC review provisions. During executive action, the committee adopted amendments to HB 1960 clarifying tax administration and JLARC independence, while rejecting an Orcutt amendment that would have adjusted property tax levies for renewable energy projects. The committee also adopted a technical correction to HB 2133 and an effective-date amendment to HB 2135. Amendments to HB 2442 and HB 2559 that would have required voter approval or provided state tax credits were rejected. Members debated the policy impacts of local taxing authority, housing affordability, and tax burdens on property owners, veterans, seniors, and short-term rental operators. The committee voted to report HB 1717, HB 1859, HB 1960, HB 2133, HB 2135, HB 2140, HB 2442, and HB 2559 out of committee with do pass recommendations. HB 1960 passed on a recorded vote of 11 ayes and 4 nays; HB 2442 and HB 2559 each passed 9-6; the other measures were approved by voice vote, generally 15-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Bills: SB6251, SB6259, SB6325, SB5978, SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: medical school, medical education, letter grades, grading system, pass/fail, tiered grading, student assessment, curriculum, University of Washington, Washington State University, School of Medicine, physician training, academic standards, coursework evaluation, RCW 28B, SB 6259, Washington, state financial aid, higher education, public college

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Workforce Education Investment Act (WEA) Oversight Board, hearing from Jane Broome of Microsoft Philanthropies and Joel Anderson of WASAC. They reviewed the history and purpose of the WEA account, emphasizing that it was created as a dedicated, non-supplanting source to expand higher education and workforce investments, especially high-demand fields and financial aid. Broome and Anderson said the board has improved with WASAC staffing and better data, but they raised strong concerns that recent budget actions, especially shifting $400 million in University of Washington general-fund support to WEA, violated the original partnership and undermined trust. Senators asked about AI-related workforce needs, data transparency, and how to define “supplanting,” and the presenters said the board wants to stop supplanting and preserve WEA for its intended purposes. The committee then held public hearings on three bills. SB 6251 would require public medical schools to use letter grades or a tiered grading system; the sponsor said it was intended to standardize grading, but both WSU and UW opposed it, arguing that pass-fail and competency-based systems better support collaboration, mental health, and residency placement, and that only a small share of U.S. medical schools use letter grades. SB 6259 would make students who are found by a court to have caused major damage to a public higher education institution ineligible for state aid and require repayment of aid; the sponsor framed it as accountability for serious vandalism, while the lone testifier from WSU student government opposed it as unfair to lower-income students and potentially chilling to free expression. The final hearing was on SB 6235, which would reverse the “fund split” approach and require the state to fully fund compensation and central services for higher education rather than relying on tuition to cover those costs, while also directing a study on essential student services. Nearly all testimony was in support, from university and community college leaders, faculty, and labor representatives, who said the current system has led to hidden cuts, reduced COLAs, layoffs, program closures, larger class sizes, and reduced student services. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and adopted proposed substitutes and passed SB 5978, SB 6209, SB 6217, and SB 6227 to the Ways and Means Committee; SB 6235 was not acted on. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testing is the only way that we will know the truth, but as currently applied, RCW 10.73.170 is not fulfilling
• This bill provides much needed updates to several RCWs in support of victims and survivors.
• Senate Bill 6017 is responsive to this recommendation by updating RCW 7.69.

Bills: SB6087, SB5934, SB5520, SB6017, SB5890

Keywords: children's items, donations, charitable donations, nonprofit, religious organization, public health agency, liability shield, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, car seats, child safety seats, baby formula, diapers, strollers, cribs, playpens, high chairs, used goods, donation centers, Washington RCW

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several Senate bills. SB 6087 would expand existing liability protections for donated children’s items to include religious organizations and add strollers and car seats to the definition of children’s items; the sponsor said it would make it easier to donate usable baby equipment, while the State Board of Health said it supports injury prevention but would need time and funding if broader rulemaking were required under the underlying bill. The substitute version appeared to narrow the bill, and no fiscal note was requested on the substitute. SB 5934 would change the standard for post-conviction DNA testing by requiring courts to grant testing unless the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the results could not demonstrate a likelihood of innocence. The sponsor and Washington Innocence Project argued the current standard is too restrictive and leads to lengthy litigation, while prosecutors and sheriffs’ representatives said the bill flips the burden, could increase motions, and would strain crime lab and attorney resources; they also said many requests are pro se and most tested cases are inculpatory. The bill drew strong support from exonerees and innocence advocates, and opposition from prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement groups. SB 5520 would revise Washington’s wrongful conviction compensation law by broadening the definition of actual innocence, adding commutation and reprieve to qualifying relief, extending filing deadlines, removing the waiver requirement, and allowing monetary advances. The sponsor, Washington Innocence Project, and exoneree Ted Bradford said the bill would reduce confusing barriers and better support exonerees and their families, including by updating tuition waiver provisions; the fiscal note showed no fiscal impact. SB 6017 would expand victim-centered protections by allowing courts to appoint a representative to question victims when a defendant represents themselves, extending forensic exam consent to minors 13 and older in non-fatal strangulation cases, adding female genital mutilation survivors to sexual assault rights protections, and reauthorizing and refocusing the SAFE Advisory Group. Survivors, advocates, child advocacy centers, and state agencies strongly supported the bill as trauma-informed and necessary to prevent re-traumatization, while defense advocates raised constitutional concerns about limiting a pro se defendant’s right to personally confront witnesses and warned of possible appeals and implementation costs. The committee also heard extensive survivor testimony describing courtroom questioning by self-represented defendants as deeply re-traumatizing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the municipality for purchases involving projects that are common facilities as described under RCW
• of the municipality for purchases involving projects that are common facilities as described under RCW
• of the municipality for purchases involving projects that are common facilities as described under RCW

Bills: SB6269, SB6223, SB5982, SB6050, SB5965, SB5975, SB6010, SB5984, SB6076, SB5652

Keywords: motor fuel, fuel quality act, RCW 19.112, alternative fuel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol blend, alcohol fuel, diesel fuel, nonhazardous motor fuel, biofuels, clean fuels, transportation fuels, Washington fuel standards, fuel labeling, fuel blending, petroleum products, natural gas vehicles, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on SB 6269, which would update Washington’s Motor Fuel Quality Act by broadening the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous fuels and electricity used to propel vehicles, and by removing the separate definition of alternative fuel. Staff and testifiers from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and Douglas County PUD said the change would give WSDA authority to inspect and test hydrogen fueling stations and other newer fuel types, with no fiscal impact expected. The bill was well supported in testimony, and the hearing closed without questions. The committee then heard SB 6223, which would authorize community-scale weatherization projects under the low-income weatherization program. The bill would let Commerce fund projects serving multiple dwelling units in the same area, prioritize low-income households, and adopt rules to implement the program. Supporters from community action, clean energy, Commerce, and environmental groups said the bill would help scale weatherization, improve health and safety, reduce energy costs, and better reach rural, mobile home, and disadvantaged communities; Commerce noted a fiscal impact tied to rulemaking and administration. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It adopted proposed substitutes and gave due pass recommendations to SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 5965, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652, sending most to Rules and SB 5652 to Ways and Means. On SB 5965, amendment C2 was adopted while C1 and C3 failed. On SB 6010, amendments E1 and E2 failed. On SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652, the committee approved the proposed substitutes and reported the bills out subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not codified in the RCW. I see. So I'm just wondering... I see.

Bills: SB6149, SB6175, SB6230, SB6248, SB6312, SB6061, SB6137

Keywords: rural county, frontier county, public facilities funding, economic development, local option sales tax, sales and use tax, workforce housing, affordable housing, county tax authority, RCW, Washington state, community economic revitalization board, CED, infrastructure funding, public works, job creation, job retention, job expansion, county planning, state auditor reporting

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 6175, the WAVE Act, which would regulate ticket resale and ticketing practices. The bill would create licensing and bonding requirements for resellers, require all-in pricing and guaranteed refunds, cap resale prices at 110% of the original total price, prohibit speculative ticket sales and certain deceptive practices, and direct the Department of Licensing to enforce the law. Supporters from arts venues, nonprofit theaters, artists’ groups, consumer advocates, and labor said the bill would protect fans, artists, and venues from bots, fake websites, and extreme markups. Opponents from StubHub, Live Nation, the Ticket Policy Forum, and Chamber of Progress argued that price caps and other restrictions would reduce legitimate resale options, push activity into unregulated markets, and interfere with consumers’ ability to transfer or resell tickets. Committee members asked about transferability, sports-ticket exemptions, and how the bill would affect season tickets and property rights. Public testimony was then closed on SB 6175. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five-cent increment in light of the federal decision to stop minting new pennies. Staff explained that rounding would apply after taxes and fees, and the Department of Revenue could adopt rules for mixed cash and non-cash payments. The sponsor said the bill would give businesses a clear framework. Retail and grocery groups supported the bill but asked for amendments to protect against audit and consumer-protection liability, to make acceptance of pennies permissive, and to address local ordinances and SNAP equal-treatment concerns. No one testified in opposition, and public testimony on SB 6230 was closed. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6312, which would prohibit surveillance-based pricing, surge pricing, and the use of electronic shelf label systems in large grocery stores until 2030. Supporters, including privacy advocates, grocery workers, and labor representatives, said the bill would prevent AI-driven price discrimination and protect workers and consumers from opaque, unfair pricing. Opponents from grocery and retail associations and a Vusion Group representative said the bill was drafted too broadly, could unintentionally affect loyalty programs, discounts, inventory-based pricing, and existing electronic shelf label technology, and should be narrowed. After testimony, the committee waived the five-day notice rule for SB 6312 by motion and vote so it could take further action. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6149, which would expand the definition of a rural county for certain funding purposes. The sponsor, Senator Jeff Wilson, said the change was needed to preserve rural-designation benefits for Cowlitz County and other counties nearing population thresholds. Staff noted a discrepancy between data sources about which counties would qualify, and the sponsor said he would offer an amendment. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, which would codify a model act and standardize licensing, disclosures, and consumer protections. The travel insurance industry supported the bill, while the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Attorney General’s Office raised concerns about unresolved issues, including unlicensed claims adjusters and possible conflicts of law.

Bills: HB1544, HB2099, HB2185, HB2219, HB2253, HB2317, HB2318, HB2319, HB2350

Keywords: child welfare, risk assessment, investigation, child abuse, neglect, military families, early childhood education, access, assistance program, education equity, homelessness, youth programs, advisory committee, prevention, protection, HB 2219, child care licensing, early learning, DCYF, Department of Children Youth and Families

Summary: The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee took up possible executive session on nine bills, first briefing amendments and proposed substitutes before voting. House Bill 2099, expanding eCAP access and prioritization for children of military families, was amended to include NOAA and Public Health Service commissioned corps members and broader deployment criteria, then passed unanimously. House Bill 2185, which strengthens the advisory committee for homeless youth services, also passed unanimously without amendments. House Bill 2219, addressing mixed-ratio time in child care centers and waiving repeat pre-service orientation in limited cases, adopted an amendment adding conditions for the waiver and then passed unanimously. House Bill 2253, a broad licensure and regulatory bill affecting child care and residential programs, saw several amendments considered; one report amendment was rejected, and an amendment restoring state monitoring and health/safety reviews at the Washington School for the Deaf was adopted. The committee then passed the amended bill unanimously. House Bills 2317 and 2318, both expanding flexibility for ECEAP and Head Start providers, passed without amendments and with unanimous support. House Bill 2319, renaming residential habilitation centers in statute, adopted a technical correction amendment and passed unanimously. House Bill 2350, requiring notice when a residential habilitation center is out of compliance with CMS requirements, was amended to emphasize posted notices, email options, preferred-language notices, and plain-language summaries, then passed unanimously. The committee then returned to House Bill 1544, which directs DCYF to study and improve its risk, strengths, and needs assessment tool and certify its validation. Four amendments were considered: one requiring domestic violence to be included in the study was adopted; amendments on defining “safe,” auditing missing data on near-fatalities and safety-plan failures, and prohibiting use of an unvalidated tool to screen out referrals were rejected. The amended second substitute bill passed on a 9-0 vote, with Representatives Burnett and Penner voting “no without recommendation.” The committee adjourned after reporting all nine bills out of committee, most with do pass recommendations and several with adopted amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Charlie offered by Senator Holy, which would strike most of the bill but still repeal Chapter 3566 RCW
• So the underlying bill eliminates a section of the RCW dealing with police matrons, and I don't have
• why I think it also might be considered in the scope so the underlying bill eliminates a section the RCW

Bills: SB5837, SB6011, SB6009, SB5868, SB5974, SB5720, SB5833, SB5936, SB5993, SB6070, SB6002, SJM8014, SB6086

Keywords: guardianship, conservatorship, protective arrangement, protective arrangements, supported decision-making, supported decision making, court visitor, adult guardianship, limited guardianship, full guardianship, adult conservatorship, less restrictive alternative, capacity, legal capacity, respondent rights, due process, vulnerable adults, disability rights, elder abuse, estate management

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee met on January 22 and first took up a series of bills in executive session, hearing staff descriptions of amendments and proposed substitutes on measures dealing with guardianship, consumer debt judgments, medical debt interest, human trafficking, missing persons, driver privacy, and law enforcement/sheriff-related issues. Members generally asked few questions during the briefing stage, but several bills drew substantive debate during final action, especially Senate Bill 5974 on sheriffs and law enforcement volunteers, Senate Bill 5993 on medical debt interest, Senate Bill 6070 on missing persons alerts and investigative tools, and Senate Bill 6002 on ALPR data and privacy protections. The committee also considered Senate Bill 5837 on guardianship, Senate Bill 6011, Senate Bill 6009, Senate Bill 5868, Senate Bill 5720, and Senate Bill 5936, with multiple amendments and substitutes discussed and adopted or withdrawn. In executive action, the committee adopted proposed substitutes for SB 5837, SB 6009, SB 5720, SB 5833, SB 5936, SB 5993, SB 6070, and SB 6002, and sent those bills forward with due pass recommendations, most to the Rules Committee and some to Ways and Means. SB 6011 also received a due pass recommendation to Rules, and SB 5868 was sent to Ways and Means. On SB 5974, Amendment Charlie was not adopted, Amendment Delta was adopted, and Amendment Echo was withdrawn; the bill then received a due pass recommendation to Ways and Means. On SB 5993, several proposed amendments were offered and then withdrawn after discussion about medical debt interest rates and repayment incentives. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6086, which would strengthen protections for judicial officers and court personnel by expanding who can seek removal of personal information, broadening Address Confidentiality Program eligibility, and authorizing AOC security consultants to conduct threat assessments. Proponents, including AOC, judges, clerks, and other judicial-system representatives, described rising threats and safety concerns, while county officials, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ representatives raised implementation, constitutional, and data-access concerns. The hearing also included public testimony on Senate Joint Memorial 8014, which asks for a U.S.-led investigation into the killing of Aishanur Esgi; the family, supporters, and several advocates testified in favor, while two opponents raised factual and contextual objections. The committee closed public testimony after time expired, noting large numbers of signed-in supporters and opponents for both measures.

Bills: HB2431, HB2583, HB2278, HB2584, HB2610, HB2615

Keywords: HB 2431, Washington property tax, nonprofit exemption, public assembly hall, meeting place, fundraising activities, charitable organizations, property tax exemption, RCW, tax exemption, nonprofit hall, event venue, scheduled fundraising, limited use, rental of exempt property, loan of property, sunset clause, temporary tax law, Ways & Means, Finance Committee

Summary: House Finance heard several local tax and public-service bills. HB 2278 would remove the July 1, 2027 expiration on the extra $3-per-room-night tourism promotion area lodging charge; staff said it would increase local revenues by about $4 million in the 2027-29 biennium, and supporters from destination marketing groups said the funds have produced strong returns for tourism and events. HB 2224 would let certain cities form single-city fire protection districts with revised levy treatment and a partial exemption from the $5.90 aggregate property tax limit; city and fire interests supported it as a more workable funding tool, while firefighters and hospital districts raised concerns about governance and prorationing impacts. HB 2583 would expand which cities can impose a 4% special lodging tax and change public facilities district lodging-tax rules; Vancouver and SeaTac supported it for tourism and regional attractions, hospitality and short-term rental witnesses raised concerns about stakeholder input and equity, and one arts nonprofit said the bill was duplicative of an existing Vancouver performing arts center effort. The committee also heard HB 2431, which would increase from 15 to 50 days the number of days nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places may be used for regularly scheduled fundraising without losing their property tax exemption; the sponsor and the Grange supported it as a practical fix for community halls. HB 2325 would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program under the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, funded by industry assessments and overseen by a ratepayer board after a business referendum; tourism, hospitality, wine, and brewing groups supported it, while members asked about impacts on Seattle neighborhoods and other communities. After public hearing testimony, the committee moved into executive session and passed HB 2584, HB 2610, and HB 2615 out of committee with due pass recommendations by 14-0 votes, with one member excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amending the RCW to remove offensive language is long overdue.
• Updating terminology in our RCW to remove terms that demean any group reflects the values of the league
• Second, it's an unfunded mandate requiring updates to 37 RCW sections, forms, databases, training materials

Bills: HB2447, HB1364, HB2632, HB2637, HB2520, HB2235, HB2401, HB2574

Keywords: shark conservation, marine life, state symbol, ecological importance, biodiversity, bingo, raffles, charity, nonprofit, amusement games, revenue threshold, licensing, fundraising, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, public records, public disclosure

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1364, which would raise the gross-revenue threshold for charitable and nonprofit bingo, raffle, and amusement games from $5,000 to $15,000 before licensing and certain local taxes apply. Supporters, including the prime sponsor and a Woodland resident, said the change is an inflation adjustment that would help volunteer-run nonprofits raise money without expanding gambling. The hearing was then closed. The committee also heard House Bill 2632, which would replace most uses of the term “alien” in state law with “non-citizen,” while preserving the term where required by federal law or used for non-human entities. The prime sponsor and several advocates, including refugee, immigrant, and legal aid representatives, argued the change is more respectful and accurate; opponents said it would create confusion, administrative burden, and conflict with federal terminology. The bill was then heard alongside House Bill 2447, which would designate the blunt-nosed six-gill shark as Washington’s official state shark. The bill drew enthusiastic support from the sponsor, local officials, scientists, environmental groups, teachers, and students, who said it would promote ocean education, conservation awareness, and ecotourism. Testimony on both bills was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2637, which would exempt certain personal information from Public Records Act disclosure, including age, address, birthplace, precise location data, government identifiers, and consumer utility data. Supporters framed it as a privacy and safety measure, while opponents argued it would reduce transparency and could interfere with federal immigration enforcement. After testimony, the committee moved to executive session and reported out House Bill 2235, House Bill 2401, and House Bill 2574 with due pass recommendations. HB 2235 passed 7-0, HB 2401 passed 5-2, and HB 2574 passed 6-1. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: SB5223, SB5831, SB5928, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024, SB5053, SB5249, SB5536, SB5834, SB5837, SB5872, SB5879, SB5899, SB5925, SB6019, SB6148, SB6184, SB6190, SB6237, SB6086, SB5574, SB5873, SB5992, SB5924, SB6134, SB6263, SB5395, SB6282, SB5905, SB6302, SB5950, SB6074, SB6226, SB6096, SB5970, SB6269

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, SB 6183, HIV, antiviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, AIDS

Bills: SB5223, SB5831, SB5928, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024, SB5053, SB5249, SB5536, SB5834, SB5837, SB5872, SB5879, SB5899, SB5925, SB6019, SB6148, SB6184, SB6190, SB6237, SB6086, SB5574, SB5873, SB5992, SB5924, SB6134, SB6263, SB5395, SB6282, SB5905, SB6302, SB5950, SB6074, SB6226, SB6096, SB5970, SB6269

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, SB 6183, HIV, antiviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, AIDS

Summary: The Senate briefly convened to approve the previous day’s journal, then moved through the fifth order for introduction and first reading of bills. Senate Bill 6351 was introduced and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then went at ease in anticipation of fiscal cutoff committee report activity later in the day. When the Senate reconvened, it took up reports of standing committees and supplemental standing committee reports. Substitute Senate Bill 5292, concerning family and medical leave rates, and engrossed substitute House Bill/Senate Bill 5466 were both reported and referred to the Committee on Rules. The referrals were approved without objection. No substantive debate or votes on the bills occurred in this transcript beyond the referral motions. The Senate adjourned at the end of the session until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.